575 



Shela-na-gigs in tlifferent parts of Ireland ; but have received 

 drawings and exact descriptions of five others only. 



1. The first discovered and described by Mr. R. P. 

 Collis. It is in the gable of an old church at Rochestown, 

 County Tipperary. This figure is called a Shela-na-gig, by 

 the country people, and as it was the first found it has sup- 

 plied the name to all the others. 



2. In the church at Dowth there is a Shela-na-gig, 

 carved in stone quite different to that which composes the 

 walls of the church. This figure appears to have been 

 originally a head or foot-stone of a grave. It was said to be 

 a figure of St. Shanahan, by the person who shewed me the 

 place. At Lusk there was a figure called the Idol, which 

 was buried by the late Rev. Mr. Tyrrell. It appears to have 

 been a Shela-na-gig also. 



3. Found over the door of the keep of Ballinahinch 

 Castle, near Cashel. In this figure there is an appearance 

 of the tonsure. It was the opinion of the person who ex- 

 amined it, that it had been inserted in the wall, and might 

 have been taken from the ruins of the church, which are 

 quite near the Castle. 



4. Found in the south front of Moykarkey Castle, County 

 Tipperary. This figure has a more finished and modern 

 air than any other of which I have drawings. The country 

 people have a legend, and call it Cathleen Owen.* It also 

 appears inserted into the wall, and there is a ruin of a church 

 quite near, from whence it might have been procured, to 

 bring * luck about the house." 



5. Found in the wall of the old church on the White 

 Island, Lough Erne, in the demesne of Colonel Archdall. 

 This figure occurs lying on its side, and is in the course low 

 down near the door, and appears to have been a part of the 



* This legend may be equally authentic as that about the dog and wolf stone, 

 presented by Mr. Webber. 



VOL. II. 3 a 



