Rathdangan – its Past and its People

© Rathdangan Community Council

Full title: Heather, Hills & Hearths – Rathdangan Ráth Daingin: history & memories

Creator / Author: Rathdangan History Group

Item Type / Page count: Book / 464pp

When Published: 2018

Publisher / Place of Publication: Rathdangan Community Council / Rathdangan, Co. Wicklow

About: This handsome and extensive book on aspects of the history of Rathdangan, its neighbourhood and its people is a labour of love by the local community. Under the umbrella of Rathdangan History Group many individuals came together and have produced a fine example of a local history publication that is rooted in community memory and pride of place. If, as the foreword states, “this book is not intended to be a complete or definitive history”,  then the follow-up is eagerly anticipated.

ID number(s): 9781999324209

Contents: [Chapter I. A Brief Introduction to the archaeology of Rathdangan] Early settlement

[Chapter II. Rathdangan] The Village — Historic Buildings — Rathdangan Today — Carmen — Postal Services

[Chapter III. Townlands Around Rathdangan, Family Names & Features]

[Chapter IV. Organisations] Marian Arts Society — Rathdangan Macra na Feirme — Macra na Tuaithe / Foróige — Irish Dancing in Rathdangan — FÁS & Community Employment Schemes — Golden Circle — Rathdangan Quilters — Rural Transport in Rathdangan — Library Service — Rathdangan Drama — Local Defence Force & Civil Defence

[Chapter V. The Rathdangan GAA Story] The Rathdangan GAA Story — Hugh Byrne — Camogie

[Chapter VI. The Three R’s] Schools in the Rathdangan Area

[Chapter VII. People] A Simple Life (Mike Harmon) — Killamoat and the “Further Outlook” (Eithne Grealy née Cullen) — Journey to Australia, 1952 (Pat Byrne, Ballymaconey) — Kathleen Cullen — Transplant Games (Tony Gartland) — Equestrian (Helen Kearney) — Catherine Byrne — A Perfect Match in More Ways than One (Junior & Teresa Byrne) — Murder in Borklemore — Cathal B. Cullen & Patrick J. (P.J.) Cullen — Mrs. Rose Byrne — Memories of Tourboy (Louisa Hawkins) — George Hawkins

[Chapter VIII. Rathdangan in the News] Rathdangan in The News

[Chapter IX. Farming] Farming — Sheep — Forestry — Big Snows in Rathdangan — Tobacco Growing in Rathdangan Area — Rural Electrification

[Chapter X. Religion] Churches of the Area — Farbreaga Annual Mass — Kiltegan Fathers / St. Patrick’s Missionary Society — Cemeteries — People who Spread Christianity Throughout the World

[Chapter XI. War, Emigration & Politics] Westby’s of High Park — World War I — Seamus O’Toole — Dáil Courts — Wicklow Members of Parliament — The “Feddan Lane Evictions” — Cheese from Canada — Landlords and Townlands — Where did our Emigrants Go? — Fitzwilliam Assisted Passages to Canada — Michael Dwyer — Tithes — The Irish National Land League — The Soldiers’ Home in Danesfort Camp — Hamilton and Hume Families — War of Independence Medals

[Appendix] Bibliography & Other Sources — Population Trends for the Rathdangan Area (1841-1911) — Poems — Old Kiltegan Graveyard — St. Peter’s Kiltegan — Burial Records for Cranareen Cemetery (1903-2017) — List of Headstones and Markers in Cranareen — Early Rathcoyle School Register (Girls) — Early Rathcoyle School Register (Boys)

Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with photographs, news cuttings and maps

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

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

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.

100 Detours into Dunlavin History

© The Author

Full title: Dunlavin Diversions

Creator / Author: Chris Lawlor

Item Type / Page count: Book / 360pp

When Published: 2020

Publisher / Place of Publication: The Author / Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow

About: This book is a compendium of 100 articles originally posted on social media, by local historian Chris Lawlor, as a series of diversions from all the Covid-19 related news. The articles cover a huge range of topics with a particular emphasis on Dunlavin.  

ID number(s): 9780953294765

Contents: Introduction — Jonathan Swift — St. Palladius — A fairy story — Local folklore — Religion and identity — The vanished vellum — Dwyer radio interview – A cunning hussey — 1890s entertainment — Local quiz — Tournant graveyard — Dunlavin churchyard — Great panic,1832 — Edward Fenlon,1881 — Dunlavin Green ballads — Hearth money roll — John Lawler (Br. Albeus) — A military tradition — Feagh McHugh O’Byrne — The educator — Dunlavin and Naas CBS — Dunlavin victims, 1798 — Glen Mama — Garrett  Byrne — Robert Barton — RIC commemoration — Shearman papers — Citizen Dwyer — Resurection of Dr. Emes — Countess Markievicz — Dunlavin in the 1920s — The Imaal bazaar, 1926 — Handball in Dunlavin — Milltown murder, 1921 — Running with crows — Ladies’ handball: poems — T. D. Sullivan Dwyer ballad — On Captain Dwyer — The outlaw’s bridal — On an escape of Dwyer — Wicklow men of ‘98 — The three flowers — Heaney and Kearney ballad – Fowler’s gate — Slain by the Slaney — University of Dunlavin — The Harristown sisters — The place-name Dunlavin — Exploits of Feagh McHugh O’Byrne — Dunlavin volunteers — Famine supplication, 1846 — Fenton family — A raw night in Swanlinbar — The blessed well — Catholic Dunlavin 1600-1800 — Population field study — HIST census project — Dunlavin village 1660-1710 — The judge — Proclamation day, 2016 — Tynte estate 1916 — Commemorating 1798 — Local history list — The 1641 rebellion — Death of Jane Fflood — Catholic surnames 1815-20 — J. Tynte inherits Dunlavin — John Devoy — Dunlavin c. 1200-1600 – Thornton lace — Imaal hall wall plaque — Interpretative panel — Dunlavin remodelled — Pre-famine Dunlavin — A class afternoon — Schools annals project — Fr. Thomas Butler — The market house bell — Dwyer lecture notes — West Wicklow tour — Protestant Dunlavin 1600-1800 — Slater’s Directory, 1881 — Nevill’s map, 1760 — The plough and the stars — Population, society, economy — Religion and politics — Marginalised groups — Pro- and anti-Home Rulers — World War One — Easter Rising — Republican transition — Anglo-Irish War I — Anglo-Irish War II — The Dunlavin tragedy — Towards civil war — Civil war in Dunlavin — Civil War claims I — Civil War claims II — Civil War claims III — Reflection — Illustrations credits.

Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with monochrome photographs.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

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

Extra #4: Link to the author’s website at https://www.chrislawlor.ie/

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

Two Centuries of Teaching in Talbotstown

© The Publishers

Full title: At the Foot of Keadeen: History and Memories from Scoil Naomh Bríd, Talbotstown

Creator / Author: Board of Management and various contributors

Item Type / Page count: Book / 149p

When Published: 2014

Publisher / Place of Publication: Board of Management Scoil Naomh Bríd / Talbotstown, Co. Wicklow

About: The back cover blurb says it all “The history of Scoil Naomh Bríd Talbotstown…is traced from the school at Englishtown to the construction of the Boys and Girls school in Talbotstown in the 1840s, to the construction of the current school in 1962. Many memories of past pupils as well as photos down through the years also feature in this commemorative book”

ID number(s): None

Contents: Welcome / Muireann Gartland — Foreword / Brian Flood — History of the name of Talbotstown and Kilranelagh / Peter Keogh — The early days: hedge schools or pay schools — History of Englishtown National School — Other schools in the area — Knocklishen National School — Fortgranite School — National Education Act 1829 — Application for building of school — Talbotstown National Schools (The Old Schools) — Maps of Talbotstown 1838 and 1907 – Enrolments from 1840-1868 — Census of Kilranelagh / Kiltegan areas in 1861 — St. Brigid’s Church, Talbotstown — Sample page from Geography Book used at Talbotstown Schools in 1840s — Amalgamation of Talbotstown Boys and Girls Schools to a mixed school in 1908 — Memories / Sr. Eileen Doyle — Group photo from circa 1922 — Staff of amalgamated schools at Talbotstown — Samples of geometry work in a copy of a pupil from 1915 — Maurice Ó Conaill, Principal of Talbotstown National School 1925-1937 / Oisín Breathnach — School group photo late 1920s — School group photo from 1930s — Primary Schools Folklore Collection: (1) Holy wells in the area, St. Brigid — (2) Local marriage customs — (3) Forts, Talbotstown Fort — (4) Goodwin’s Grave in Talbotstown — (5) Caves — (6) Crois Úna — (7) The Battle of Kaideen — (8) The Skirmish at Kilranelagh — (9) Michael Dwyer’s surrender — (10) Local weather folklore — (11) Riddles — (12) Cures — The Primary Certificate 1929-1967 — “Bingen on the Rhine” / Caroline Norton — Memories from two sisters / Betty Keogh and Brigid Doyle — Memories of Talbotstown / Maeve O’Byrne — Main developments in Primary Education in Ireland — Sample inspection report from the 1920s — Role of Religion at Talbotstown N.S.— Down memory lane / Mary Hickson — [Photo Galleries] — Memories of a mitcher / Peter Keogh — Brian Graham, Principal of Talbotstown National School 1963-1975 — Part of history! / Terri Kenny — Group photo of pupils 1969 — Memories of Treasa O’Keeffe 1963-1998 — Memories of Con Cronin — [Photo Galleries] — Memories from Ben Lennon 1955-1964 – [Photo Galleries] — Talbotstown N.S. visits Áras an Uachtaráin — [Photo Gallery] — Henry Shefflin visits Talbotstown N.S. — Colm “Gooch” Cooper visits Talbotstown N.S. — All Ireland winners Junior Inventor of the Year 2014 — Pictures from visit to Dáil Éireann 2014 — “Dear Grace” creative writing competition — Memories of Bridget Farrell (née Keating) — “Reminiscing” [poem] / John Lennon 1957-1960; 1963-1966  — Current staff of Talbotstown N.S. 2015 — “Thank You”.

Extra #1: includes several pages of full colour & black/white photographs.

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.

Notes & Queries – Dunlavin Massacre Song

Full title: Dunlavin Green [ballad]

Creator / Author: Anon.

Item Type / Page count: Ballad / 6 verses

When Published: Various dates

Publisher / Place of Publication: Various.

Parent Publications: Appears in various books, magazines, discs.

About: The metrics of the West Wicklow Bookshelf Blog have indicated that someone searched using the terms ‘Dunlavin massacre song’. In response, we have transcribed the lyrics of the ballad ‘Dunlavin Green’ as recorded by Frank Harte and Donal Lunny and made it available to read online. The ballad refers to the execution of 36 people by British Crown Forces on May 26^th, 1798.

Extra #1: Read the lyrics of the ballad here.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for the Frank Harte recording on CD.

Extra #3: Various renditions of Dunlavin Green can be heard on YouTube

Extra #4: The full story of the atrocity is recounted in Chris Lawlor’s book ‘The Massacre on Dunlavin Green’

Dwyer and Derrynamuck

© The Publisher

Full title: Michael Dwyer [and] Battle of Doire Na Muc

Creator / Author: Elaine Hoxey and Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022)

Item Type / Page count: Booklet / [16p]

When Published: 1988

Publisher / Place of Publication: [Unknown] / Knockanarrigan, Co. Wicklow [?]

About: This booklet mainly consists of a reprint of a chapter on Michael Dwyer which was published in the book: ‘The Croghan Valley’ in the late 1960’s. Included within the main piece is a short account of the battle of Doire na Muc (Derrynamuck) when Dwyer made his escape from the Crown Forces. It is likely that this booklet was sold as a souvenir to visitors to the Dwyer McAllister Cottage in Derrynamuck, Knockanarrigan, Co. Wicklow.

ID number(s): None

Contents: Preface / Graeme Cooke — Michael Dwyer (from ‘The Croghan Valley’ by Caoimhín de Líon, by kind permission of Kamac Publications) — Doire na Muc – Michael Dwyer escapes capture at Doire na Muc [artist’s impression].

Extra #1: Includes 2 maps and some other illustrations.