i88o-i88i.] 21 



flanked on the south by Barnesmore Mountain (1,491 feet), and 

 on the north by Croaghconnellagh (1,724 feet). It is several 

 miles in length, and is famous for its winds and rain. Lough 

 Eask, with its well-wooded shores, lay a short distance beyond, 

 hemmed in by the more distant range of the Blue Stack Moun- 

 tains (2,219 feet), while the higher points on the road revealed 

 wide stretches of mountain and moor, contrasting strongly with 

 the cultivated district through which the road now passed, and 

 with the rich shores of the calm lake, Donegal was reached 

 shortly after three o'clock, and a visit was paid to the picturesque 

 castle in the centre of the town. The present remains date 

 from the reign of Elizabeth, and occupy the site of the castle of 

 the powerful O'Donnells, chiefs of Tyrconnell. After dinner, 

 the ruins of Donegal Abbey were visited. Excepting the 

 remains of the cloisters and east window, few architectural 

 features now remain, the material having, no doubt, been found 

 useful by modern builders. The tracery of the windows, and 

 other worked stones, have been freely made use of to mark recent 

 interments in the nettle-grown grave-yard. The Abbey was 

 founded for Franciscan friars, by Hugh Roe O'Donnell, early in 

 the fifteenth century. In it were compiled the famous "Annals 

 of the Four Masters," a marvellous compilation of Irish history, 

 extending over a period of 4,500 years, and ending a.d. 1616. 

 The compilers were four friars, of whom Michael O'Cleary v/as 

 chief. The Abbey was eventually destroyed by fire during a 

 conflict between two branches of the O'Donnell family. 



Again mounting cars, the party were soon on their way to 

 Killybegs, passing through an agreeable country giving every 

 prospect of a good harvest. Good views of Donegal Bay were 

 had from many points on the road, but darkness set in before 

 the day's journey of more than 100 miles by rail, and 34 by road 

 was completed. The resources of the hotel were severely tried 

 by so large an influx of visitors, but proved equal to the emer- 

 gency. Next morning the members were free to follow their 

 individual pursuits. Several were early out dredging in the 

 harbour, and returned to breakfast, happy with a bag of magnifi- 



