Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 January 1875 — An Irish Legend. [ARTICLE]

An Irish Legend.

A writer, speaking of the Castle of Howth, near Dublin, says: “The steps to the front door are very grand, extending across the whole front of the building. The wings are covered with ivy. The main entrance used to be left open during the dinner hour until a very recent date. The origin of the custom is thus related: About 300 years ago there lived in the west of Ireland a celebrated female chieftain named Grace O’Malley, of Grana Wile. She owned a vast territory and had castles to defend it, and ships and men. So renowned was she that Queen Elizabeth invited her to her court, whither she went, accompanied by a large retinue; where she doubtless was feasted in accordance with her rank. On her return she was forced to land on the east coast of Ireland to procure provisions, which had fallen short. It happened that she landed at Howth, and, walking up to the castle, made known her wants. The servants refused to comply with her wishes at once, telling her she must wait because the family were at dinner. Indignant at such treatment, she returned to the shore to re-em-bark. There she saw a little boy playing. ‘Whose child is this?’ ‘lt is the sen of the lord of the castle,’ was the reply. Thereupon she ordered him to be seized and carried on board her vessel, and aw-ay she sailed to her home in the West. Here the young Prince was kept a prisoner for some time, but finally Grana yielded to the petition of the father and released the’ boy, on condition that ever after the door should stand open during dinner, to welcome all comers.”