A Chorographical Description of West Or H-Iar Connaught

various explanations, and some additional information. At the request of friends, who were pleased to think more favourably of the Editor than he is conscious of having merited, he was induced to undertake that task, and the result of his labours will be found in the Notes and Appendix which follow. Among those are interspersed several original documents, never before published, which have been carefully transcribed by the Editor, from various public repositories and private collections; and these original papers may now be considered as so many authentic additions to the materials of Irish history. Most of them have been introduced as illustrative of the territory treated of, and others as connected with the province at large. Many will be found of curious import, containing interesting information; particularly those relating to the Provincial Composition of A. D. 1585; a proceeding with which our historical writers for the two last centuries appear to have been but little, if at all, acquainted. A consideration of the imperfect state of Irish history in general, and of that of this western province in particular, has led to the insertion of many of those documents; and the opportunity was considered favourable, as a means for their preservation. Some of them may prove useful to future writers; and the correctness and authenticity of the entire may be safely relied upon. The humble, but laborious duty which devolved on the Editor, he has thus endeavoured to perform, “et communi ductus officio, et amore quodam operis." No pains have been spared to render the publication in some degree worthy of the reputation of the author of the Ogygia, and the high character of our Archæological Society, which is silently achieving so much good for the history of Ireland. How far the Editor may have succeeded is not for himself to determine. But if this work shall be found to have promoted, even in the slightest degree, any of the objects of the Society, he will feel, as expressed on a former occasion, amply requited for all his labour. "Ex hoc quocunque labore, si utilitatem aliquam percipias,

b 2

cipias, me operæ non pœnitebit, imò horas succisivas ità impensas, me benè collocâsse existimabo."- Warcus noster, lectori Antiq. Hiberniæ.

To the natives of H-Iar Connaught, or the descendants of its old families, the Editor is not indebted for much information, written or otherwise, except some few traditional narratives; and of the latter, such as could not be verified from other sources have been rejected. Several extracts relating to the islands of Aran, the Civil Distribution, temp. Car. II., and other subjects connected with the district, have been omitted, rather than trespass on the indulgence of the Society, which has liberally permitted this volume to be increased far beyond its intended limits. It is hoped, however, that sufficient has been given to illustrate our author's description, and to diffuse a knowledge of this part of Ireland, which may eventually lead to the moral and social improvement of its population. This work may, moreover, indicate what might be expected, in the way of documentary history, from other parts of the kingdom, when even so much could be elicited from so unpromising a locality as H-Iar Connaught. A series of publications on a similar plan, from each province or county, accompanied with original documents, would add considerably to our national lore, and, probably, form an important part of the true "Materia Historica" of the country.

To his erudite friend, John O'Donovan, the Editor stands obliged for several judicious observations, together with the map which accompanies this work; and to Dr. Todd, of Trinity College, and Dr. Aquilla Smith, of Dublin, he is likewise indebted for many facilities of obtaining information, and for much useful assistance, to which particularly may be attributed the general correctness with which the entire has passed through the press. The untiring zeal of these learned members of the Irish Archæological Society, on the present and every other occasion, to promote its interests, entitles them to the warmest acknowledgments of that body.

The

The Right Honourable the Earl of Leitrim, always anxious to forward the objects of the Society, has been kindly pleased to communicate some original papers written by Mr. O'Flaherty, which will be found printed in the Appendix. From one of these is given a facsimile of a letter (see p. 431), which may prove serviceable in identifying any of his writings that may hereafter be discovered. The " Ogygia Christiana," said to remain in manuscript among his relations in Connaught, was considered by the venerable Charles O'Conor as the most valuable of our author's works.

To the Right Rev. Doctor O'Donnell, Roman Catholic Bishop of Galway, and Michael J. Browne, Esq., of Moyne, in that county, the Editor has to return his grateful thanks for the use of several ancient documents. He has also to express his obligations to Captain Larcom, of the Royal Engineers; and to Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart., of Middlehill, Broadway, Worcestershire, for the kindness and liberality with which that gentleman has permitted access to his valuable collection of manuscripts, among which is preserved our author's autograph copy of the following treatise.

J. H.

Page.

ERRATA.

3. Notes, col. 2, last line, read "O'Dowda."

10. Notes, col. 1, 1. 13, read madraỏcroinn—l. 14, read easóg.

44. Notes, col. 1, 1. 21, read "Ballynahinch."

185. Line 31, read "Connac."

217. Line 32, read "Meray."

369. Notes, col. 2, 1. 5, read 70.

377. Line 24, for "Ca-" read "Cathal."

399. Notes, col. 2, 1. 13, read "posterity."

LIST OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS