e, the philosopher. Ptolemy is asserted very
confidently by some authorities to have mentioned this place and its
river. It is certain, however, that the place was long in existence in
631, when St. Carthage, of Rahan, fled thither. Nothing could be
prettier than the appearance of the town, and it is a comfortable,
well-to-do place, monopolising the trade of a large countryside. St.
Machuda's Cathedral will repay inspection. The Castle is the Irish seat
of the Duke of Devonshire. It was an ancient fortress, dating back to
the reign of King John. It stands in a pre-eminently commanding
position, over the Blackwater, and was the scene of many a hard-fought
fight, especially in the wars of the Commonwealth, when Castlehaven
captured it from the Roundheads. A magnificent view of the surrounding
country may be had from its higher-storied windows. The public are
freely admitted. From one of the high windows, it is said, when James
II. was asked to look, he accused the maker of the suggestion of
desiring to throw him from the dizzy height.

From the Railway Station at Lismore, the most interesting object in view
is the new Roman Catholic Cathedral, dedicated to St. Carthage, the
founder of the See, and believed to occupy the site of his cell. Thickly
surrounded by beautiful lime trees, the warm red sandstones of the
walling, with the limestone dressing of the windows and doorways, forms
a brilliant picture. The interior is richly furnished, and altogether
the church is well worthy of a visit.

[Illustration: _Photo, Roche, Dublin._ The Guest House, Mount Melleray.]

[Illustration]

Waterford and District.

Waterford is the port of call for most of the shipping from the West and
South of England and Wales. The projected system by which steamers will
run direct from Fishguard to Rosslare Harbour, whatever effect it may
have upon Waterford as a port, will bring it by many hours nearer to the
English markets. It is only a question of a few years until this route
will be at the disposal of tourists and travellers from across the
Channel. Under the Amalgamation of Railways Act of 1900, Waterford has
the additional advantage of becoming a terminus of the system. With it
as centre, railway services are supplied to Cork County and Lismore, to
Limerick _via_ Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel, and to Kilkenny _via_
Kilmacow and Thomastown.

[Illustration: _Photo, Croker, Waterford._ Waterford.]

[Illustration: _Photo, Roche, Du