The foregoing observations are the result of a fortnight's tour in Ireland in the summer of 1858. I should hardly have ventured to offer them to the notice of the Society of Antiquaries, had I not been encouraged to do so by several of the Fellows who thought them novel and interesting, and had I not felt that my previous acquaintance with mediæval architecture in general, and with the best works upon the subject of the architecture of Ireland in particular, often enabled me to see at a glance more than would be learned by long study without such previous information. The works to which I have been chiefly indebted are Dr. Petrie's learned and valuable work on "the Round Towers," and Mr. Wilkinson's sensible practical book on "the Geology and Architecture of Ireland." Mr. Wakeman's little guide-book I have also found very useful, and I have consulted several other works which it is not necessary to mention. Previous to setting out for Ireland, I was supplied, by the kindness of Lord Talbot de Malahide, with a list of the objects most likely to be useful for my purpose; I had also the pleasure of being personally acquainted with Dr. Petrie, Archdeacon Cotton, and Sir John Deane; and the direction of my tour was in some degree guided by these considerations. As soon as I arrived in Dublin I called on Dr. Petrie, who recommended me to take his former pupil Mr. Wakeman with me into Galway, by whose assistance I was enabled to make the most of my time. I then went for a few days on a visit to nay friend Archdeacon Cotton at Thurles, and he enabled me to see everything within reach of his house, including Holycross Abbey and the Rock of Cashel, and gave me all possible information respecting them. I then went on to Cork to see Sir John Deane, who gave me the same kind assistance for his neighbourhood. To all of them I return my cordial thanks; but I must not be understood to imply that any of these gentlemen are in the slightest degree responsible for my opinions, which may have been hastily formed, and require correction in some particulars; but I believe that my observations are new to the generality of English antiquaries.
I remain, my Lord,
Your very obedient Servant,
