The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-10-09
THE HOME OF PARNELL
As Seen In the Summer OF 1880 by
MheeImen from This City.

The route Of the Elwell bicycle touring
party Of 1880 through Ireland passed quite
near the summer residence Of Charles Stew.
art Parnell, and several Of the wheelmen
visited the home Of the "uncrowned king of
Ireland" as he was then known. A descrip-
tion Of the dwelling as 1t appeared to them
will just at this time. In view Of the recent
demise of the famous leader, prove inter-
esting. and one Of the cyclers gives the fol-
lowing account:
During the afternoon we had been ridinE
through the picturesque Vale Of Avoca,
widely known for the charm Of its scenery.
and styled by one Of our companions In his
enthusiasm, "one Of the lovellest spots on
earth" 1t was In this quiet valley that Tom
Moore Is said to have written much of the
verse which gave him fame, and the particu.
lar location was pointed out where "The
Showers were frequent In that region, so
that the peculiar greenness OF all growing
things occasi0ned no wonderment-tne luxu-
rlous verdure was but the natural conse-
quence OF so many bursts Of sunshine and
moisture.
About four o'clock we began the ascent OF
bill OF such proportions that 1t might,
without exaggerati0n, have been called q
mountain. The climb seemed ALMOST mile
10 length. after which we rode for some dis
lance along shady road on the crest of the
hill, then swung OF to the right and half
mile further on came to the entrance to the
estate OF Avondale, inherited by Mr.. Par
nell. No other houses are near, In fact, from
the road this residence cannot be seen.
Standing by itself In spacious clearing Is
the secluded home Of the once dearly be-
loved Parnell. IL Is massive square man
sion, evidently built many years ago, and Of
a yellowish hued sandstone. The location
Is such as TO command magnificent view OF
the wide, far stretching valley below.
Visitors are not usually allowed to see the
interior of the house, but our courteous Irish
escorts had obtaieed permission for us to do
so: Two large stone pillars stand on either
side Of the doorway. The Irish leader was
not at home. but the matron Of the house
greeted us cordially on learning that we were
party OF Americans, for whom, Il may be
remarked In passing, the people Of Ireland
always have warm welcome. The front
door opens directly into the billiard hall, but
the table therein had no appearance OF fire.
quent use, and the furniture was OF antique
design, and was musty and dusty; In fact,
this room gave the impression OF deserted
apartment as much as anythlng-an air OF
neglect somehow seemed TO 0vershad0w the
surroundings. Many trophies Of the hunt
were hanging upon the walls, as were also
various engrossed addresses Of welcome and
good cheer. which had been presented 70 the
distinguished laborer for the cause Of Erip,
not few Of them from societies In Ameri-
can cities. Relics Of value and interest
a0ounded In the room, which seemed to be
the depository for all curi0sities and valuar
bles possessed.
room In the mansion, so far as we could OBJ
serve. The view Of the valley from the win
dows Is superb. Ia one part OF the room
was large desk Of ancient pattern, a gen.
erous table occupied the centre of the floor,
while on all other sides, aside from the space
taken up by two lounges, were shelves
crowded with books, records OF the d0ings
OF the House OF Commons largely predomi-
mating, as was to be expected. Among the
other books was noticed Life Oh Wasnlng-
ton In four or five volumes.
In the dining room, the most conspicuous
article of furniture was the long Dlack wal
nut table, which also by its design seemed
covered the floor, and dark red draperies
hung at the widows. Some silver candles
sticks were on a sldeb0ard. and on the wall
was an elegant oil painting Of Mr.. Parnel's
grandfather on his mothers side, Admiral
Stewart-"Old Ironsides"-whO Commanded
the United States frigate Constitution dur
ing the war OF 1872 This portrait was OF
life size.
Several smaller rooms were seen, and
many passages passed through, and then we
returned TO the lawn. This spacious estate
OF Ayondale is located In the mountainous
county Of Wicklow, fully forty miles tom
Dublin; and Rathdrum, the nearest railway
station. Is about three miles distant.
AS whole, our impressions Of the nan
sion were unfavorable; the perVadinr SAVIOR
OF oygone centuries, and the general air OF
duaptdation (neglect, perhaps, IL might hava
been) were rather disappointing. Probahlv
In former times Il was a stately mansion I'm,
there was no concealing the fact thar had
not been the home Of the great leader
should hardly have given the dweIn
PASSING pa;.a notice: but, after all, IL
cause OF needy people should 2
house which seemed to lack All u
OF home; perhaps we should hr
disappointed had 1t been 9th