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Mr. PETRIE'S Inquiry into the Origin and 



poraneous erection, and which, like that of Kildare, exhibits many peculiarities, 

 that I do not recollect to have found in buildings of the Norman times, either 

 in England or Ireland. The general appearance of this doorway will be seen 

 in the annexed sketch : 





As this doorway, which is the finest of its kind remaining in Ireland, is of 

 the highest interest, not only on account of the richness, and, as I conceive, 

 antiquity of its decorations, but also from its high state of preservation, it will 

 be desirable that I should endeavour to illustrate its several features as clearly 

 as possible, both by drawings and verbal descriptions. 



This doorway, like that of Kildare, is formed of a hard siliceous sandstone, 

 and may be described as consisting of two divisions, separated from each other 

 by a deep reveal, and presenting each a double compound recessed arch, rest- 

 ing on plain shafts with flat capitals. As in the doorway of the Tower of 

 Kildare, the carving is all in very low relief, and its height from the ground is 

 the same with that of the doorway of that Tower, namely, fifteen feet. The 

 general arrangement of its several compartments will be best understood from 



