i900-i9°»-] 581 



portion of the tower is quite modern. Returning to the hotel 

 about 9 p.m., we adjourned to our respective quarters to 

 prepare for next day's investigations. 



On the 1 2th we had a long day's work before us on the hills 

 of Sliabh na Caillighe, near Oldcastle, yet the first train from 

 Navan was so late as 10-40. A second visit was therefore paid 

 to Athlumney Castle, burnt by its last lord, Sir Launcelot 

 Dowdale, whose estate was forfeited in 1700. A visit was also 

 paid to the very fine Roman Catholic Church en the way to 

 the station. Leaving for Oldcastle, a good view of Navan 

 Moat was obtained from the train, and, hurrying past a number 

 of inviting historical localities, we arrived at Oldcastle about 

 noon. Mr. Carolan was fully prepared with suitable vehicles, 

 on which we started at once for Loughcrew, the demesne of 

 the Naper family, who have done so much to investigate and 

 preserve the numerous ancient monuments on their property. 

 Our first halt was to see the perfect example of one of the 

 souterrains, or underground dwellings, that occurs within the 

 enclosed garden of Loughcrew. We have never seen a better 

 example or one in a better state of preservation. The passages 

 are built of field stones, covered on top by rough flags. The 

 chambers are large, and comfortably held from ten to twelve 

 visitors at a time. As usual, the chambers were formed at the 

 ends of the passages. The latter were in some places 6ft. high 

 and 4ft. to 5ft wide, and here and there were the characteristic 

 obstructions, which obliged the visitor to advance almost on 

 hands and knees. 



Leaving the country road at the park entrance, a very steep 

 ascent of 400 feet brought us to the crest of Slieve na Calliagh, 

 which here is about 840 feet above sea level. The undulating 

 crest extends westward for a distance of about two miles and a 

 half, the central hill being Carnbane, having a height of over 

 900 feet. This extended area is simply covered with archaic 



