1887-1888.] 17 



long held by the Audley family, under the Earls of Kildare. 

 In plan it is much like Kilclief, farther down the channel, both 

 having two square towers attached to the main square keep, in 

 one of which is a circular stone stair leading from the door to 

 the upper story. Between these towers a wide arch is thrown, 

 with orifices behind it to command the entrance. It is need- 

 less to state that it is kept in excellent order by the present 

 noble proprietor. By a beautiful drive along the shores of the 

 various inlets, where the tide was now fast ebbing, Strangford 

 was reached. Before crossing the ferry, by the kindness of 

 Lord de Ros, Oldcourt was visited, which, though not of great 

 interest, abounds in lovely views of lake and mountain. Old- 

 court Chapel, which stands in the demesne, and forms the 

 parish church of Strangford, was built, as an inscription testifies, 

 by George, 16th Earl of Kildare, by his agent, Valentine 

 Payne, a.d. 1629. A rapid sail across the channel brought the 

 party to Portaferry, where a comfortable tea at M'Causland's 

 Hotel soon put them in fresh readiness for work. A visit was 

 first paid to the graveyard and ivy-covered bell turret that 

 marks the site of Templecranny Church, which, it is presumed, 

 dates from before the Reformation. Bishop Echlin, who lived 

 at Thomastown, and died at Ardquin in 1633, is stated to be 

 buried here. The church was appropriated by the Presby- 

 terians in 1642, the Rev. John Drysdale, who was ordained as 

 their first minister, suffered considerable persecution, being 

 taken prisoner by Colonel Venables and the Cromwellians in 

 1650, and subsequently endured much hardship from the 

 prelatical party in Charles II.'s reign. By kind permission of 

 General Nugent the evening was terminated by a ramble 

 through his delightful grounds, the sole regret being that the 

 gathering dusk prevented full enjoyment of their beauties. 



An early start was made next morning, the party proceeding 

 on cars down the side of the channel, visiting on the way 

 Bankmore and the bit of ruin known as " Folly Castle," from 

 which a fine view is had of the channel, with " the routing 

 wheel " and other whirlpools and eddies of the current, which 

 here often runs six or seven knots an hour. A few minutes were 



