The High Road from Rathfarnham to Aghavannagh

© The Publisher

Full title: The Wicklow Military Road: history and topography

Creator / Author: Michael Fewer

Item Type / Page count: Book / 216pp

When Published: 2007

Publisher / Place of Publication: Ashfield Press / Dubin, Ireland

About: The Military Road runs the length the Wicklow Mountains linking Rathfarnham to Aghavannagh. It was constructed by the British Authorities during the first decade of the nineteenth-century in response to the 1798 Rebellion and to help them curb the activities of Michael Dwyer and like-minded rebels. This book gives a history of the road together with its associated natural and local history.  

ID number(s): 9781901658668

Contents: Acknowledgements — Introduction — The Origins of the Wicklow Military Road — The Petition for a Military Road in Wicklow — The Military Road from Rathfarnham Village to Billy’s Bridge — The Military Road from Billy’s Bridge to Killakee — From Killakee to Glencree — Glencree — Glencree to the Sally Gap – The Sally Gap to Laragh — Laragh to Aghavannagh — Epilogue — Bibliography — Index.

Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with maps and photographs.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Chasing Shadows in the Hills

© The Publisher

Full title: Michael Dwyer – The Great Elusive Rebel

Creator / Author: Kevin P. Oldham

Item Type / Page count: Magazine Article / 3pp

Journal Information: Ireland’s Eye Christmas Annual, Issue 276, pp. 48-50

When Published: December 2003

Publisher / Place of Publication: Ireland’s Eye / 6 Dominick Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

About: A short three-page article which summaries the exploits of Michael Dwyer and the attempts by the authorities to bring him to account. The article includes references to some of his companions and to his wife, Mary Doyle.

ID number(s): 0790-3766

Extra #1: Includes two black & white photographs one of which of Dwyer’s Cottage at Derrynamuck

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Classic Account of Michael Dwyer

© The Publisher

Full title: The Life of Michael Dwyer with some account of his companions

Creator / Author: Charles Dickson

Item Type / Page count: Book / 420p

When Published: 1944

Publisher / Place of Publication: Brown and Nolan Limited The Richview Press / Clonskeagh, Dublin

About: A classic work on Michael Dwyer and his milieu. The author does not romanticise Dwyer but uses extensive sources to provide a dispassionate description of the events associated with this important figure in local and national history.

ID number(s): None

Chapters: Note on the Portrait – Acknowledgement – Foreword — PART I: Historical background – Birth and early life — Preparation – Stratford, Dunlavin and after – Dwyer joins the Wexfordmen — Hacketstown – Ballyellis and after – “Protections” – Dwyer visits Leitrim Camp – The Byrnes of Ballymanus – The Manoeuvre at Clone Hill — Knockalt – Hugo’s raid on Glen Imaal — Coolamaddra — Ballynastockan – A spy at work — Knockaderry – The Battle of Keadeen — Downings – Dwyer’s flight in Glenmalure – Dwyer’s wife – Dwyer and Holt – Dwyer succeeds Holt – The christening at Killalish – The Sruhaun Road — Greenville – The death of Thomas Kavanagh – Michael Kearns leaves Dwyer — Derrynamuck – The sequel of Derrynamuck – The trial of Neal Devitt – Disposal of Prisoners — Baravore – The memorial of William Steel – Dwyer stirs again – Dwyer ambushes the Humewood Cavalry — Rathdangan – Methods and results – Dwyer and Case – Castleruddery – Ballyneddin – The Sea Whistle incident – Life “on the run” 1798-1803 – Caves – The strange case of Mary Savage – The exploits of Thomas Halpin – Dwyer’s father – The Reverend Edward Ryan intervenes — Leitrim – Spies and informers – Dwyer at Macreddin – Roads – Donard – The testimony of Sergeant Hawkins – The reports of Captain Thomas King – Robbery under arms – Major Tattam’s plan – Weapons – Ballinroan – Talbotstown – Dwyer and Emmet – Dwyer marks time – The search continues – Surrender – Imprisonment I – Imprisonment II: Examination – Imprisonment III: The letters – Embarkation – Aftermath. PART II: DWYER’S COMPANIONS Introduction – Nominal rolls – John Mernagh – Hugh Vesty Byrne – Andrew Thomas – Sam McAllister and his mother – Owen Byrne (Kittagh) & Terence Byrne & John Byrne – John Healy – Andrew Hacket – Matthew Doyle – John Arnold – John Harman & Laurence Harman & Nicholas Harman – Michael Dalton – Patrick Barry – Antrim John – John Porter – Patrick Grant – William Genoud – John McVeigh – Arthur Devlin – James Richardson – Christopher Byrne & John Byrne – Valentine Case – James Cullen – James Murray – Anne Devlin – Daniel Cullinane (“Marcus Cleark”) – Miscellaneous – Appendices – Bibliographical note – Index.

Extra #1: Includes a fold-out map of Wicklow showing places associated with Dwyer.

Extra #2: Includes a reproduction of James Petrie’s portrait of Dwyer.

Extra #3: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #4: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #5: Read a review of this book from Irish Historical Studies via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this review article.

Extra #6: Read a review of this book from The Irish Monthly via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this review article.

Extra #7: Read a review of this book from Studies via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this review article.

History-makers in the Mountains

© Currach Books
(cover Alba Esteban)

Full title (1): The Winter Escape of the Ulster Princes

Full title (2): Vanquished by a New Road

Creator / Author: John G. O’Dwyer

Item Type / Page count: Book Chapters / 12p & 14p

When Published: 2019

Publisher / Place of Publication: Currach Books / 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Parent Publication [book]: Wild Stories from the Irish Uplands / by John G. O’Dwyer / 190pp

About: This book recounts escapades, adventures and heroic deeds that have taken place in the hills and mountains of Ireland. Two of the 14 chapters pertain to the Wicklow Mountains. Firstly, the chapter entitled ‘The Winter Escape of the Ulster Princes’ (pp43-54) tells the story of Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art O’Neill, who having escaped from Dublin Castle in 1592 fled through the Wicklow mountains to try to join up with Fiach MacHugh O’Byrne.

‘Vanquished by a New Road’ is the title of a chapter about Michael Dwyer which gives a brief account of his life. The author goes on to describe the history of the Military Road which was constructed in an effort to curb the activities of rebel forces in the Wicklow mountains,

ID number(s): 9781782189121

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Link to the Publisher’s Website

Twenty-Four Grand Days Out

© The Publisher

Full title: Hill Walkers Wicklow

Creator / Author: David Herman

Item Type / Page count: Book / 72p

When Published: March 1989

Publisher / Place of Publication: Shanksmare Publications / Not stated

About: This book details 24 one-day walking routes covering all parts of the Wicklow Mountains. First published in 1989, it has proved to be very popular with walkers and it has run through many editions. The number of routes in later editions has increased up to 30.

ID number(s): 0951454706 / 0953143317 / 0951454757

Contents: Introduction – The Routes: (1) The Tallaght Hills and Seefingan – (2) Circuit of Glencree – (3) The Dublin Hills – (4) Calary and Djouce to Enniskerry – (5) The North-East Fringe – (6) Glencree to Djouce – (7) Kippure and the Upper Liffey Valley – (8) Circuit of Glenbride – (9) Sally Gap to Mullaghcleevaun East Top – (10) Lugnagun, Black Hill and Mullaghacleevaun – (11) Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Scarr – (12) The Barnacullian Ridge and Tonelagee – (13) Circuit of Glenmacnass – (14) The Fair Mountain and Lough Firrib – (15) South of the King’s River – (16) Circuit of Glendalough – (17) Church Mountain and the Glen of Imaal – (18) Lugnaquilla from Glenmalure – (19) Carrawaystick and  Croaghan Moira – (20) Circuit of Glen Ow – (21) Keadeen and Slievemann – (22) The Upper Glen of Imaal – (23) Rathdrum to Glendalough – (24) Croaghan Kinsella – Eight Days in the Mountains – Bibliography – Useful addresses.

WW Connection #1: Many of the routes described in the book are located in West Wicklow.

Extra #1: Includes sketch maps of every route.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Carmel O’Toole’s Glorious Glenmalure

© The Author

Full title: Glenmalure: the wild heart of the mountains: a valley and its people

Creator / Author: Carmel O’Toole

Item Type / Page count: Book / 336p

When Published: 2015

Publisher / Place of Publication: [The Author] / Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow

About: A wide-ranging and beautifully produced hardback book which relates the history of Glenmalure and stories of its people. The content of this substantial book is meticulously and widely researched and includes oral testimonies. Every aspect is brought to life with lively text which is interspersed with glorious photographs and illustrations. This book will stand as the definitive history of this lovely valley for years to come.

ID number(s): 9781873489154

Contents: Acknowledgements — Introduction – Glenmalure Timeline – Glenmalure Map – Early Inhabitants & Religious Settlements — Feagh Mac Hugh O’Byrne: Firebrand of the Wicklow Mountains — The Battle of Glenmalure — The Escape of the Ulster Princes (Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art O’Neill) — Feagh Mac Hugh O’Byrne 1580-1597 – The Twelve Graves – Glenmalure 1798-1803 — The Military Road — Glenmalure Lodge – Mining in Glenmanlure — The Last House in the Glen – The Shadow of the Glen: J.M. Synge and Glenmalure – Tragic Accidents in the Mountains near Glenmalure – Forestry Men and Timber Men — Sheep Farming in the Hills: old traditions and new methods — Glenmalure: reflections / Fr. Willie Walshe — Ballinacor Estate – Kirikee School 1881-1969 — GAA in Glenmalure — Glenmalure Today.

Appendix I – Bibliography.

Appendix II – Townlands, Placenames and Local Names of Glenmalure. Glenmalure – Conavalla and local place names in Conavalla — Ballinagoneen and local place names in Ballinagoneen – Cullentragh Park and local place names in Cullentragh Park — Ballinafunshoge and local place names in Ballinafunshoge – Ballyboy and local place names in Ballyboy – Ballybraid and local place names in Ballybraid — Carriglinneen and local place names in Carriglinneen — Kirikee and local place names in Kirikee — Ballinabarney and local place names in Ballinabarney – Ballintombay Lower and local place names in Ballintombay Lower – Camenabologue and local place names in Camenabologue — Barravore and local place names in Barravore – Ballinaskea / Bolenaskea and local place names in Ballinaskea / Bolenaskea — Clonkeen and local place names in Clonkeen — Corrasillagh and local place names in Corrasillagh — Carrawaystick and local place names in Carrawaystick — Clohernagh and local place names in Clohernagh — Drumgoff and local place names in Drumgoff — Fananierin and local place names in Fananierin — Ballinacor and local place names in Ballinacor – Banks on the road.

Appendix III – Poems & Songs of Glenmalure. Glenmalure / Anon. – Glenmalure / Jim Byrne – Feagh McHugh / Thomas D’Arcy McGee – Follow Me Up To Carlow / P.J. McCall – The Battle of Glenmalure / M.J. McCann — The Battle of Glenmalure / Anon. – The Death of Feagh McHugh O’Byrne / MacKeohoe – Gleann Maoliúra / Biddy Jenkinson – At the Mass Rock / Jim Byrne – The Outlaw’s Bridal / Anon. – Michael Dwyer / T.D. Sullivan – Michael Dwyer / Peadar Kearney – The Rebel’s Grave / Jim Byrne – Glenmalure / Dave Curtis – The Lone Hiker / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Daughters of Wild Glenmalure / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Croaghanmoira / Jane Clarke – The Curate of Greenane / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Jim Connolly / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Old Ballinacor G.A.A. Song / Christy Hughes – Kathleen / Jane Clarke – Lovely Wicklow / W..J. Duffy – Glenmalure / Jim Byrne.

Appendix IV – Leaders in Glenmalure. Michael Dwyer (1772-1825) – John Mernagh (1770-1857) – Patrick Grant (1761-1800) – Hugh Vesty Byrne (1770-1842) – Extract from the Memoirs of Miles Byrne.

Extra #1: Includes numerous photographs, maps and other illustrations.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #4: View the entry for ‘Glenmalure’ in the Placenames Database of Ireland.

Revisit Six Important Years in Wicklow History

© The Publisher

Full title: Exploring Wicklow’s Rebel Past 1798-1803

Creator / Author: Ruán O’Donnell, with photographs by Dominic Martella, Richard Nairn and Dúchas

Item Type / Page count: Book / 71pp

When Published: 1998

Publisher / Place of Publication: Coiste Chill Mhantain ’98 / Wicklow ’98 Committee / [Wicklow, Co. Wicklow]

About: This book was published to commemorate the two-hundredth anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion. It is a guidebook to the landmarks and sites associated with this period in Wicklow’s history. Divided into six suggested routes, it covers the whole county, with many of the locations being in the western half. All the memorials commemorating the Rebellion are listed, together with the history and folklore of the sites.

ID number(s): 0953492206

Chapters: Acknowledgements — Introduction — Planning your route / Raymond Stephens — Route One: Blessington, Blackmore Hill, Athdown, Oakwood — Route Two: Bray, Enniskerry, Ballinvalla/Sleamaine, Luggala – Route Three: Dunlavin, Baltinglass, Derrynamuck, Leitrim — Route Four: St. Kevin’s Bed (Glendalough), Rathdrum, Greenan (Lower Glenmalure), Baravore (Upper Glenmalure) – Route Five: Newtownmountkennedy, Roundwood, Wicklow Town – Route Six: Arklow, Aughrim, Tinahely, Ballyrahan Hill, Carnew — Sources.

Extra #1: includes numerous maps and colour photographs.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

From Dublin Castle to Glenmalure in 1592

© The Publisher

Full title: Kidnap and Jailbreak: Red Hugh O’Donnell (1587-92)

Creator / Author: Dermot Somers

Item Type / Page count: Book Chapter / 33p

When Published: 2005

Publisher / Place of Publication: The O’Brien Press Ltd. / 20 Victoria Road, Dublin 6.

Parent Publication [book]: Endurance: heroic journeys in Ireland / by Dermot Somers / 255pp

About: This is the first chapter in a book which describes seven dramatic journeys taken from Irish history and mythology. In this chapter the author utilises his knowledge of mountaineering and of the outdoors to pen what could be called the definitive account of the actual flight of Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art O’Neill through the Wicklow Hills to get to Glenmalure. In 1592, they had just escaped from Dublin Castle and were planning to join up with Fiach MacHugh O’Byrne. The escape and flight is commemorated in an annual ‘Art O’Neill Walk’ / ‘Art O’Neill Challenge’, which starts at Dublin Castle and ends in Glenmalure.

ID number(s): 9780862787974 / 0862787971

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Includes two maps and some colour photographs.

Extra #4: Link to the Publisher’s website.

Mapping Our Mountains (2)

© EastWest Mapping

Full title: Lugnaquilla & Glendalough: 1:30,000 Detailed Map

Creator / Author: EastWest Mapping

Item Type / Page count: Map / 1 page folded down to 12 x 23cm

When Published: 2010 (updated in March 2013)

Publisher / Place of Publication: EastWest Mapping / Clonegal, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

About: This detailed map covers the area from Woodenboley across to Lough Dan, down to Ballinaclash and over to Kiltegan. It has been compiled using satellite imagery combined with foot slogging, cycling and driving through the area and depicts in detail the network of tracks, paths, forests & hills of interest to walkers etc. Many historical sites are plotted and named and it provides an excellent panorama both for the rambler and armchair historian.

ID number(s): 9781899815319

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Link to the Publisher’s website

A Century of Gaelic Games

© The Publisher

Full title: The leathers echo: a story of hurling, football, handball and camogie in Co. Wicklow from 1884 to 1984

Creator / Author: Jim Brophy / photography by Johnny Kelly

Item Type / Page count: Book / 638p

When Published: November 1984 in honour of the Centenary year.

Publisher / Place of Publication: Wicklow Co. Board G.A.A / [Aughrim, County Wicklow]

About: To commemorate the centenary of the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association each county in Ireland produced a book on the history of the GAA in that county. This is Wicklow’s contribution and what a contribution it is. A massive 638-page volume details 100 years of Gaelic Games activities in the county. It includes club histories, significant results and teamsheets all set against the context of 100 years of local and national history.

ID number(s): None

Contents: Author’s Note – Focal ón gCathaoirleach – Thanks – Dialann Seachtaine i gClub i     1984 – The First Convention – The Power and the Politics – How it all began – The Years of Struggle 1887-1929 – [Club Histories Section] – Annacurra – Arklow Rock Parnells – Arklow Geraldines – Ashford – Avoca – Avondale – Aughrim – Ballinacor – Ballinastoe – Ballymanus – Ballymoney – Baltinglass – Barndarrig – Blessington – Bray Emmets – Carnew Emmets – Coolboy – Coolkenno – Donard – Dunlavin – Enniskerry – Forestry College – Bray – Glenealy – Greystones – Hollywood – Kilbride – Kilcoole – Killiskey – Kilmacanogue – Kiltegan – Knockananna – Lacken – Laragh – Newcastle – Newtown – Rathdangan – Roundwood – Rathnew – Shillelagh – Stratford – St. Kevin’s, Bray – St. Patrick’s – St. Fergal’s – The Glen of Imaal – Tinahely – Tuckmill – Valleymount — The Men of the West / Peter Keogh – In the deep South / Seamus O’Duinn – Along the East Coast – Report from the North / Tommy Coleman – [Some Other Clubs Section] – Ballinglen – Grangecon – Ballykillageer – Crossbridge – Ballinatona – Whitestown – Glenmalure – Ballyteskin – Glassnarget – Moneystown – Delgany – Redcross – Brittas – Hacketstown – Ballycoogue – Eire Óg/Greystones – The Greatest Wicklow Team – A leader from Killiskey – One of Wicklow’s Biggest days – Six Wicklow Teams Played in Wexford – The Year Wicklow Reached the Leinster Senior Final – A Trip to Clonskeagh in 1889 – How I Became a Referee / Eamonn Moules – The Perils of Refereeing! / Jimmy Hatton – The day of the ‘Long Count’ – From Kilcoole to San Francisco / Jimmy Hatton – Cumann Luth-Chleas Gael na nGairm Scol / Hugh O’Brien – When Wicklow Played Senior Hurling – Wicklow’s First Hurling Win – Champions of Leinster 1954 [ballad] / Jimmy Smullen – The Rise of Wicklow Hurling / Jackie Napier – The Year Sixty-Seven an All Ireland Success [poem] / Jimmy Smullen – The Hurling Resurgence – In Luton Town / N. J. Lawlor – Three Finals 1971 [ballad] / Jimmy Smullen – The Day Wicklow Won Their First All-Ireland – The Men of Thirty-six [ballad] / Jimmy Smullen – Leinster Champions in 1949 – A Great Leinster Junior Football Final – Dunlavin’s Finest Hour / Johnny Kelly – A Report from the Wee North / Pat McEntaggart – Happy Days in Barndarrig / Patrick Furlong – The Great 1969 Junior Team – The Match I Refereed Without a Watch / Eamonn Moules – Some of Wicklow’s Football Greats – The “Blues” had the Touch of Class – The Day Blessington Won the Big One! — A Wicklow Final Played in Carlow – Lest we Forget / George Nichols – A Flashback to 1952 –“C. M.” was the G.A.A – The ‘Exiles’ Played a Major Role – The day that Ashford Broke the Barrier / Tom McHugh – The Man Who Made it to the Top – A Record Breaker from Avoca – Hugh McCarthy “The Man from Ballinaclash” / Jimmy Dunne – The Centenary Year – A Laois Man Looks at Wicklow – The Men at the Helm – The Railway Cup Men – A Note from the Early Days – County Officers for Centenary Year – Getting the Scores – Battles in the Boardroom – The Day Ashford Rocked Rathnew – Bord na nÓg / Seamus O’Duinn – The Good Samaritans – The Day that Wicklow Shocked Wexford – The Day of the Shambles in Aughrim – Newtown’s First Senior Championship Win / Michael Crinnion – Kilbride’s Big Day in 1962 / Charlie Roe – SCÓR – The Wintertime Winner / Tomas Breathnach – A Place to Play – Memories from the West / Joe Deering – Santa Came Early to Glenealy! / Tommy Glynn – The Role of the Rúnai / Liam O Cathain – The Crystal Ball! – O’Byrne Cup and National League Wins – Arklow Showed the Way – History Makers – The Ban – The Dublin Connection – The Under-Age Scene – A Great Woman – A World Champion from Wicklow Town – Two Famous Wicklow Men – Special Trophies for County Championship Winners 1984 – Feach MacHugh O’Byrne’s Last Words [poem] – The Battle of Dernamuck [ballad] – Random Reflections – The Blackbird of Sweet Avondale [ballad] – Camogie Flowed Like the Tide / Mary Moran – A Thought for the New Century – [Camogie Section] — The Wicklow Camogie Story – Camogie Down the Years – Great Wicklow Camogie Teams – When Wicklow Were Expelled – The Year Wexford Nearly Got Us – All-Ireland Stars – The Day the Man Wore a Skirt – Arklow – the Cradle of Wicklow Camogie / Nancy Lynch-Quinn – Glenealy were in a Class Apart – When St. Martin’s won County Titles – Along by the Dargle – Hollywood in the Rare Ould Times / Brid Ni Bishman – Great Days in Ballyrichard – Activity in Kilmacanogue – Donard Michael Dwyers – Aughrim Camogie Club – Avoca – the Current Champions – Champions from Stratford – Shillelagh – a Camogie Stronghold – Camogie on Wicklow Town / Angela Cullen (nee Quinn) – Hollywood Won Three Titles – Kiltegan Won Five Senior Camogie Titles – Game is Flourishing in Knockananna – Annacurra’s Headquarters was “Sweeney’s Island” – Some of the Other Camogie Clubs – Senior Camogie Winners – Far Away in France and Flanders [poem] / W.J. Duffy – The Wicklow Vales [ballad] / Fr. Butler – [Handball Section] — Handball in Wicklow – The Handball Story / Dick Arnold – [Record Section] – The Eight Red Letter Days – Centenary Year Results – County Teams Centenary Year – Champions in the Centenary Year – The First Thirty Years – Roll of Honour – Final Score for Sixty Years – Football Champions – Hurling Champions – Inter-County Senior and Minor Football Teams 1937-1983 – The Junior Footballers – Senior “B” Hurling Championship – Intermediate Hurling Championship – The Junior Hurlers – Vocational Schools Roll of Honour – Wicklow Handball Wins – The Lady Handballers – Handball Champions – Wicklow Handball Championships – The Last Word.

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Includes dozens of black and white photographs of teams and individuals.