planned to intercept him on his way. They remained hidden between Ballinahown and Doon. When Golden reached Doon he decided to take the road to Moate and graze the cattle on farm in Westmeath. A spy noticed his changed intention and immediately set out to inform the men were waiting.

The Woods of Doon
I
Much have I roamed this land of mine
and many a joy I have met
But in memorie's ken or of places seen
My heart will never forget
But there is one apart from all
That shines like a day in June
Tis when a boy I roamed with joy
Down round the woods of Doon.

There are several forts in our locality such as Kilalee, Doon, Ballymacmorris and Palmer’s fort. They are all near each other. All the forts are circular in shape and are surrounded by a mound of earth.
There is an entrance in the fort as Killalee, but not at any of the others. Several people have gone into Killalee fort. Inside there is a square built tunnel

On the left of the road between Ballinahown and Ferbane there are the ruins of a very historic building. It is the Doon Castle. It is about a mile and a half from Ballinahown. It is up on a high hill. About two hundred yards from it there is another ruin, the remains of a Monastery. This monastery was inhabited by an order of Monks. These monks did Services for the Mooneys, and in return for their services the Mooneys protected them

in the direction of Lemanaghan. A wind rose and carried it to Doon. Any fresh breeze round the feast day of St. Ciaran is locally called "St. Ciaran's Wind".

There was great poverty and privation in this district during the famine 1840. The government supplied Indian meal to make porridge as the potatoes were a failure. People who had potatoes buried them deep in the soil as robbery was prevalent, Nevertheless they were often stolen. People found stealing were transported. Meal was also stolen. People were given land in exchange for a stone of oatmeal. Some families were extremely poor when a death took place, the corpse was carried on shoulders to the graveyard during the night. People died like flies from hunger, Coffins were rough and home-made. No such practice as rambling or gambling as people were not able to walk with weakness.
The porridge made in a big boiler in the protestant ministers yards at Doon. The house and property is now occupied by Mr. Hennessy. The boiler is yet to be had.
Eiblín Ní Dálaigh Rang a 4

In ancient days the road from Ballycumber to Clonmacnoise came down by Boher, Togher, cut across the present main road to Ferbane and crossed Mooney's bog. Every year the people of Cloonaderig when turf-cutting come across the road made in the bog. It was made of logs of wood held up on stakes. The stakes have sunk down in the bog and are revealed when the turf is cut away. Mr Mooney of the Doon who takes great interest in antiquaries, says that a wooden bowl was found also, and some wooden cups were found. The bowl had a grove around the top for tying a cord on it.

With old friends gone we quaffed the wine
Then joy was at is noon.
And life was sweet and joy complete,
Down round the Woods of Doon.

and nestled neat at Bracka's feet
As the groves round Ballinahown
And crested on its stately mound
The castle's fallen ruin.
A castle bold till Cromwell's stroll Down round the Woods of Doon.

as far as it was approached. There was a Leprechaun seen in Ballymacmorris fort. A man was coming from rambling on night, and he saw a party of fairies kicking football at the end of this fort. One Fairy they say kicked a hump on another fairy’s back.
Animals were never seen near any of these forts. People say there is an under ground passage at Killalee fort which leads to a fort Horeseleap.
All these forts are said to have been built in the time of the Danes. The owners never interfere with them.
Music was heard many times in Doon fort. A Story is told that a man was passing one night when the dance was on, he danced with them, and was kept

There are four forges in the district. The smith are Kieran Donoghue, John Egan - Hatton, and Michael Molloy. John Egan's and Michael Hatton's fathers were black smiths.

Bishop Hill 7-12-38

Proceeding from Ballinahown to Ferbane, on the main road, you will see to your left, about 20 yards in from the road, a castle on an eminence. The hill is very steep and rocky, and it is dotted here and there with shrubs and rocks.
It is a very old ruin, all clad with ivy, clinging to every stone as if to shelter it from the ravages of time.
The castle was founded by the O'Mooneys in the 10th century. The present representative is Mr Mooney of the Doon who resides on the estate on the opposite side of the road. The O'Mooneys are now Protestants. They reformed to retain their lands during the Reformation period.
On the south-east wall inserted as a corner stone is a peculiar carved stone. On it is carved a full figure of a woman in high relief with arms akimbo. Mr Mooney says it is "Sheila-na-Gig" (meaning according to Fr Meehan a noted antiquarian of this Diocese, Sídhle na Gaighe or Sheela of the Luck. It was transferred from a neighbouring ruin, which stands about 200 yards on the level ground which surrounds the castle.
The second ruin was formerly inhabited by an order of Monks who performed certain services for the Mooneys, in return for the lands and protection

(9) Kilgarvin : Cill Garbháin : The church of Garvan. It was founded in the 10th century by the Clonmacnoise monks.

(gabhar) instead of goat.