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| NEW BLARNEY CASTLE, CO. CORK. -The residence of Sir George Colthurst, situated in the old demense which includes the famous ruins,is generally called New Blarney Castle. Although destitute of great age and romantic tradition, it is a splendid, lordly mansion, surrounded by luxuriant woods and convenient to the sparkling lake, out of whose waters, at stated periods, according to the traditions of the poetical and imaginative peasantry, a herd of enchanted white cows emerges to graze upon the verdant banks. Another tradition connected with the lake is to the effect that the Earl of Clancarty, who owned the estate at the time of the Revolution, and who forfeited it through supporting the cause of the Stuarts, threw all of his plate and other riches into the water, so that it might not fall into the hands of the enemy. It is said that three of the McCarthys hold the secret of the exact spot where the treasure is deposited, and when any of the number is dying he communicates the secret to another member of the family. The secret is not to be revealed until a McCarthy is once more the owner of the Blarney. The Colthursts, however, do not appear to be much disturbed by the legend and enjoy themselves greatly in their fine residence, of which the sketch gives a comprehensive view. |
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