The history of each nation has its useful and instructive lessons. This is true especially of that of Ireland, on account of her ancient renown, her unshaken faith, and the part she has taken in the affairs of the world. Yet, perhaps, there is no other country of equal importance, about which men in general know so little. Even her own children are actuated mostly by sentiment in regard to her, and are almost wholly destitute of that accurate knowledge which inspires true patriotism.

The object of this little book, therefore, is to give the outlines of Ireland’s history — to tell of her traditions and her heroes, her glories and her sorrows — and thus, if possible, to lead us to admire this long afflicted land.

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Most writers on this subject have confined themselves almost entirely to the more recent events, but this is an oversight, for, as Dr. Johnson remarks, they begin too late. “The ages,” says he, “which deserve an exact inquiry are those — for such there were — when Ireland was the school of the West, the quiet habitation of sanctity and literature.”

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The form into which the work has been put, seems best adapted for the object in view, as we see from the practice of the Church, which always makes use of the Catechism in imparting elementary instruction.

In conclusion I may add, that my best wishes for the success of this little venture, are that its pages may spread as far and wide as the Irish race itself, and that they will be read with the same care, and in the sanie spirit with which they were compiled.

[Signed:] Newark, N.J., March 7th, 1878

With her cliffs beating back the waters that threaten her on every side, Ireland presents a striking image of the contest which her children have waged for ages, against the bigotry and the brute force that would rob them of their faith, their liberty and lives. Yet, despite her long sad story, this famous sea-girt island is singularly blessed by the hand of the Creator. (p.11.)

Though little more than three hundred miles long, and one hundred and fifty broad, she has elements of greatness that give her much more influence than her size and population would lead us to suppose. Thus, her site is unrivalled, her climate mild and healthful, her bright verdure perennial. Her coast abounds in rich fisheries, and her bosom in precious and useful minerals. Large rivers give easy access through all the land, and numerous harbors invite the commerce of the world. She possesses also every variety of surface. Hill and dale, lough and plain, mountain and valley lie close together, and to the charms of delightful scenery, add the blessing of wonderful [12] fertility. With all these advantages, Ireland would seem destined by Providence to be the seat of a great empire. But how different has been her lot ! After having known glory of old and learned to love it ; after having been the home of sanctity and science, she was made the victim of an impious policy, and was despoiled for ages, that she might become a dependent on English bounty.

Yet, even in her desolation, Ireland is still a wonderland of sweet and pleasant memories. At every step we meet some noted relic of the past. At one time it is a little ivy-clad chapel nestling in a valley, or a spacious monastery in an island-retreat, or a ruined castle that seems like a guardian spectre seated on a hill ; at another, it is some ancient rath, or cairn, or cromlech, or round tower whose origin and history are now so strangely mingled and confused.

The places remarkable for beauty are numerous throughout the country, but the most famous are the Lakes of Killarney in Kerry, the vicinity of Glendalough in Wicklow, and the Giant’s Causeway on the coast of Antrim. This last is a splendid work of nature, and is reckoned among the wonders of the world. It is composed of thousands of massive pillars standing close together, and the whole mass of columns rising to a height of two hundred feet, slopes down gradually six hundred feet to the sea, and presents one of those rare, sublime spectacles, in which God centres and manifests His power. (pp.11-12.)