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v.— ARCHEOLOGY. 



BY FRANCIS JOSEPH BIGGER, M.R.I.A. 

 Hon. Sec. b.n.f.c. 



The following were some of the antiquities examined by the members 

 during the excursion. 



GAI.WAY.— The most interesting of the many objects of antiquarian 

 study in Galway was the old Collegiate Church of S. Nicholas, now the 

 Parish Church. Almost all the members examined this structure, which 

 presents so many distinctive features to the ecclesiologist, carefully con- 

 served, with none of its historic features obliterated. It presents a 

 model of what many of our at present dilapidated churches might be 

 made in usefulness and beauty. The Lynch and Joyce monuments are 

 fine, whilst the old square carved font is particularly so. A fine peal of 

 bells occupies the tower ; one of them bears date 1631 ; whilst all around 

 the roof there is an extensive display of the most grotesque gargoyles. 

 In the north aisle a curious stone structure, with pillars supporting a 

 canopy, is built against the wall ; it would be a solution of a disputed 

 point if this were found to have been a street pulpit. 



Portions of the old town walls still remain, with a gateway at the 

 quay, and portions of a tower in Francis Street. The quaint old Lynch 

 mansion, with its square-headed windows, attracted much attention on 

 account of the weird history connected with its mayoral occupant. 



The Claddagh settlement was also visited, and the primitive homes 

 and habits of the people, now fast assimilating with the townsfolk, duly 

 noted. 



BALI.YVAUGHAN.— At Ballyvaughan a very perfect medieval castle of 

 the O'Loghlins was made the rendezvous of a lunching party, such 

 as had not been seen within its shade for many generations, whilst the 

 cross-crowned holy well close by had not more visitors at a "pattern.'' 

 Near at hand the little church of 13th or 14th century date still handed 

 down some curious customs. Here, on the stone altar, and in a hollow 

 beneath, and in the sills of windows and other places, human skulls 

 were exposed in quite a common-place way. 



Aran Isi^ands. — The visit to these islands was certainly the big 

 day for the antiquarians, affording more to see than could be 

 seen in one day. Crosses, churches, -and forts were visited in 

 rapid succession, scarcely affording the photographers time to "do" 

 them all ; nevertheless little was missed, from the great Cyclopean 

 fort of Dun Aengus to the primitive little stone church of Teampull 

 Benan, with its accommodation for about one worshipper. 



CIvARE-Gai.\vay.— Many members visited this celebrated Franciscan 

 Abbey, founded in 1290 by John de Cogan. The tall central tower is its 

 most distinctive feature, springing from arches to a height far above 

 the average of such towers. In the choir is a beautifully-carved altar 

 tomb of a De Burgo. The lofty east window might well be restored, all 

 the interlacing being forthcoming. On the side of the road facing the 

 Abbey stands a Clanrickarde castle, lofty and perfect. 



