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| ADARE ABBEY, CO. LIMERICK. -Ath-dara, the Ford of the Oak Tree, is what the Irish ancients called the place which gives name to the majestic ruins presented in the foregoing sketch. They are those of the beautiful abbey built by the Desmond Geraldines in the early part of the fourteenth century. The late Earl of Dunraven, who was an antiquarian of note and spirit, partially restored the edifice for the uses of Protestant worship; and, at the same time, restored the more ancient Black Abbey, also in the neighborhood, for the benefit of the Catholics. Both structures had suffered much from the devastations of armies during the Elizabethan and Cromwellian wars. In this vicinity also rise the remains of the ancient castle of the Earls of Desmond. Adare is noted, town and surrounding country, for the unsurpassed loveliness of its situation on the river Maigue. In many respects it recalls Killarney. Gerald Griffin, one of Ireland's most gifted poets, wrote of it: O sweet Adare, O lovely vale, O soft retreat How shall I tell the thousand charms within thy of sylavan splendor! verdant bosom swelling. Nor summer son, nor morning gale e'er baled When lulled in nature's fostering arms, soft a scene more softly tender. peace abides and joy excelling. |
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