Varieties of Irish History from ancient and modern sources, etc

Front matter

VIEW OF 0 A LKtY ISLAND AND SoRRE NT0 F ROM T H E V 7'.0 ROAD VARIETIES in- IEISH HISTOEY: FROM ANCIENT AND MODERN SOURCES AND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. BY JAMES J. GASKIN, AUTHOR OF "GEOGRAPHY AND BISTORT MADE INTERESTING," "THli 8PEECHE: LECTURE9, WRITINGS, POEMS, AND MEMOIR OF THE LATE EARL OF CARLISLE.1' DUBLIN : W. B. KELLY, 8, GRAFTON-STREET. LONDON: SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, STATIONERS' HALL COURT, AND BURNS A OATES, 17, PORTMAN STREET. 18G9. DUBLIN: JJnntcb lin |. |jst. ©'Æoolc A' Son 6 & 7, Great Brunswick-street. Dl RECTIONS FOR PLACING THE CHROMO-LITHOGRAPHS. 1. Dalkey Island and Sorrento, . . to face Title. 2. Kingstown, ,, p. 106 3. Killiney Bay and Hill, . . . ,, ,, 150 4. Bray Head and Esplanade, ... „ „ 313 The Map to be placed on a Guard at the end of the Volume. DEDICATION. TO JAMES MILO BURKE, ESQ., J.P., Chairman of the §alkrrj Sofoit Commissioners, etc., etc., etc.

My dear Sir, I beg leave to do myself the honour of dedicating this volume to you, containing the historical, topogra phical, and archæological associations of Bray, Howth, Kingstown, Killiney, Shanganagh, and though last not least, Dalkey — a place endeared to you by so many pleasing recollections, — in the progress and material prosperity of which, you feel so deeply interested, an interest not more true and sincere than your honest, courteous, and patriotic father, the founder of modern Dalkey, ever felt, in evoking, from the day he first saw its natural beauties, a spirit of emulation in selecting pleasing and picturesque sites, and building elegant mansions, on its granite-cropped commons. He was the harbinger in developing a new power, inspiring new life, and creating new interests, in this now charming, once neglected locality — consequently, his memory should be en shrined in the hearts of those who know, that through his devoted energy, genius, liberality, and perseverance (to the exhaustion of the vigour and A Introduction.

IV strength of his youth and the premature decline of his manhood), he made Dalkey what it is to-day, — even though obstructed at every step in every movement which he originated — in a spirit of honour, courage, and honesty of purpose — for its advancement. Your father fortunately lived to witness some portion of his boyhood's prophecy relative to this place fulfilled; then he "passed away" in peace and hope to the silent tomb, leaving — " That which should accompany old age ; Honour, love, obedience, troops of friends. " Walk in his footsteps — imitate his example, always wearing the honest garment of his rectitude and independence, the robe of his self-respect, and, above all, be possessed, like him, of a feeling heart ; con tinue as you have done in your official capacity of Chairman, in conjunction with your spirited and energetic Fellow-Commissioners, to devote your zeal ous exertions to the onerous and manifold duties which naturally devolve upon you, and thus succeed in realizing, to the fullest extent, his prophecy and ardent aspirations of seeing Dalkey, — with all its natural capabilities, fully developed — including the completion of the new harbour and landing-pier (the foundation-stone of which you so auspiciously laid), — one of the most desirable and fashionable watering-places in Ireland or elsewhere.

Introduction

. The present work is in great part based on a lecture delivered by the Author before a highly influential, intelligent, and fashionable audience in the Concert Room of the Queen's Royal Hotel, Dalkey. The lecture had its origin from a conversation on Dalkey, its ancient port, holy wells, and its seven castles, with Mr. Henry Parkinson, T.C, and Mr. J. Burke. By these gentlemen, the idea of delivering the lec ture on the antiquarian and historical associations of the place, in connexion with the beauties of the Bay of Dublin, was first suggested. The welcome with which the lecture was received, the warm approval elicited through out its delivery (manifesting the intensity of the interest felt on the subject), and the express desire of many resident ladies and gentlemen of influence, that matters of so much local concern should assume a more permanent form than that of a mere lecture, have induced the the Author to compile and publish the following pages containing the substance of the lecture, Introduction.

VI and very many additions, which he hopes will render the work more acceptable and entertaining, and more worthy as an historic record of the just celebrity of this and other localities on the shores of our charming Bay. The Author has used every exertion, and spared himself no labour of research to attain these objects. The Concert Hall of the Queen's Royal Hotel, Dalkey, formed a portion of the cele brated "Castle House" — the hospitable mansion erected by Sir John Hasler,* who with his friend Sir Harcourt Lees, came over to Ireland in the Court of Viceroys, the former with the Duke of Rutland, and Sir Harcourt with the Marquis of Townshend. t The history of this house is replete * The present Mr. John Hasler, Poor-law Guardian of the Rathdown Union, and the active and intelligent Commissioner of the Kingstown Township, and Surgeon Hasler of Killiney, are grandsons of the hospitable Sir John Hasler, who did so much in the last century to beautify Dalkey and preserve its ancient castles, one of which stood at the entrance to his gardens, which reached the sea, on part of which Mr. Edward Harrison's (the worthy Town Commissioner), establishment is built.

It was here the find of Saxon coins of the time of Edgar took place (referred to in this work), while removing the old castellated pillars of Sir John Hasler's gateway. Portions of the walls and extensive stabling of this mansion are yet standing. Sir John Hasler entertained, on many occasions, the humorous and facetious, though somewhat eccentric, Sir Boyle Roche of Dublin Castle. See Appendix, "The Castle of Dublin in the Oldeu Time." t The Marquis of Townshend, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was the patron of the elder Sheridan. The following anecdote and witticism is related of this great actor : — During Lord Townshend's viceroyalty Mr. Grenville and his brother left Bath for Dublin, on a visit to his Excellency. Sheridan was then acting in Dublin, with powerful effect and immense success ; drawing full houses.

Soon after their arrival, the Marquis of Townshend, wishing that Introduction. VII with interesting associations of the past and present centuries — replete with vivid memories of scenes of festive gaiety, genial wit, good humour, and genuine enjoyment. Irish hospitality was dispensed as freely and cordially at the Castle House as it was at Ulick Burke's " Open House" near the "Valley of Diamonds," in the county Wicklow, or in the early part of the last century, at the hospitable mansion of the celebrated Thomas Mathew, Thomastown, county Tipperary, where Swift resided as a guest for many months at a time..* This volume of Irish Varieties would be incomplete without special notice of the classical village of Glasnevin and Delville House, where the celebrated and learned Doctor Delany t " assembled his coterie of wits in the they should see Sheridan in " King John," ordered the per formance of that play.

On the morning of the day fixed for the performance, however, he wrote them a note, informing them that he had just received a letter from Sheridan, stating that he had been thrown out of his carriage, and had strained his shoulder eo violently that it was impossible for him to act " King John ;" but, rather than that the young gentlemen should be disappointed, he would appear in a Comedy, and play, as well as he could, "Sir Charles EASY." * Irish hospitality in the last century. See page 296. t " Dr. Delany, preaching at our parish church immediately after our marriage, was so kind as to join us coming out, and accompany us home, to wish the young couple joy, a favour we were all ex tremely proud of. At parting, he gave us all an invitation to dine at his beautiful Villa at Glasnevin, about a mile distant from Dublin.

What opinion I conceived of him and bis improvements, may be seen in the following lines, composed in one of his lovely arbours : — Introduction. VIII Augustan age of Queen Anne ; where the patriot Dean Swift, and the enduring Stella have charmed the feast ; and in whose imme diate vicinity, Addison, Sheridan, Parnell, Southern, and Tickell, have resided." "delville, the seat of the kev. dr. delany. " Hail happy Delville ! blissful seat ! The muses' best belov'd retreat ! With prospects large and unconfin'd ; Blest emblem of their master's mind ! Where fragrant gardens, painted meads, Wide op'ning walks, and twilight shades, Inspiring scenes ! elate the heart ! Nature improv'd and rais'd by art ! So Paradise delightful smil'd, Blooming, and beautifully wild. Thrice happy Sage, who safe retir'd, By heav'n and by the muse inspir'd ; In polish'd arts, or lays sublime, Or god-like acts employ your time, Here nature's beauties you explore, And searching her mysterious store ; Thro' all her operations find The image of the sov'reign mind, And in each insect, plant, and flow'r, Contemplate the creating pow'r, Nor is thy love of him alone, In fruitless speculation shown ; Thro' life you happily exert The Christian virtues of your heart ; To give new schemes of culture birth, And bless and beautify the earth ; To raise th' afflicted from despair, And make the friendless wretch thy care ; To thee highest bliss is given, A soul to praise, and copy heaven."* * * * * * * "The Memoirs of Mrs. Lætitia Pilkington," wife to the Rev. Mr. Matt Pilkington, written by herself.

Wherein are occasion ally interspersed all her poems, with anecdotes of several eminent persons, living and dead. The first edition of Mrs. PUkington's Memoirs was published at Dublin in 1741 — with the life of the inimitable DEAN SWIFT.— See Appendix. Introduction. IX THE DALKEY REVELS. The sayings and doings of those humorous and facetious "wits" who flourished during the memorable reio-n of the last and noblest of the O " Bangs of Dalkey," his coronation speeches, court, and adherents, are published in this Work in a complete form, for the first time, taken from the Dalkey Gazette, printed in connection with Faulkner s Journal, from 1791 to 1798 — copies of which are preserved in the Chief Secretary's Library, Dublin Castle. The revels of the past merry monarchs of the "Kingdom of Dalkey" form a peculiar feature of the local festivities of that picturesque island towards the close of the last century, and are scarcely paralleled for wit and humour in the annals of local pastimes.

During these gay revels (in the Castle House, afterwards occupied by Sir George Massey, gentleman Usher, in Dublin Castle), our na tional poet, Moore (the Beranger of Ireland), the memorable T. O'Meara, (the "migh T. — O'Meara,") a popular and witty attorney, Ste phen Armitage, a king of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy, and a host of celebrities, spent many convivial and jovial hours. Many illustrious and bright particular stars of the musical firmament shed the brilliant light of their welcome presence on the sportive Introduction. X scene, and contributed to the pleasure and ex quisite enjoyment of all. On several occasions, that prince of ballad singers, the unrivalled Incledon, appeared at the annual elections of the king of Dalkey. . He was created, and with due ceremony and grave solemnity, installed as knight of the monarchy by the style and title of " Sir Charles Melody," (the last created knight under that happy kingdom), and sang his grand and favourite air, " Black Ey'ed Susan," and Stevens's celebrated song, " The Storm," to the infinite delight of the king's right merrie court."" On one of these occasions, he was accompanied by that great vocalist, Madame Mara,t who graced the scene of revelry with her fascinating presence, and whom Incledon introduced to King Stephen, to his courtiers and "Lords of Misrule."

These scenes belong to the past ; burlesque and frolic have given place to * The vessel in which Charles Incledon sailed from the Pigeon House, after having fulfilled his engagement at the Theatre Royal, Dublin, was wrecked near Dalkey Island. •f Madame Mara was the most impressive singer that ever lived ; her exquisite beauty and fascination was only exceeded by her sur passing accomplishments. She is justly placed at the summit of the musical profession ; because, in majesty and simplicity, in grace, tenderness, and pathos, in the loftiest attributes of art, in the elements of the great style, she far transcended all her competitors in the list of fame. She was the first artiste who gave to Handel's compositions their natural grandeur and effect. Historians say that her singing of " I know that my Redeemer liveth," was something marvellous.

Introduction. XI more refined and chastened amusements. How ever the Author may justly affirm that the social reunions and festivities of the present day among the fashionable circles of Kingstown, Dalkey, Killiney, Clontarf, Shanganagh, Howth, and Bray, may fairly challenge comparison for good taste, elegance, and refinement. Social life at Dalkey, Killiney, and Dun leary, in times past, was enlivened by many illustrious and distinguished men of various professions who left the impress of their genius upon science and literature, and adorned social life by the bright corruscations of their wit, the fascinating elegance of their converse, and the lustre of their lives. In Dalkey, John Philpot Curran (the greatest wit of the age), " full many a time and oft," set the table in a roar with his meteor flashes.* * Curran also flashed the dazzling emanations of his genius and brilliant humour over the couvivial board at the hospitable villa (Marino) of the late Earl of Charlemont, where he met the " con sistent Lucas;" Flood, in "all the verdure of his leafy honours, that tree of the forest that was too great to be transplanted ;" Grattan, who astounded the Irish senate with the splendour and power and majesty of his eloquence.

It was here that Curran first read his popular song, ' ' The Deserter's Meditation, ' ' which he had written in the West of Ireland, under the following circumstances : As Mr. Curran was travelling upon an unfrequented road, he per ceived a man in a soldier's dress sitting by the road-side, and ap parently much exhausted by fatigue and agitation. He invited him to take a seat in his chaise, and soon discovered that he was a deserter. Having stopped at a small inn for refreshment, Mr. Curran observed to the soldier that he had committed an offence of which the penalty was death, and that his chance of escaping it was but small : "Tell me, then," continued he, " whether you feel disposed to pass the little remnant of life that is left you in Introduction. XII Here (in one of the ancient castles), that great and enlightened antiquarian, accomplished artist, and distinguished musician, the late Dr. Petrie (the author of an essay on the Round Towers of Ireland, and for many years Pre sident of the Royal Irish Academy), resided upwards of sixty years ago, where he became inspired with an indelible love of Ireland and her past history, in all its ever-varying lights and shades.* Here sojourned Curwen and Arthur Young, the celebrated agricultural tourists.

Here penitence and fasting, or whether you would prefer to drown your sorrow in a merry glass ?" The following is the deserter's answer, which Mr. Curran, in composing it, adapted to a plaintive Irish air : — If sadly thinking, with spirits sinking, Could more than drinking my cares compose, A cure for sorrow from sighs I'd borrow, And hope to-morrow would end my woes. But as in wailing there's nought availing, . And death unfailing will strike the blow, Then for that reason, and for a season, Let us be merry before we go. " To joy a stranger, a way-worn ranger, In every danger my course I've run ; Now hope all ending, and death befriending, His last aid lending, my cares are done : No more a rover, or hapless lover, My griefs are over— my glass runs low ; Then for that reason, and for a season, Let us be merry before we go.

" * A highly important work has just issued from the press, entitled ' ' The Life and Labours in Art and Archæology of George Petrie, M.R.I.A.," &c, by William Stokes, M.D., D.C.L., &c, in which will be found at large a most valuable repertoire and history of the useful labours of this illustrious Irishman and eminent antiquarian. See page 160. Introduction. XIII tarried Macklin (the inimitable actor), on his way to Tinnahinch, where, at the hotel — after wards the seat of the Grattans* — he wrote his " Man of the World," of " Sir Pertinax Mac sycophant" fame. Here the celebrated Sir John Stevenson, Mus. Doc.,t who was knighted by Earl Hardwicke, * Tinnahinch House is situated in a rich and verdant valley, with the Dargle River winding silently along immediately in front of it, and finally disappearing at the entrance of the narrow glen, as completely as Virgil's Velino at its sudden fall.

This beautifully situated mansion, which was originally the principal inn at Powerscourt, was purchased in 1782, together with the adjacent estate, for £50,000, by a vote of the Irish Parliament for that great orator, statesman, and illustrious Irish patriot, Henry Grattan, after the celebrated "Declaration" of both houses of the Dish Parliament — " That no power on earth had a right to make laws for this country, but the King, Lords, and Commons of Ireland." Arthur Young, the great agricultural tourist, stopped here for a considerable time in 1776. " But as neither splendour of wealth, nor beauty and grandeur of habitation, nor any earthly acquire ment, save integrity, magnificent and intellectual greatness, can bestow universal and enviable notoriety, so Tinnahinch was un noticed and unknown, until it became the residence of that proud, unsullied, and inflexible statesman, Henry Grattan, who died as he lived, in the service of his country."

Grattan's statue by Chantry, erected by the members of the Irish House of Commons, in testimony of their admiration of his talents and their gratitude for his exertions in obtaining for Ireland a free trade with Great Britain and the colonies, now graces the City Hall, Dublin. See Appendix, — The Right Honorable Thomas O'Hagan's, (Lord Chancellor of Ireland), letter to the Earl of Charlemont, on the proposed statue in Dublin to Grattan. | Among the many remarkable men who distinguished them selves in Ireland during the last century, Sir John Stevenson's name deserves to be recorded. His life presents an instructive as well as interesting page in our history. Raising himself from obscurity by his own exertions and industry, he acquired celebrity as a musician, and equalled, both in his professional and social character, the best and most honoured of his cotemporaries.

There are many with us still who recollect him in that festive intercourse which his genius adorned, and but few unacquainted with the part which he took in the adaptation of our National Melodies to the most brilliant gems of Moore's lyric Introduction. XIV Viceroy of Ireland, engaged himself for many seasons in the early part of the present century, adorning the social and festive board of the genial and kind-hearted "Terry M'Grath, whose harmonizing of the beautiful song, " Faithless Emma" can never be exceeded — -a vocal gem of purest ray serene.* The list of illustrious Irishmen and others who here resided and honoured and adorned the social reunions of the place might be ex tended indefinitely ; sufficient, however, has fancy ; while his sacred compositions hold a place among the best choral services, and are still to be heard in the swelling notes of the organs of our ancient cathedrals, with which his earlier career and subsequent fame are so intimately associated.

Our great national bard and Stevenson were spirits of a kindred nature. Their ardent love of literature, music, and the muses : their social and congenial dispositions and mutual sym pathies, produced a cordial intimacy and firm bond of union between these sons of genius which ripened into an abiding friend ship. To their charming intellectual and friendly intercourse Moore pays the following graceful tribute in an eloquent, felici tous, and sublime vein of poetry peculiarly his own. ' ' He who, if aught of grace there be In the wild notes I write or sing, First smooth'd their links of harmony, Aud lent them charms they did not bring : He, of the gentlest, simplest heart, With whom, employ'd in his sweet art, (That art which gives this world of ours A notion how they speak in heav'n ;) I've pass'd more bright and charmed hours, Than all earth's wisdom could have giv'n." * The genial and kind-hearted " Terry M'Grath," vicar-choral of Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, teacher of singing to the family of Sir Walter Scott, and the amiable, much re spected, and highly-prized artist and composer, Francis Robinson, Esq., Mus.

Doctor, were junior members of the glorious coterie of talent which beamed with bright effulgence during this brilliant era of social and intellectual supremacy iu our loved and lovely land of music and song. Introduction. XV been done to attest the former social status of this highly favoured locality. * The Varieties also include a chapter of the political history of Ireland during the " infa mous" administration of Lord Townshend in 1768.+ The satirical songs, squibs, and ad- * Social reunions of men of distinguished abilities were more common in the last century than in the present. The convivial society, called the " Monks of the Screw," of which Curran was the life and soul, met repeatedly at a charming country seat of his near Rathfarnham, which he appropriately called the "Priory."

What an array of talent, from time to time, graced this festive board. Lord Mornington, one of the original members of the celebrated Beefsteak Club, composer of the beautiful glee, "Here in Cool Grot," Professor of Music to Trinity College, Dublin, and also his favourite, J. Parkinson, Mus. Doc, and Vicar-Choral of Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals (grand father of the present Dr. Parkinson, of Tudor House, Dalkey) ; the Marquis of Townshend, when Viceroy; Yelverton, afterwards Lord Avonmore ; Dr. O'Leary, Grattan, Flood, George Ogle, Judge Johnson, Hussy Burgh, with many other notables, were " Monks of the Screw." This society met, for several years, every Satur day during the law-terms, at a house in Kevin-street. Curran was elected Prior, and "never did an election of the kind fall upon a more sociable, a better natured, or more witty and heart enlivening a man." t The following papers ("Baratariana") will reach you, my Lord, in another country.

They will contribute to amuse those leisure moments when you reflect on transactions that must once have agitated your bosom. They will recall those motley times of embarrassed indolence — of broken councils — of sordid society — when business waited, while Dennis jested and Cunningham ad vised. You will look back to the sea on which you once were tossed, and feel a cry to be ou shore, though naked and without a friend. In those moments of reflection and of safety, you will recollect that you have introduced into this country a long train of mischiefs ; that you have left a name, as little to be forgotten, as it can be beloved ; that the men who opposed you were not your enemies, nor the men who supported you your friends ; that your largesses were rejected by the spirit of indignant poverty ;* that your favours, when they were received, were written in the sandy memory of disgusted hirelings, but your injuries engraven on the marble of the Constitution.

Softened and stung by these consi derations, you will lament the time when you were called from the ranks to which you belong, and, from the ludicrous singularity Introduction. XVI dresses from the celebrated "Baratariana" collection, which are not (like the letters of Junius, the great modern Juvenal of satire'5'" and galling irony) written by one person, but are the combined productions of Flood, Grattan, and several other eminent Irishmen of the day. The notice of illuminated works and arts in ancient Ireland before the irruption of the Northmen and wild Scandinavian hordes, from the learned and valuable notes on ornamenta tion, from S. Ferguson's ode " The Cromlech of Howth," which is beautifully illustrated by Miss Stokes, must prove highly interesting and instructive to every Irishman, while the history of the introduction of Engfish gardening into this country, which supplanted the bad Dutch taste, after the Huguenots had established the first florist club in Dublin, will, it is to be hoped, afford satisfaction to the members of the various horticultural societies of Ireland.

The author refers with pleasure to the list of eminent and distinguished Irishmen and women who have shed lustre on their country by their of your genius, transplanted to a station where honours did not grow around you, and where, of all whom you have served, and of all whom you have injured, your adversaries are those alone of whom you cannot complain." — Dedication to Lord Townshend ex-Viceroy of Ireland, 1771. — "Baratariana." * Satire is sure to find a willing ear, And they who blame the sneerer love the sneer • But righteous tributes no emotion raise, And those that love the virtues hate the praise. Introduction. XVII celebrity in poetry, history, painting, music, and the drama, during the last two centuries, and the early part of the present century. It now only remains to conclude this brief introduction to the author's Varieties of Irish History, by the expression of his sincere thanks for the many courtesies and kindnesses he has received from the resident gentry and inhabitants generally of Dalkey, Kingstown, Bray, Killiney, Shanganagh, and other places of interest in the vicinity of the City of Dub lin ; and the author anxiously hopes that he has discharged the duty of local historian to their satisfaction, and he avails himself of this opportunity of returning thanks to those ladies, noblemen, and gentlemen who honoured him with their names as subscribers to the special edition of this Work. GASKIN'S IRISH VAEIETIESi > etc. DALKEY.

Section I. Former Trade, Commerce

— THE LEARNED AND FACETIOUS " KNIGHT OF INNISHOWEN,"* ETC. Dalkey, a beautifully picturesque spot — a fashionable watering-place, the junior Scarborough of the Irish Sea — Dalkey, a rising and prosperous township, where peace and harmony prevail in its municipal councils- — health-abiding Dalkey ,-f that woos the sigh * The Knight of Innishowen, the nom de plume of Mr. J. Sheehan, the talented editor of the celebrated Comet newspaper. t ' ' They tell me nobody insures their lives about Dalkey, for fear they should pay the amount of the policy three times over in premiums ; in fact, they say that very few people die about this part, at least, of Dalkey at all." "Most assuredly," said Sir Lucius, " the people about this favoured spot along the shore, and on the rocks, and on the hills that encircle the sea, live to a patriarchal age.

When they go off at last, nobody seems to know what they die of. At all events, they go off gently, and easily." "Like the old people of Scyros in the 'Odyssey,'" suggested Friar John. ' 'No want, no famine, the glad natives know, Nor sink by sickness to the shades below ; But when a length of years unnerves the strong, Apollo comes, and Cynthia comes along. They bend the silver bow with tender skill, And void of pain, the silent arrows kill.' " "Beautiful thought!" said the knight; "it must have been running in Moore's head when he wished for that ' bright little B The Ancient Trade and Port of Dalkey. of the southern gale with so much effect — Dalkey, with its pure and salubrious atmosphere, limpid springs, holy wells, religious educational institutes, and gorse-crowned hills, on one of which is perched a Danish ruin — Dalkey, within half an hour's drive of the Irish capital, with its " Coolamore Harbour," of historic associations, granite quarries, lead mines* and well-arranged baths — Dalkey, whose marine terraces and villas of rural beauty, with their appropriate Irish names, are securely ' ' Moored in the rifted rock " — Dalkey, a fitting home for convalescents — " Where smiling spring its earliest visit pays, And parting summer's ling'ring bloom delays Dalkey, the "Port of the Seven Castles," — was a place of great importance, and emporium of the trade of Ireland with France, Spain, and Holland.

In an enrolment of the 33rd of Edward III., dated February 8th, 1358, it is stated: "The Provost and Bailiffs of the town of Dalkey were commanded to allow the master of a Spanish ship arrested by them to depart." It is stated in Hollinshed's Chronicles of the early part of the 15th century: that " Dalkee and Wickin lowe were amongst the chief haven towns of Ireland." isle,' where we were to live without bother, and die at our ease, enjoying the glow of the sunshine, the balm of the air, the never dying verdure of the meads and bowers, and the eternal summer of the place ; where ' ' Our life should resemble a long day of light, And our death come on holy and calm as the night !' " — " The Knight of Innishowen," in Temple Bar Magazine. * " Near Dalkey is a lead mine, where it is said some hun pred tons of ore have been raised.