160 [Proc. Ji.N.F.O, 



found. We might mention here that some of the most impor- 

 tant evidence taken at the present " treasure trove " trial was 

 collected and given by members of the Club, whose keen powers 

 of observation and timely recording of the same in a great 

 measure secured the desired end — that the " ornaments " 

 should be restored, as they now have been, to their home in 

 Ireland. 



Arriving in Derry, the city was crossed, and the train was 

 taken to Creeslough ; on the way some of the more active 

 members making a hasty visit to the " walls," and taking the 

 visitors with them. At twelve o'clock all were once again 

 entrained and on the way to Donegal. 



The country passed through seems to bear the impress of 

 prosperity, and in the splendour of the summer sun which 

 favoured us it was as though nature had scattered plenty over 

 a smiling land with generous profusion. We had heard of the 

 poverty of Donegal, but in its garden of peace and plenty we 

 failed to see it. As a matter of fact, our tour seemed to be 

 in districts singularly free from dirt and poverty, with their 

 attendant evils, and our experience brought us into contact 

 with well and comfortably dressed people, possessed of that 

 bright, cheerful light-heartedness which is not known where 

 poverty, depression, and wrong reign and oppress. 



Approaching Burnfoot Station, where the county of 

 Donegal is entered, we could see, crowning a hill 800 feet high, 

 the " Grianan of Aileach," " a ring of cyclopean masonry 75 

 feet in diameter, the walls being 18 feet high and over 12 feet 

 thick at the base. Inside this huge wall from each side of 

 the entrance gate galleries run, with exits, on to the 

 enclosure." Its history goes away back through ages of 

 legend and tradition, but no mention of it is found in our 

 annals until early in the fourth century. After being 

 plundered several times, it was finally destroyed in 1101 by 

 Murtagh O'Brian, King of Munster. The antiquaries of the 

 party much regretted that time did not permit of a closer 

 inspection. A short stay was made at Kilmacrenan Station, 

 where great interest was aroused as the peasantry were on 



