Ulster as a Motoring Centre.
Its Appeal to British Drivers.
BY "RADIATOR" OF BELFAST TELEGRAPH.
BRITISH motorists seeking new touring grounds will find ample scope for
their activities in Ulster.
The scenery has a charm of its own and makes instant appeal. In fact, no
greater tribute could be paid to Ulster as a touring centre, and to the
warmth of welcome which is accorded the stranger, than that those who
favour it with their presence so often express their eagerness to
return. It has been so with quite a number of tourists to whom I have
acted as guide from time to time. In view of this it is not surprising
to find that the number of British motorists who spend their holidays
here is growing each year. Many more would probably come over if they
were fully aware of the conditions and the relationship which exists
between Ulster and their own country.
I have toured quite a lot in England, Scotland and Wales, and it has
been my invariable experience, when Ulster was under discussion, to be
plied with all sorts of questions about customs, etc. No little surprise
was occasioned when I replied that British motorists in visiting Ulster
have to make no special arrangements, any more than they would have if
they were doing the shorter journey, say, from Liverpool to Birkenhead.
That is still the position.
There is little, if any, difference in the motoring laws as compared
with those of Great Britain. In Ulster the British road tax is
effective. The British driving licence is valid, the same rate of petrol
tax is levied and British cars are listed at the same prices at which
they can be purchased in any city in Great Britain, and no examination
whatever is made of either the drivers or the cars when arriving for
touring purposes. As soon as the motorist lands, whether it be at
Belfast, Larne or Londonderry, from any port in Great Britain, he is
free to drive about just as if he were in his home town. There is,
however. one little matter in which he must exercise care. This is in
regard to third-party insurance, which is compulsory, as it is in Great
Britain. In certain cases British policies are confined to risks in
Great Britain, and it is essential for the visiting motorist to make
sure that the company with which he is insured grants him the requisite
cover in Northern Ireland, in the same way that it is necessary for an
Ulster motorist to see that he is covered while touring in Great
Britain. This is a small matter, but at the same time it is one which
should be looked into by the motorist before setting out on his holiday.
The booking of cars on the cross-Channel steamers is a small detail. As
to the rates, these are given in summary form elsewhere in this guide.
When the motorist arrives a short time will suffice for him to
appreciate that he is in a country which not only caters for but also
heartily welcomes motor traffic. The Government in particular, and Local
Authorities in general, are sympathetic and ever alert to the interests
of motorists. Shortly after its formation in 1921 the Government passed
a Bin giving Local Authorities power to order the dosing of public roads
in their respective areas for the purpose of enabling motor racing to be
carried on. The Highway Authorities in Ulster have taken full advantage
of the powers conferred upon them by the Aft, and each season
applications for no fewer than nine important road races are readily
granted These include the Ulster Grand Prix Motor Cycle Race which is
held over a twenty mile course near Belfast, the R.A.C. Tourist Trophy
Car Race which is run on the Ards Circuit, about thirteen miles in
length, also within easy reach of the city, the Ulster Automobile Club's
150 miles International Co. Down Trophy Car Race on the Bangor Circuit,
and the Ireland (North-West) 200 miles Motor Cycle Road Race which is
organised by the North of Ireland Motor Club, Ltd., Londonderry, and is
held over a triangular course of eleven miles, embracing Portrush,
Portstewart and Coleraine. The Grand Prix is the fastest race of its
kind in the world. It was first held in 1922, and has since grown in
importance to such an extent that it has been selected by the Federation
Internationale des Clubs Motocyclistes as the Grand Prix of the Nations
for 1935. The promoters are the Ulster Motor Cycle Club, Ltd. The dates
of these events are :�Ireland (North-West) "200," May I 1 ; Co. Down
Trophy Car Race, June 22 ; Ulster Grand Prix, August 24 ; and R.A.C. T.T.
Race, September 7. The Ulster Auto-mobile Club also hold a Concours
d'Elegance at Bangor on September 4.
It was in 1928 that the "T.T." was inaugurated in Ulster, and it is
doubtful if the event would ever have been held without the support of
the Government and Local Authorities. This support has been repeated
each year, consequently each event has been more successful than its
predecessor.
Legislation has been passed giving Local Authorities power to acquire
land necessary for the widening of roads and the rounding of dangerous
corners; to cut hedges which obscured the views of drivers, and also to
provide parking places. The good work continues, and driving conditions
have shown a notable improvement during the past few years.
Remarkable improvements have also been effected on road surfaces, and
the highways of Ulster can generally be classified as "good." Main roads
have been relaid. principally with concrete, and on the inland road from
Belfast to Portrush, an attractive seaside resort, there are stretches
which total no fewer than twenty-three miles. Sooner or later the
remaining thirty odd miles will be similarly treated, and it will then
be one of the most notable all-concrete highways in the Kingdom.
With Belfast as a starting point the visiting motorist has some of the
finest scenery in the British Isles at his disposal. Pride of place may
be given to the Antrim Coast Road which is the admiration of all
visitors
From Larne to Cushendall, a distance of twenty-five miles, the road runs
beside the sea, round bays and headlands, with a succession of
variegated cliffs, wooded valleys, overhanging promontories and, here
and there, long stretches of sandy beach. The Glens of Antrim�Glenariff,
Glendun, Glenarm and others�are exceptionally pretty and are worthy of a
visit en route. From Cushendall the road runs across country to
Ballycastle, a delightful seaside resort, and on to the famous Giants
Causeway. A short run brings the motorist to Portrush and from there he
can visit Portstewart and Coleraine. From the latter place he can either
return direct to Belfast or continue to Londonderry, known as the Maiden
City, and one of the few walled cities in the British Isles. Another
fine coastal drive is that from Belfast via Bangor, Donaghadee and the
Ards Peninsula on to Newcastle nestling below Slieve Donard, the highest
of the lovely Mourne Mountains. The remainder of the journey to
Warrenpoint is equally appealing, particularly the last lap along the
shores of Carlingford Lough.
Inland there are also many enjoyable runs. Lough Neagh, the largest
inland lake in the British Isles, is worthy of a visit and so is Lough
Erne, which to many is as beautiful as the finest English or Scottish
lakes. There are numerous other places of interest, but space does not
permit of a detailed reference being made to these. Both the Automobile
Association and the Royal Automobile Club, which, by the way, have their
scouts and guides all over Ulster, issue attractive tours, and visiting
motorists would be well advised to take advantage of these facilities in
order to cover as much ground as possible in the time at their disposal.
So far I have dealt purely with motorists visiting Ulster direct from
Great Britain. In certain cases drivers may desire to include the Irish
Free State in their itinerary, and in others to visit the Free State
first and then enter Northern Ireland. If the Free State comes into the
driver's programme at all the question of Customs does arise, and
certain arrangements must be made by the motorist before he leaves Great
Britain. If he is a member of the A.A. or the R.A.C. he must make
application to the local branch or headquarters for Customs and
Temporary Registration Documents. The Customs document is known as a Triptyque, and for this the
motorist has to deposit �10 and furnish an indemnity for the balance of
the duty on the car. This duty is assessed at a minimum of �40 on the
body, and at 33⅓ per cent. on the
engine and chassis. For Customs purposes the body is reckoned to
represent a third of the total value of the car. The deposit of �10 is
held until the motorist returns home and hands over his Triptyque duly
discharged by the Free State Customs Authorities. Eventually it is
refunded and the bankers indemnity is cancelled and returned to the
bank.
If the motorist has not an account in a bank he can either deposit the
whole amount of duty in cash with the motoring organisation of which he
is a member, or he can, in the case of the A.A., take out a guarantee
with the Motor Union Insurance Company for which he pays a premium of
5/� per cent. upon the total amount of duty, the minimum premium being
10/�.
As reciprocity of road tax does not exist between Great Britain and the
Irish Free State, it is essential for motorists to procure what are
known as an International Fiscal Permit. an International Driving Permit
and an International Certificate for Motor Vehicles. The cost of these
permits is �2 (motor-cycles �1), and it is necessary for the applicant
to forward the buff registration book relating to the vehicle and to
furnish to the issuing authority two passport photographs of each person
who will drive the car. An examination of the car and drivers must also
be carried out by an official of the recognised motoring organisation.
If the Fiscal Permit is obtained at the time of making application for
the various documents no extra charge is made, but if it is procured
separately a charge of 7/6 is levied. Unless the motorist is in
possession of a Fiscal Permit he will not be in a position to have his
International documents honoured on arrival in the Free State, neither
will it be possible for him to follow the alter-native procedure of
obtaining temporary registration.
Temporary registration can be effected at Dublin or any Border County
Registration Office, provided an International Fiscal Permit has been
procured from the A.A. or R.A.C. before leaving for the Irish Free
State. Special ZZ plates are issued for this purpose, together with an
I.F.S. driving licence. The plates must be displayed whilst the car is
circulating in the State. The cost of the plates, including the driving
licence, is the same as in the case of the International documents, but
there are no tests and photographs are not required. At the same time
International documents are advocated where time permits, as they are
valid for twelve months, and can be utilised on the Continent.
The International documents are honoured on arrival in the Free State.
On production of the Fiscal Permit and the certificates for the car and
driver, a licence to drive, an international circulation permit valid
for four months (which is the time allowed to remain without having to
pay road tax), and a registration card are issued free. The circulation
permit takes the place of the road licence disc, while the car is in the
Free State, and the registration card is equivalent to the British
Registration book.
Insurance is also operative in the Free State, and it is necessary for
motorists from Great Britain and Northern Ireland crossing the Border to
be in possession of a Certificate in the prescribed Irish Free State
form ; such Certificate will differ from that in existence in Great
Britain or Northern Ireland, and must be authenticated by an Insurance
Company which has made the necessary deposit with the Free State
Government in respect of motor insurance. It, therefore, behoves each
motorist before leaving for the Free State to satisfy himself that he is
in possession of a Certificate complying with the Irish Free State Road
Traffic Act, 1934.
The motorist who is domiciled in Northern Ireland, and whose car is
licensed with an Northern Ireland Licensing Authority, may obtain from
the A.A. or R.A.C. a Triptyque to enable him to enter the Free State, on
submission of an Indemnity signed by his Bankers, and on payment of a
Service Fee of 5/-. The deposit of x.10 is not applicable in this case.
Further-more, he does not require International documents, but merely a
Free State Driving Licence, which is issued by either of the
aforementioned motoring organisations, at a cost of 10/-. He will, of
course, require to have in his possession an appropriate Certificate of
Insurance covering, at least, third party risks arising out of the use
of the vehicle in the Irish Free State.
In the case of the Free State motorist entering Nor-land, as a result of
the introduction of recent legislation, certain British manufactured
cars are net admitted free of duty into Northern Ireland or Great
Britain. Consequently, it is imperative nowadays for the motorist, if he
is the owner of a motor car which was manufactured in Great Britain, to
make contact with the Automobile Association, Dublin, in order to
ascertain what formalities it is essential for him to comply with.
If a foreign-manufactured car is being imported into Northern Ireland or
Great Britain, the owner will require to procure a British Triptyque
from one of the motoring organisations in the Free State. The
formalities attendant upon the issue of this Customs document are
identical with those applicable in the case of cars being imported into
the Free State from Northern Ireland, as already described.
Intervalidity of Road Tax exists between the Free State and Northern
Ireland so far as private motor vehicles are concerned, consequently it
is not necessary to register the vehicle on arrival in Northern Ireland.
The motorist must, however, be in possession of a valid Northern Ireland
Driving Licence and a Certificate of Insurance covering at least Third
Party Risks in the north. The Automobile Association, Dublin, is in a
position to issue Northern Ireland Driving Licences immediately on
receipt of an application and requisite photographs.
APPROVED ROADS FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE IRISH FREE
STATE
SHEWING MILEAGES BETWEEN CUSTOM HOUSES AND FRONTIER POSTS.
|
|
APPROVED ROAD |
NORTHERN IRELAND |
IRISH FREE STATE |
No |
N. I. Town |
Mileage
To |
I. F. S.
town |
Customs
Station |
Mileage
To |
Frontier Post |
Mileage
To |
Frontier
Post |
Mileage
To |
Customs
Station |
1 |
Londonderry |
19� |
Moville |
Londonderry
Strand Road |
4� |
Culmore |
1� |
Muff |
- |
Muff |
2 |
Londonderry |
14 |
Buncrana |
Londonderry
Strand Road |
3� |
Gallagh Rd. |
1� |
Bridgend |
- |
Bridgend |
3 |
Londonderry |
7� |
St. Johnstown |
Londonderry
Strand Road |
2� |
Creevagh |
3� |
Carrigans |
2 |
St. Johnstown |
4 |
Strabane |
17� |
Letterkenny |
Strabane Bg. |
- |
Strabane Bg. |
� |
Lifford Bg. |
- |
Lifford |
5 |
Strabane |
14� |
Stranorlar |
Strabane Bg. |
5 |
Clady |
|
Nr. Clady
Rly. Station |
2 |
Castlefins |
6 |
Belleek |
4� |
Ballyshannon via south shore
of L. Erne |
Belleek |
- |
Belleek |
� |
Cloghore |
4 |
Ballyshannon |
7 |
Enniskillen |
37� |
Ballyshannon
via Pettigo |
Enniskillen
(Fairview) |
19� |
Tullyhomman Bridge |
� |
Pettigo |
17� |
Ballyshannon |
8 |
Belcoo |
14� |
Manorhamilton |
Belcoo |
- |
Belcoo |
� |
Blacklion |
14 |
Manorhamilton |
9 |
Enniskillen |
12� |
Swanlinbar |
Enniskillen
(Fairview) |
11� |
Mullan |
1 |
Swanlinbar |
- |
Swanlinbar |
10 |
Newtown-
Butler |
5� |
Clones |
Newtown-
Butler |
4� |
Clontivrim Br |
� |
Clones |
1 |
Clones |
11 |
Auchnacloy |
12� |
Monaghan |
Auchnacloy |
- |
Auchnacloy |
1� |
Moy Bridge |
11� |
Monaghan |
12 |
Armagh |
17� |
Monaghan |
Armagh
(Probate Court) |
10� |
Middletown |
1� |
Tyholland |
5� |
Monaghan |
13 |
Armagh |
18 |
Castleblayney |
Armagh
(Probate Court) |
12 |
Carnagh |
� |
Tullynagrow |
5� |
Castleblayney |
14 |
Armagh |
28 |
Dundalk |
Tullydonnell |
- |
Tullydonnell |
� |
Drumbilla |
5� |
Dundalk |
15 |
Newry |
12� |
Dundalk |
Newry |
4� |
Kileen |
- |
Carrickarnon |
8� |
Dundalk |
16 |
Newry |
15� |
Greenore |
Newry |
5� |
Upper Fathom |
- |
Ferryhill |
6� |
Carlingford |
17 |
*Londonderry |
21� |
Letterkenny
via Newtown-
Cunningham |
Londonderry
(Strand Rd.)
|
2� |
Creevagh |
2� |
Kildrum |
- |
- |
Safety First ! Might we remind motorists of this national campaign?
Please do not take unnecessary risks ; keep on the correct side of white
lines and remember that there always might be danger just around the
corner.
Safe driving will take you to Ulster's Beauty Spots.
Dangerous driving might take you to Hospital.
Thank You
Archaeology and
Ancient Monuments.
BY D. A. CHART, I.S.O., LITT. D.
THE remains of antiquity in Northern Ireland are extensive and varied,
covering 50 centuries of human history, and ranging back to that period
of the Stone Age, known as the early neolithic. With-out trenching on
controversial matters, it may be said that if palaeolithic man, the
contemporary of the mammoth and other extinct beasts, ever inhabited
Ulster, no certain evidence of his stay has as yet come to light.
Neolithic man has left his weapons and implements in many places. At the
gravelly raised beach called the Curran, Larne, Co. Antrim, they have
been found in such abundance and in so many stages of production as to
indicate that it was a centre of their manufacture. The shifting sands
of Whitepark Bay, in the same county, cover a "black layer" consisting
of charcoal from fires, mingled with the implements of prehistoric man,
and the shell and bone refuse of his meals. For the most part, this
period is better illustrated in museums than on actual sites, and the
best introduction to its study is a visit to Belfast Municipal Museum,
which has a rich and well-arranged collection of prehistoric
antiquities.
The earliest flint implements found in Ulster are rude instruments
resembling the head of a very large and unbifurcated claw hammer. This
was clutched in the hand, and its narrower end, which had been roughly
pointed and edged by chipping, might be used in hand to hand fight, or
to kill an animal, or sever the bough of a tree. To this period also
belong the small borers, probably used for making holes in skins to hold
the thongs by which they were fastened together when used as clothing.
They may date back. as far as 3,000 B.C. As the Stone Age progresses,
the implements present more varied forms and show an increasing skill,
including scrapers for cleaning hides, small knives and saws,
arrow-heads, small curved scrapers probably intended to clear the bark
from arrow-shafts or tool-handles, spear-heads, and axe-heads.
Considering the maker's equipment, the work is neither clumsy nor
inartistic. A lapidary might be proud of the fine chipping of some of
the arrow-heads, or of the polish on the stone axe-heads found in a
hoard at Danesfort, Malone Road, Belfast, a little over a mile from the
museum, in which they are exhibited. " Spindle whorls" show that textile
production has commenced.
The use of bronze came in about 2,000 B.C. Its most characteristic
features are its weapons of war�swords, axes and daggers. Stone moulds
show the manner in which the molten bronze was given the desired shape.
A tremendous spearhead, no less than 22} ins long, is amongst the finds
taken from the Lower Bann river during recent dredging, as also some
interesting bronze swords, brooches and other objects. Here is also a
very fine bronze sword from Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, and several
cauldrons, some of which have been repaired by the use of a sort of
split pin, not unlike a paper-fastener. Other objects not popularly
associated with the Bronze Age are leaf-shaped razors, and small
sickles, the latter probably used to detach only the ear. not the stalk.
Agriculture has arrived.
Iron commenced to replace bronze in Ireland about 350 B.C. The metal
remains of this period are usually so rusted as to be with difficulty
recognisable, and the designs of most of the tools and weapons are
familiar to an age which still uses iron. Ornament is beginning to
develop rapidly, and on objects not susceptible to rust is seen to be
more bold and varied than in any preceding period. Curved lines and
semi-geometric designs are frequent. A good idea of the Early Iron Age
is given by the contents of a crannogue, or ancient lake-dwelling
excavated at Lisnacroghera, near Ballymena, Co. Antrim. These are
exhibited together.
The prehistoric periods are also illustrated by some interesting and not
unattractive pottery ; the earliest of these is the food-vessel,
resembling the ordinary pudding basin in shape. The decoration on this
is simple, consisting of straight strokes, prints of finger-tip or nail,
or the impress of a twisted cord. Decorative bands were applied by
adding extra layers to the original pot. A larger and more elaborate pot
is the cinerary urn, over a foot high and in shape resembling a bread
crock. These are often intricately ornamented. On one from near Newry
the familiar herring-bone pattern on the applied decoration is used to
depict most unmistakably an ear of wheat. Thus began one form of
pictorial art.
This early pottery is rarely found intact or even moderately undamaged
except in a grave, and indeed in that special kind of grave where it is
protected from fracture by great slabs of overhanging stone, the
megalithic tomb, which takes so many forms and occurs so frequently in
Ulster. The food vessel is usually found empty in such situations, it
most probably contained a meal for the spirit of the deceased. When a
cinerary urn is discovered, it generally contains burnt bones.
These stone-chambered graves, of which the dolmen, popularly known as
cromlech, with its giant capstone, held aloft on stout supports, is the
most familiar example, are judged, from the remains, which have been
found in them, to belong to the late neolithic or early bronze age (say
2,500 to 1,500. B.C.). Even more common are the smaller and less
imposing box-like stone graves called cists. These are often half or
wholly buried in the earth. They may he either single, or associated
together in such a way as to form a definite semi-geometrical design If
the cists are placed end to end a long rectangle is formed. This may be
adorned at one end by a semi-circle of upright stones, making what is
known as a "horned cairn. ' One such was recently excavated at Coward,
near Hilltown, Co. Down. Or again the whole structure may form a
gigantic Y, as at White Rocks, Balix, near Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone, or a
T, as at Cregganconroe, near Pomeroy, in the same county.
The persons thus buried were probably of importance, kings, chiefs,
notable warriors, and, in some cases, their near relations, such as
wives or children. The stones very seldom bear anything that even looks
like an inscription. A hill-top dolmen at Knockmany, near Augher, Co.
Tyrone, is decorated with designs mainly of the spiral or concentric
circle type, but their significance, if they have any, is a subject for
speculation.
Other monuments of this period are upright stones fixed in the earth and
known as "standing stones." These occur singly or in combinations. Of
the latter the most impressive is the stone circle. This may also mark
or commemorate a burial. Some have thought that these stone-marked rings
were places of assembly or worship, and that possibly specially large or
prominent stones served as idols. At Lough Hill, near Pomeroy. Co.
Tyrone, in boggy moorland, the remains of a whole cluster of stone
circles, composed of low-sized stones may be seen.
The single standing stone, in its most common form, is 3 to 5 feet high.
Most probably these stones are commemorative and mark a burial or a
battle-field. Some of them, in very prominent positions, may have been
land-marks. One, at Doagh, Co. Antrim, is pierced with a hole, probably
with some symbolic meaning. Others have been adapted to Christian
commemoration, possibly as a corrective of former pagan associations, as
at Kilnasaggart, Co. Armagh, near Newry. A stone at Aghascrebagh, near
Gortin, Co. Tyrone, hears an inscription in Ogham characters, one of the
very few examples in Ulster. The introduction of Ogham is ascribed to
the period immediately
preceding the rise of Christianity. At Seskilgreen, near Ballygawley,
Co. Tyrone. a standing stone is decorated with designs similar to those
on the dolmen at Knockmany.
The first use of iron in Ireland is ascribed to the invading Celts, who,
possessing a better armament and superior physique, soon conquered the
country. Their remains, appropriately enough, , are largely military in
character, the round forts which, under various names, rath,' lis,"
"dun," "cashel," are so prominent in local topography. On some of these
sites there may have been earlier occupation, but there is a fair bulk
of evidence linking the "forts" with the early Iron Age. The legend of
the foundation of Emania, the modern Navan, near Armagh, ascribes its
origin to the 4th century B.C. Such immense triple-ramparted forts as
Lisnagade, near Scarva, Co. Down, were obviously built to be the
strongholds of important military leaders, commanding large bodies of
warriors. Most of the forts are on hill-tops, or steep slopes, or points
of vantage beside rivers. But there are so many of them and they are
often so close together and in situations so lacking in military
importance that they cannot all have been fortresses. Many have only a
single rampart with a shallow trench. Others are commanded by
neighbouring higher ground. Sometimes a pair will be found together as
at Coshkib, near Cushendall. At Glenloughan, near Scarva, a new fort has
been built over-lapping the site of an older one. In some districts
there are as many forts as there are modern farmsteads. In ouch cases
the round fort, it may be concluded, was merely the ring-fence around a
dwelling, adequate to protect the occupants' one form of wealth, their
herd of cattle, from nocturnal marauders, whether human or animal. Those
strange underground chambers called souterrains are occasionally found
in these forts, particularly in Counties Down and Antrim. Most of them
have been closed up after exploration, but quite a lofty and commodious
specimen is kept permanently open at Drumena, near Newcastle, Co. Down.
Some of the souterrains may have been store-chambers, others bolt-holes,
and others again places for concealment or a last desperate refuge.
To this period also belong the "travelling earthworks" of which the most
notable in Ulster is that popularly. though with no historical
justification, called the "Dane's Cast," following fairly closely for
some distance the Down-Armagh border.
Christianity gave the impulse to build, and the oldest architecture to
be found in Ulster is in such tiny and rudely-built churches, or rather
oratories, as St. John's Point Chapel, Killough, Co. Down. These may be
known by their massive stone lintels, and their door-jambs inclining
inwards so that the opening narrows to the top and is more easily
bridged by the lintel. Their builders did not know of, or did not use,
the arch. In the few cases where the window of an early church has been
preserved, it usually resembles a loophole, being a narrow slit only a
few inches wide, and splaying to the interior so as to admit the light.
The Viking invasions, which were specially directed against the monastic
establishments, dealt a sore blow to Christian architecture in Ireland.
Many churches were burned or destroyed. However, the harried Christians
devised one counter-measure, the round tower, devised apparently for a
threefold purpose, as watch tower, belfry, and temporary place of refuge
for the monks with their treasures until such time as the population
could rally to their rescue from these sea raiders. Only two round
towers now survive in their entirety in Northern Ireland, one near the
town of Antrim, and one on Devenish Island, Lower Lough Erne.
By the earlier part of the eleventh century there was some degree of
peace from the Vikings, and the church could resume her pious task of
building and decoration, not, however, that this work had at any time
really ceased. Architecture in Ireland began to progress along lines
similar to those followed in other countries, and was probably not
uninfluenced by neighbouring lands. There are resemblances between what
has been called the Hiberno-Romanesque style of the Irish Church in the
period preceding the Anglo-Norman invasion, and the contemporary Norman
style in England. Both, for instance, make use of the semi-circular
arch. There are not many examples of this period in Ulster, but those
which have survived exhibit a fine sense of pro-portion and a good
natural taste. This is shown in the old churches at Banagher and
Dungiven, Co. Londonderry, the building called Teampul Mhor at Devenish
and the beautiful portal at White Island, Lower Lough Erne, Co.
Fermanagh.
The Anglo-Norman conquest only extended to the Counties of Antrim and
Down, and although the Nor-mans made incursions into Tyrone, Derry and
Armagh, they had no permanent footing there and left comparatively few
traces. To Fermanagh they do not seem to have penetrated. However, even
in the unsubdued lands their influence was felt, for there are
indications that native builders modelled their structures, particularly
those of a defensive character, on the Norman exemplar. The finest
specimens of mediaeval castle and church are to be found in the two
eastern counties.
Between 1315 and 1603 the country was so distracted and impoverished by
war that many buildings perished by the hand of the incendiary or
through neglect, and there was little new construction. Except for the
Cistercians at Greyabbey and Inch, Co. Down, the great religious orders
have left hardly any mark. On Devenish Island, already mentioned, where
successive ecclesiastical remains cover a period of approximately 1,000
years, there are the remains of a not very large Augustinian priory,
built mainly in the 15th century. And in another Augustinian priory at
Dungiven, Co. Londonderry, in a church built for the most part before
the Norman Invasion, there is a fine monument in the "decorated" style
to an Irish chieftain, Cooey na Gall (O'Cahan), who died in 1385.
Considerable remains of Franciscan friaries exist at Armagh and at
Bonamargy near Ballycastle.
The last period to leave distinct traces in the antiquities of Northern
Ireland was that of the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century.
The leading settlers were under compact to build defensible houses,
surrounded by walls or ramparts, as rallying-points for their tenantry
in the event of rebellion. These "Plantation Castles," as they are
called, have best survived in Fermanagh and Tyrone; Monea and Tully in
the former county, and Castlecaulfield and Aughentaine in the latter
will give a good idea of their design. Of those put up by the twelve
London companies which colonised the county of Londonderry, a few still
remain, but usually are either much ruined or partly modernised.
Index to Towns and Districts.
Index to Advertisements.
(Alphabetical in Towns).
AMUSEMENTS.
BELFAST. |
Lyceum |
Astoria Cinema |
Plaza Dance Hall |
Bellevue Gardens |
Royal Cinema |
Belvoir Park Golf Club |
GREYABBEY. |
Classic Cinema |
Greyabbey Pageant |
Empire |
|
Grand Opera House |
NEWCASTLE |
Hippodrome |
''Donard Lodge" Castle |
GENERAL. |
BANGOR. |
BUSHMILLS. |
Furey, H., Ltd., General Store |
" Old Bushmills" Distillery Co., Ltd. |
BELFAST. |
CUSHENDALL. |
Belfast" News-Letter" Ltd |
McAlister, A., House Agent and General Merchant |
Braddell, J. & Son . |
LONDONDERRY. |
Grattan's Table Waters |
Rosborough & Co Select Provisions . |
Tate's Medical Hall |
Watt, Andrew A. & Co.,Ltd., Wholesale Whiskey Merchants |
White's Table Jellies |
PORTSTEWART. |
|
Nicholson, W., House Agent |
|
|
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES.
Belfast and North of Ireland Hotel Association |
ANNALONG |
BANGOR. |
Mullartown House |
Beresford House |
ANTRIM. |
Castleview Hotel |
Antrim Arms Hotel |
"Craigmore" |
Hall's Hotel |
Fermanagh (Pte.) Hotel |
Massereene Arms Hotel |
"Greenmount" |
ARMAGH. |
Hay, Miss, 1 Lorelei |
Beresford Arms Hotel |
Imperial Hotel |
Charlemont Arms Hotel |
Langdrew (Pte.) Hotel |
BALLINTOY |
Mount Pleasant Private Hotel |
Carrick-a-Rede Hotel |
New Savoy Hotel |
BALLYCASTLE. |
Pickie Hotel |
Antrim Arms Hotel |
"Pierview" |
Marine Hotel |
Rowandean |
BALLYNAHINCH. |
Royal Hotel |
Spa Hotel and Hydro |
Seacliffe (Pte.) Hotel |
BELFAST. |
"Sea View" |
Belgravia House (Pte.) Hotel |
LONDONDERRY. |
Grand Central Hotel . |
City Hotel |
Granville Temp. Hotel |
Metropole Hotel |
Kensington Hotel |
Northern Counties Hotel |
Mariners' Temp. Hotel |
MAGHERY. |
Midland Station Hotel |
Lough Neagh Hotel . |
Presbyterian Hostel |
NEWCASTLE. |
Queen's Hotel |
Central Temp. Hotel |
Robinson's Temp. Hotel |
"Claremont" |
Union Hotel |
Donard, The, Hotel |
Waverley Hotel |
Imperial (Pte.) Hotel |
CARNLOUGH. |
Kerr, Mrs |
Londonderry Hotel |
Slieve Donard Hotel . |
CASTLEROCK |
Tyrone House . |
Golf Hotel . |
PORTBALLINTRAE. |
COLERAINE |
Red House Hotel . |
Corporation Arms Hotel |
PORTRUSH |
COOKSTOWN |
Alexandra, The |
Commercial Hotel |
Craig-Vara House . |
CUSHENDALL |
Dunard (Pte.) Hotel |
Delargy's Hotel |
Dunn, Miss, 4 Mount Royal |
Glens of Antrim Hotel |
Eglinton, The, Hotel |
Glenville Hotel |
Esplanade (Pte.) Hotel |
Spence's Temp. Hotel |
Golf (Pte.) Hotel . |
Thornlea (Pte.) Hotel |
Holyrood (Pte.) Hotel |
CUSHENDUN. |
Inverard (Pte.) Hotel |
Cushendun Hotel |
Leander, The (Pte.) Hotel |
Glendun Hotel |
Londonderry Hotel |
DONAGHADEE |
Malvern House |
Brookmount Guest House |
Metropole Hotel |
Imperial Hotel . |
Northern Counties Hotel |
Mount Royal Hotel . |
Rockingham (Pte.) Hotel |
ENNISKILLEN |
Royal Portrush Hotel |
Lough Erne Hotel, |
Seabank Hotel |
Killadeas |
Skerry-Bhan Hotel |
Royal Hotel . |
West Bay View Hotel |
FIVEMILETOWN |
PORTSTEWART |
The Valley Hotel |
Carrig-na-Cule Hotel |
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY. |
Craig-Gowan . |
Kane's Hotels |
Montagu Arms Hotel |
GROOMSPORT |
Post Office House |
Groompsort Hotel |
Rock Castle Holiday Home |
KILKEEL |
Seapark Boarding House |
"Fintomara" |
Strand Hotel |
Kilmorey Arms Hotel |
Toronto House |
LARNE |
WARRENPOINT |
Barnhill Temp. Hotel |
Alexandra Hotel & Cafe |
King's Arms and Crown Hotels |
Crown Hotel |
Laharna Hotel |
WHITEHEAD |
Loughview Hotel |
Esplanade Hotel |
Olderfleet Hotel |
Royal Hotel |
ROSTREVOR |
|
"Ardkeen" |
|
Great Northern Hotel |
|
Roxboro' House |
|
STRABANE |
|
Abercorn Arms Hotel |
|
|
|
LINEN, SOUVENIR AND GENERAL STORES. |
BELFAST |
LARNE |
Family Linen Store |
Close. Mrs. M |
Johnston Umbrellas, Ltd. |
PORTRUSH |
Murphy & Orr, Ltd. |
Caskey & Co., Ltd. |
Robinson & Cleaver, Ltd |
White House Ltd. |
Tate's Irish Violets |
|
Walton, W. E. |
|
|
|
LOCAL AUTHORITIES. |
BANGOR |
LONDONDERRY |
Bangor Borough Council |
Londonderry Corporation . |
BALLYCASTLE |
NEWCASTLE |
Ballycastle U.D.C. |
Newcastle U.D.C. |
BELFAST |
PORTRUSH |
Belfast Harbour Commissioners |
Portrush U.D.C. |
DONAGHADEE |
PORTSTEWART |
Donaghadee U.D.C. |
Portstewart U.D.C. |
KILKEEL |
WARRENPOINT |
Kilkeel R.D.C. |
Warrenpoint U.D.C |
LARNE |
|
Larne U.D.C. |
|
|
|
RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS. |
BALLYNAHINCH |
Queen Cafe |
Heart 0' Down Road House |
Royal Cinema Cafe |
BELFAST |
Thompson's (Belfast), Ltd. |
Abercorn Restaurant |
COLERAINE |
Astoria Cinema & Cafe |
Coleraine (Temp.) Cafe |
Bonne Bouche Cafe |
COOKSTOWN |
Cafe Royal |
The Cafe |
Carlton Cafe and Restaurant |
GREYABBEY |
Classic Cinema Cafe |
Orange Tree, The |
Lombard Cafe |
KILKEEL |
Merrythought Cafe |
Seaclitfe Tea Gardens |
Orpheus Restaurant |
LARNE |
Presbyterian Hostel Cafe |
Barnhill Cafe |
LONDONDERRY |
PORTRUSH |
City Cafe |
Trocadero Restaurant |
County Cafe |
PORTSTEWART |
Foster, M. A. |
McGowan, Andrew |
Stevenson's Cafe |
WARRENPOINT |
Thompson's Cafe |
Alexandra Hotel & Cafe |
|
|
STEAMER, RAIL & ROAD TRANSPORT. |
BANGOR |
Great Western Rly. (E.) |
Pioneer Motor Coaches |
London, Midland and Scottish Railway |
Tonic Motor Coaches |
London, Midland and Scottish Rly. (N.C.C.) |
BELFAST |
Melville & Co., Ltd. |
Autorolls Hire Service |
Ulster Imperial Line (B.S.S. Co., Ltd.) . |
Belfast and Co. Down Rly. |
White Star Motor Coach Tours |
Belfast Omnibus Co., Ltd |
|
Burns & Laird Lines Ltd. |
LONDONDERRY |
Catherwood, H. M. S. Ltd. |
Neely & Co., Motor Hirers |
G.N.R.�L.M.S. Road Tours |
NEWCASTLE |
Great Northern Rly. Co. (I.) |
Slieve Donard Garage |
|
|
TOUR ORGANISERS & TOURIST AGENCIES. |
ANTRIM |
Great Northern Rly. Co. (I.) |
Fawcett's Tours |
London, Midland, and Scottish Rly. (N.C.C.) |
Hall's Tours |
White Star Motor Coach Tours |
Murphy's Massereene Tours |
|
BANGOR |
CARNLOUGH |
Bailie's B.B. Tours |
Londonderry Hotel |
Mitchell's Tours |
LARNE |
Pioneer Motor Coaches |
Laharna Hotel |
Tonic Motor Coaches |
Maxwell's Tours |
|
McNeill's Tours |
BELFAST |
MAGHERY |
Belfast and Co. Down Rly. |
Lough Neagh Tours |
Belfast Omnibus Co., Ltd |
PORTRUSH |
Catherwood, H. M. S., Ltd |
Fawcett's Tours |
Cook, Thos. & Son, Ltd. and Wagons-Lits Co. |
Metropole Hotel Tours |
G. N. R.�L. M. S Road Tours |
Northern Counties Hotel |
|
WARRENPOINT |
|
Crown Hotel Tours |
|
WHITEHEAD |
|
Devenny's Tours |
The Ulster Tourist Development Association, Ltd., the publishers of this volume, request readers to refer to the publication when writing to advertisers. |
|