1904-1905.] 289 



the neighbourhood of this improving watering-place. It had 

 been intended that on arrival in Ardglass the party should 

 divide, some proceeding to Rathmullan and others going 

 northwards to Ballyhornan Bay, but, none of the members 

 being desirous of visiting Rathmullan, it was decided that 

 there should be no division, but that all should keep together 

 for the day. 



The County Down Railway Company had reserved 

 carriages for the members, and Ardglass was reached shortly 

 after eleven o'clock; here vehicles were in readiness, and the 

 drive commenced. The road skirts the northern shore of 

 the harbour for about half a mile, and, the tide being full 

 in, the picturesquely-situated town was observed to the best 

 advantage. This place was formerly one of the foremost 

 ports in the North of Ireland, and at the time of the Anglo- 

 Norman invasion its possession was deemed of so much im- 

 portance that seven castles were built by De Courcy for its 

 protection. The ruins oi some of these castles, as well as of 

 fortified stores erected by a trading company under a grant 

 from Henry IV. and by subsequent traders, now occupy 

 conspicuous sites in the town. Jordan's Castle, the most 

 perfect of these, rises among the houses near the quay, and is 

 said to derive its name from Jordan de Saukvill, a Norman 

 whose family had settled here in 1177. It consists of a lofty 

 and slender tower, 70 feet high, of graceful architecture, and 

 in an excellent state of preservation. The Jordan arms — a 

 cross and three horse-shoes — are to be seen on a stone near 

 the top, and one corner tower is occupied by a still perfect 

 columbarium. The road now tends away from the shore, 

 and on the summit of the Hill of Ardtole (ard Tuathail, 

 Tuathal's height) was seen the very ancient Church of St. 

 Nicholas, appropriately dedicated to the patron saint of 

 sailors. This was formerly the Parish Church of Ardglass, 

 and the east wall, containing a large arched window, still 

 remains, as well as the side walls. 



A couple of miles further on our attention was directed 

 to an Anglo-Norman grave-slab of unusual and beautiful 



