184 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



On August, 17th to 



LOUGHINISLAND. 



The fifth Club excursion for the year was to Ballynahinch, 

 Loughinisland, and Clough. The 10-50 a.m. train conveyed a 

 party of twenty-four members and friends, who were in no way 

 daunted by the torrential rains of the preceding evening or by 

 the still threatening aspect of the morning. At Ballynahinch 

 half-a-dozen well-equipped cars were in readiness, and the road 

 leading southward through a richly cultivated district is taken ; 

 a halt is called at the northern end of Loughinisland to visit a 

 cromlech, after which the party soon spread, attracted by the 

 waters of the upper end of the lough, in which flourish both 

 the white and yellow Water-lily and other less conspicuous but 

 interesting plants. Adjoining the western shore of the lough, 

 on what was undoubtedly once an island, but now connected 

 by a causeway to the land, is an assemblage of ruined buildings 

 surrounded by an ancient graveyard. The island, according to 

 Reeves, is about an English acre in extent, and contains the 

 ruins of three churches. The largest is called the old parish 

 church ; the second, or middle one, is exceedingly ancient, and 

 was probably disused when the other, which is also very ancient, 

 was built ; the third and lowest down is called M'Cartan's 

 Chapel. Over the door are the letters "P. M. C." (Phelim 

 M'Cartan), and the date 1639. Continuing the drive, Clough 

 is reached, and the ancient rath, surrounded by a deep fosse, is 

 visited. This rath is surmounted by the remains of a small but 

 solidly-built castle, an unusual accompaniment of these earth- 

 works, and probably the work of a much later period than the 

 rath. The return journey is through Seaforde and by the Spa, 

 where another halt is made. The President (Mr. William 

 Gray, M.R LA.) here intimated that he had many years ago 

 noticed some remarkable markings in rocks a short distance off, 

 and he considered the Club should visit them. Accordingly 

 the way is led through some fields, and after clearing away 

 some bramble and moss from a rock exposure the surface is laid 

 bare, and certainly the markings brought to view are most un- 



