Statues - Hither & Thither |
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Howth - Binn Éadair
Fingal - Fine Gall Harbour Road / West Pier |
The Ready Boat Pillar |
Seán O'Dwyer
date? |
The following text is copied from the information sign.
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The Siege
Story Panel 1
This is inspired by the "Siege of Etar", an event that took place in what was then known as Dunboe, the Cow Fort. Aitherna, a poet and ambassador for the great Conchobar Mac Neasa, the High King of Ireland, while on his way back from a raid, was crossing the Liffey, when he was attacked by the Leinstermen wishing to regain "the spoils of war" stolen from them: 150 women and 700 cows. Aithema was besieged at Ben-Na-Dair (an ancient name for Howth). There he awaited the eventual rescue mission provided by the Red Branch Knights.
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Son of Nessan
Portrait Panel 2, Early Christian Times.
This shows one of the Three sons of Nessan who were known to be holy men of "exceptional piety, love and peace", who came to found a church on Ireland's Eye.
The Temptation of the Son of Nessan
Story Panel 2
One of the Sons of Nessan was tempted by Satan on Ireland's Eye. The Saint, who was studying the Scriptures in the illuminated manuscript known as "The Garland of Howth", picked up the book and threw it at his annoying tempter. The blow of his book was so great that the devil was blown away, over the Puck Rock which split under the shock of the impact. There, as evidence to this day, lies the image of the devil imbedded in the rock.
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The Wounded King
Portrait Panel 3, Medieval Times.
King Almeric was the first Lord of Howth, from whom the St. Lawrence family are descended. By Tradition he himself was a descendant of Sir Tristam one of The Knights of the Round Table.
That which Heals
Story Panel 3
The legend goes that King Almeric after a battle was found leaning on his shield and left for dead beside a rose bush, from which he plucked some petals to place on his wounds.
King Almeric survived to fight many other battles. The St. Lawrence family coat of Arms bears the motto "That which heals."
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The Daughter of To-day
Portrait Panel 4, Modern Times.
The Daughter of to-day will be tomorrow. She is a figure that represents the results of these recent centuries and our hopes and aspirations for the future.
The Hill of Oaks
Story Panel 4
Inspired by the origins of one of the names of Howth, "Ben-na-Dair". At one time Howth was covered in these oak trees. The panel also refers to "The Bloody Stream" because of the many battles fought in its vicinity.
As a result of the abduction of the heir to the Lord of Howth by Grace O Malley because she was refused hospitality at the castle, an agreement was reached that in return for the heir, a place would always be set at the dinner table and the gates always left open should any weary traveler drop by. This tradition remains to this day.
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The Ready Boat
Stories of the sea abound in legends and feature as an important backdrop to the events in Howth right from its beginning. Men and women risked and lost their lives often when trey braved the treacherous currents and winds of the Irish sea. There is a story that after losing an important battle the Tuatha De Dannan promised that a boat would always be kept at the ready in Howth for any emergency. I have represented this boat on top of the pillar attended to by figures who wai still for that moment when someone may be in need.
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