Ireland/Irish > Black's guide to Killarney and the south of Ireland

ASKEATON.
97
looking. The name of the town is derived from its proximity
to a waterfall, As-cead-tinne, signifying “ the cascade of the
hundred fires,” on the river Deel, over which there is a good
bridge. The most interesting object is the ruined abbey,
situated on an eminence on the west side of the river, and
founded in 1420 by James, seventh Earl of Desmond. It is
curious to note that, in the course of 138 years after this event,
James, the fifteenth Earl, was buried within it. The abbey is
in a good state of preservation, and contains some interesting
tombs. The castle was a stronghold of the Earls of Desmond.
Sif George Carew attacked it in 1574. The garrison with¬
drew, but blew up the gunpowder, destroying the greater part
of the edifice. The Franciscan monastery of Askeyton was
of such consequence, that a chapter of the order was held here
in 1564.
On the opposite side of the Shannon is the deep bay-like
estuary of the river Fergus, running past Clare Castle and
Ennis, the assize town of the county Clare. The ancient
name for the town was Clare, as that for the county was
Thomond. It is a town of some importance, with 8600
inhabitants, sending one member to Parliament. The ruins
of the Franciscan abbey, founded in 1250 by Donach Carbrac
O’Brien, Prince of Thomond, are much admired.
The interesting ruins of Clare Abbey, founded in 1194 by-
Donald O’Brien, King of Munster, are half-way between Ennis
and the village of Clare Castle. The remainder of the route
per road is not of sufficient interest to call for particular
description, while the features of the river below Limerick will
be described elsewhere in connection with that town.
The fare by coach and car from Kilkenny to Limerick is 9s.
Limerick may he expeditiously reached by railway from Killamey, or vice versa,
the distance being about 101 miles; the time from 3J to 4^ hours; and fares
18s. 6d., 13s. lid., and 8s. 5d.
ELEVATION ABOVE THE SEA OF THE PRINCIPAL MOUNTAINS
IN THE COUNTY KERRY.
Feet.
Carrantuohill 3414
Macgilli cuddy’s Kecks .... 3141
Mangcrton 2756
Purple Mountain 2739
Sheehey Mountain 2413
Tomies . .
Stoompa .
Tore . .
Eagle’s Nest
Feet.
2413