)eane — Ancient Monuments under Sir John Lubhoclis Act. 165 
1 the Board of Works, and to take steps for their protection. I also 
ope that the great Eath of Dunkellain, near Downpatrick, will he 
ested in the Board. It is one of the grandest specimens of an earth- 
rork in Ireland, enormous in dimensions, and of great archaeological 
iiterest, heing connected with the history of the Eed Branch Knights. 
I regret to say that the interesting ruins of Staigue still remain 
ninvested, and that at present there is little hopes of their being so. 
Fhe district in which they stand is full of objects worthy of preserva- 
lion, and it is only to be hoped that at some future day the power of 
lacing objects of such great antiquity and interest as exist in Ireland 
fill arrest the attention of the Eoyal Irish Academy and other bodies, 
^ho should endeavour to place them in such position as will not only 
reserve them from injury, but lead to their investigation. 
