The first inhabitants of Ireland, according to a legend quoted by Keating from the Saltair   of  Caiseal,   were   " three   virgin daughters of the wicked Cain."    " Some others  say  it  was  three   fishermen  un¬willingly driven by a storm from Spain," Keating adds; "and as the island pleased them   they   returned   for   their   wives." Having come back to Ireland they were overtaken   by   the   Deluge   at   Tuaidh-Inbhear and drowned. According to the l.cabhar Gabhala, Ceasair with three men and fifty maidens embarked in ... Read More

The initial cost would be small, and might be more than covered by Crown rents, to be exacted afterwards from the settlers. If the colony is a success, it would introduce an element favourable to English Rule and law, and accustomed to English ways and speech, whose influence time, it was hoped, permeate and " civilise " the entire population. But up to Henry's death in 1547 nothing had been done. the Midland septs, whose proximity to the Pale gave them peculiar opportunities ... Read More