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



acknowledged the compliment, no time was lost in making for 

 the fine old church, under the guidance of the rector of the 

 parish, the Rev. M. H. F. Collis. 



The sculptured monuments of members of the Massereene 

 family ornament the nave of the church, one being the work of 

 the eminent sculptor Flaxman, whilst several painted windows 

 enhance the general appearance of the sacred edifice. The 

 silver communion plate was much admired, consisting of flagon, 

 covered chalice, and paten, each inscribed u Ye Gift of Madam 

 Abigail Parnell to Antrim Parish Church, 1701." The parish 

 registers were also inspected, the careful way in which they 

 are preserved reflecting credit upon those in charge of them. 

 In the adjoining churchyard sleep many celebrated persons, 

 amongst whom we may mention Owen O'Connully, the informer 

 of 1 641 ; Sir John Clotworthy, keeper of the King's boats on 

 Lough Neagh, and intimate friend of Oliver Cromwell ; and 

 George Victor du Noyer, the geologist. The surrounding 

 walls of the yard were utilised by the Insurrectionists in 1798 

 with disastrous effect upon the King's troops, affording as they 

 did ample cover for the occupiers, whilst they commanded the 

 Main Street as far as the Market House. The church and yard 

 were in the very thick of the fight, and the old door (still 

 preserved in Antrim Castle) exhibits many traces of the 

 struggle. 



Before the train started there was still time for a hurried 

 visit to the round tower, one of the most perfect cloic-teac in 

 Ireland, in the vicinity of which was anciently a large religious 

 settlement, all traces of which have now disappeared. The 

 cameras were soon busy taking the tower from different positions, 

 whilst many members obtained access to the interior by a ladder 

 provided by the courteous landlord, George J. Clarke, J.P., who 

 freely admitted the party to his grounds. 



The 5-53 train brought the party back to the city, well 

 satisfied with their visit to the historic town of Antrim, and 

 the scenic beauty of the Vale of Moy-linne. 



