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king Cormac; nor less valiant was Dubcomar, the chief Druid of 
king Fiacha. I could give many more instances, to the same effect, 
which would make one conclude, that the system was far more en- 
larged and enlightened in Ireland, than on the continent. 
he Druids of Ireland had, like their brethren elsewhere, their 
sacred gems, herbs, stones, &c. The Bishop’s See of Clogher had 
its name from one of these consecrated stones, covered with gold, on 
which stood Kermand Kilstach, the Mercurius Celticus of Ireland : 
Cloch-oir siguifies the golden stone. Arklow and Wicklow were so 
called from these sacred stones, the words being originally Ard- 
cloch, and Buidhe-cloch, meaning the high stone and yellow stone. 
The Greeks, Romans, and other nations, were in the habit of set- 
ting up rude square stones, honouring, perhaps representing, their 
divinities. I must not forget the famous Liafail, or “ stone of 
Destiny,” on which the heathen monarchs of Ireland were inau- 
gurated at Tara. The ancient Irish had a persuasion, originated 
and supported by the Druids, that in what country soever this stone 
remained, there one of their blood would reign. Its first introduc- 
tion among the Irish Kings is too old for the grasp of history. What 
is certain is, that, about the commencement of the sixth century, it 
was sent to Fergus mac Eire, the first actual King of the Scots of 
North Britain, in order to secure his regal sway in that country. 
From Argyle, the original seat of the Dalriadic princes, it was re- 
moved to Scone in 842, by Kennet II. on his conquest of the 
Pictish territory, From Scone it was brought away in 1300 by 
Edward I. of England, who had it placed under the Coronation- 
chair at Westminster, where it now remains. Such is the respect, 
still paid to a heathen prophecy ! 
From the explanations I have endeavoured to give on the subject 
of Druidism, one conclusion, and a material one, is, I think, per- 
