 |
| ST. MARY'S CHURCH, CLONMEL, CO. TIPPERARY. -Clonmel, in Gaelic Cluain-Meala, the Plain of Honey, a name said to have been derived from the large number of wild bees' nests found there in ancient times, is one of the most renowned of Irish towns; and one of its chief landmarks is St. Mary's Church, pictured in the sketch. It is situated in the northwestern suburbs. Although one of the oldest religious edifices in Ireland, it is still well preserved having been renovated by public-spirited people from time to time. The steeple which was originally square, is now rather octagonal, very lofty and battlemented on the top. The base of this tower retains the original square form and is said by savants to be several centuries older than the superstructure. All travellers have expressed their admiration of the beautiful east window, which has no superior in Ireland outside of Holy Cross abbey. It belongs to the 12th century, and has "the form of a double Gothic tracery window, having the space between the two arches filled by a rich cinqufoil, or, rather, septemfoil." As will be observed in the picture, the principal entrance to the church is through the old graveyard, which is bounded on three sides by remnants of the strong town wall, broken at intervals by watchtowers. Near by is the breach effected by Cromwell who lost 2,000 men in attempting to storm it. The Irish garrison, having expended its ammunitior, retired on Limerick. |
 |  |