The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-02-10
LeGter f1Czm EreIard--No. f.
of Cambria Frceman.l

DEAR MAC-LeagIng Cashel by the even
ing train, was not long in reaching
KILKBHNY,
but as it was night when | entered it / could
not sec the romantic views surrounding It.
Next morning ] vas up bright and early,
VIXEN l went to see the Cathedral Of St. Ca
nice, the Castle, and other Cery imposing
structures. coming toto almost every view
from the uneverness Of the ground and the
happily chosen sites Of all these ediGces.-
Kilkenny, like Limerick is divided into two
parts-the Irish and English town.. Any
one vcrsed in Irish history need not be told
of the very importan; active part the inhab'
itants Of this city and ncighborhocd took
during the ruthless wars Of the goddess Q1een
Bess and the cruel Cromwell. Tie Irish
princes. aided by the priests and bishops,
formed themselves into what is known as
the Kilkenny Confederation" aud directed
the military campaign sgainst British sol
diers and usurping kings. Kilkenny Castle
has been lately moderniscd within and un-
moderniscd without. 1t is now inhabited by
one Of the Ormond family. The gardens
and consprvatories surrounding are laid out
in princcly magnifcence. and indeed we
shall not soon forget our pieasufabIa recoi~
! lection Of it, as the sights and scenes amidst
which this historical old castle stands, over
Z
surpassed for picturesque richness and lovely
landscapes From tie Castle | went to the
hill opposite, which is crowned with the
/ noble Cathedral Of ST. Canice. enc of the
/ most beautiful masses Of architecture in Ire
/ land. The hiIl on which it stands is coverD
ed with stately old trees, which hlde and
disclose the old towers very r'ctuTesQuey,
tie tall shaft Of the famous oil Round Tower
/ soaring above all. the approach to which Is
by a long and ancient stone staircase. ! am
not a good hand to describe architecture, else
! could ill page with description Of this
vast sacred pile. -Four painted windows H.
I Illuminate each aisle and the upper part of
the nave is lighted hy five quatrefoil win
dows. Many ancient, costly monuments
are erected in the side aisle to the hOnorcd
memory Of the many good and holy prelates
who lived here centuries ago. 10 the north
trauscpt. | believe, is the chair or throne Of
the goC6 St. kierau. !. consists Of a stone
seat with gracefully curving arms Cf upright
stone. But hold, I fear | am too long among
ruins; so, lest l may RUIN myself, l will
leave them.
| could not attempt to give anything like
a correct sketch in the limited space Of
newspaper Of the many Abbcys and other
sacred ruins 10 which this place ab"unds.
Here it is that Banun. one Of tho fist Of
! rish novelists, was born. Who has not
heard of 'Kilkeuny cats y ''its fire without
smoke" and ITS water without mud."-
Well | could see no difference in the cats
from any other # the feline tribe. but did
in its bright, clear, crystal. cool water and
in its black coal. LIS. | may tire my read
ers, will travel on to
WATERFORD,
which / entered over long wooden bridge.
I II was evening when | arrived and the broad
quay. liucd with l,Zh.ed lamps rejecting
their clear light on the river, ard showing a
row Of tall buildings on one SIDE, gave me
I promise of fue city and indeed was not
disappointed. Opposite the town is very
steep hill, which of course l climbed up il
/ order to have a view Of the surrounding
scenes. From il Waterford looks beautiful
and the banks OF the Snr above and below
the long bridge, are very bold and striking.
The broad bosom Of the river was covered
with large vessels, steamers, and small sail
ing craft the quay was thronged with
/ people and vehicles the sun pecped out
and the scene altogether. with its back
ground Of fine hills, was beautiful in the ex-
trSme. This city at oae time was called
. CuaH-na~ FriOth. or" Haven Of tho Sum- and
later. GieanH ma ~Gjeoda, or VALLEY of La
mentation." from the many fierce conflicts
that took place between the ancient Irish
and Danes. Near the lower end Of the quay
/ is Reginald Tower an old Danish structure.
Near where the SUR, the NJre end the Bar
row enter Waterford harbor i situated Dun
brody Abbey. a venerable and extensive
monument of antiqpty. 1t is now badly
Injured by the tOolh of time, and the hands
OF barbarous despoicrs, but is still an inter-
estlDg specimen Of ecclesiastical architecture.
. ltar rtaSrt I Sc 'N1l a
the castle Of the big font, which stands on a
commanding position overlooking the Black
water river. The gardens. walks and lawns
around it are laid ont with exquisite taste.
Near the Castle is a beautiful promenade
leading to the very brink Of the precipce
which overhargs the Black water. and from
which there IS a commanding view Of the
deep vale below, and the eye is carried along
numerous vistas opening among the noun
tains beyond. Along the banks of the loves
ly B!ackwaier are bold, vcrdant. graceful
gems of beautiful structures, eff ring in its
whole length as great Il variety of enjoyable
scenery as one could wish to look upon. In
Waterford city was born the talented, silver
tongued Cicero of Irish orators. Thomas
Meagher, but whose bones now lie in the
bottom of the dark Missouri river. His
father lives here at present. a noble speci~
L
il-fated Meas CHER Is known to most of your
readers. lie was poet, orator. patriot and
soldier. and though he led on the gallant
Irish Brigade when our country was mems
aced by our Southern brethren, yet our Use
less President refuses young Meagher a
cadetship in West Point, although he would
confer such favor on a negro or a son Of
/ Brigham, the Mormon Peace to the honor
ed remains Of the gallant Thomas Francis
Our next trip was through very fue
farming district till we reached
BORRIS.
in Carlow county. This is a very neat and
thriving village of about ore thousand souls
It cat boast of SONS well stocked stores.
doing thriving business. In the centre Of
the town is the fiue parish church with its
sweet~toned organ. Is thrifty, tasty inhab-
itauts are as good specimens of the Celtic
race as one could wish to fi1d. Boris is
surrounded by soma well laid ont and bigb