Essay on the Ancient History, Religion, Learning, Arts, and Govern- 

 ment of Ireland, by JOHN D' ALTON, Esq., Barrister at Law, 

 M. R. I. A. 



Read November 24, 182a* 



INTRODUCTION. 



In the old age of the world Ireland is young in story, the era of her 

 national greatness is unexplored, and, while the early history of her 

 brighter days excites no interest, her people are alike strangers to the 

 glory that is reflected from the ancient celebrity of their country, 

 and to all the generous sympathies that flow from such a revelation. 

 How powerfully Doctor Johnson felt the importance of this too long 

 neglected inquiry is evidenced by the following extracts from his cor- 

 respondence with Charles O'Conor. 



" I have long wished, " writes that profound thinker, " that the 

 Irish literature were cultivated. Ireland is known hy tradition to he the 

 seat of piety and learning, and surely it would be very acceptable to 

 all those, who are curious either in the original of nations or the affini- 

 ties of language, to be further informed of the revolutions of a people 

 so ancient and once so illustrious. I hope you will continue to culti- 

 vate this kind of learning which has lain too long neglected, and 

 which, if it be suffered to remain in oblivion for another century, may 

 perhaps never be retrieved." Again, in another letter: "Dr. Leland 

 begins his history too late, the ages which deserve an exact inquiry 

 are those times (for such there were) when Ireland was the School of 



* This was a prize Essay, and obtained the full proposed sum of £80, and the Cunning- 

 ham gold medal. .... - 



b2 



