Jaycee Woods

Prompt: Are there areas of Ireland that were still forested in 18th century?

Copilot: Yes, there were still some forested areas in Ireland during the 18th century, although they were quite limited compared to earlier times. By the end of the 18th century, Ireland’s forest cover had significantly diminished due to centuries of deforestation for agriculture, fuel, and building materials. However, scattered remnants of indigenous forests remained in certain areas, often in more remote and less accessible regions.

Efforts to restore forest cover began around the end of the 18th century, led by the Dublin Society, which attempted to incentivize landowners to plant trees on their farmland. Although these early efforts had limited success, they laid the groundwork for more sustained reforestation efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Would you like to know more about the history of forestry in Ireland or any specific forested areas from that time?

Prompt: What areas in Ireland would have still been forested in the 18th century? I am trying to come up with a setting for a short story.

Copilot: In the 18th century, forested areas in Ireland were quite limited due to extensive deforestation1. However, some remnants of forests could still be found in more remote and less accessible regions. Here are a few areas that might have retained some forest cover:

1. Connemara: Located in the west of Ireland, Connemara is known for its rugged landscape and scattered woodlands.
2. Killarney National Park: This area in County Kerry has some of the last remaining native oak woodlands in Ireland.
3. Wicklow Mountains: The upland areas of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow could have had some forested patches.
4. Dingle Peninsula: Parts of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry might have retained some forest cover.

These areas could provide a rich and atmospheric setting for your short story, blending historical elements with the natural beauty of Ireland’s remaining forests. Does this help inspire your setting?

Prompt: So it sounds like Country Kerry is a good location. In the 18th century what noble houses existed there near a forest?

Copilot: In County Kerry during the 18th century, several noble houses were situated near forested areas. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Kenmare House (Killarney House): The estate of the Earls of Kenmare, located near Killarney, encompassed extensive lands and forests.
2. Flesk Priory: Located in the Killarney area, this estate was associated with the Coxon family and was possibly built in the 18th century.
3. Browne Estate: The Browne family, particularly Sir Valentine Browne, held significant estates in County Kerry, including areas near Killarney.

These estates would provide a rich backdrop for your short story, blending historical nobility with the natural beauty of the surrounding forests. Does this help with your setting?

Prompt: For those noble houses in the 18th century, were they English transplants or native Irish?

Copilot: In County Kerry during the 18th century, many of the noble houses were indeed English transplants, particularly those associated with the landed gentry and aristocracy who had settled in Ireland during and after the Plantation period. However, there were also native Irish families who held significant estates and titles in the region.

For example:

• The Browne family: An old Irish family with roots in County Kerry, holding significant estates.
• The Coxon family: Associated with Flesk Priory, which was possibly built in the 18th century1.

These families often intermarried and integrated into the local society, blending English and Irish influences.

Prompt: So if the story is about a young third son whose noble father bought him a commission as a lieutenant, that the Browne family would be suitable?

Copilot: Yes, the Browne family would be a suitable choice for your story. As a prominent family in County Kerry with significant estates and influence, it’s plausible that a noble father from the Browne family could buy a commission for his third son as a lieutenant. This aligns well with historical practices, where younger sons of nobility often pursued military careers.

Having a character from the Browne family adds authenticity and depth to your setting, given their historical significance in the region. It also provides a rich backdrop for exploring the character’s journey and the societal dynamics of the 18th century.

If you’d like more details or need further assistance in developing your story, feel free to let me know!

Prompt: Are there any still existent churches from the 17th century near Killarney?

Copilot: Yes, there are still existent churches from the 17th century near Killarney. One notable example is Aghadoe Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, though it has ruins that have been standing since then. It’s located on a hilltop overlooking Lough Leane and the town of Killarney.

Would you like more information about Aghadoe Cathedral or other historical sites in the area?

Prompt: When approximately did Aghadoe Cathedral cease operation? Sometimes between the sacking by Cromwell and 1740?

Copilot: Aghadoe Cathedral ceased regular operation sometime between the sacking by Cromwell in the mid-17th century and 1740. The exact date is not precisely documented, but it was likely in decline by the late 17th century due to the political and social upheaval of the time.

Would you like to know more about the history of Aghadoe Cathedral or its surroundings?

Prompt: When was Aghadoe replaced by a new cathedral?

Copilot: Aghadoe Cathedral was never replaced by a new cathedral. Instead, it fell into disuse and eventually became ruins. By the mid-18th century, it was no longer functioning as an active parish church. The Romanesque doorway was crudely rebuilt in the 18th or 19th century, but the site itself remained a historical ruin.

Would you like to know more about the history of Aghadoe Cathedral or its surroundings?

Prompt: Isn’t there a cathedral near Killarney after Aghadoe? St Mary?

Copilot: Yes, you’re correct1! St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney was built in the 19th century, specifically between 1842 and 1855. It was designed by the renowned English architect Augustus Welby Pugin and is considered one of the most important Gothic Revival churches in Ireland.

St. Mary’s Cathedral replaced Aghadoe Cathedral as the main place of worship in the area. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1855 and has since been the central church for the Diocese of Kerry.

Prompt: Does a Dullahan speak?

Copilot: In Irish folklore, the Dullahan is a type of fairy and a harbinger of death. Often depicted as a headless rider on a black horse, the Dullahan is known to carry its own head under its arm. According to legend, the Dullahan can indeed speak, but it does so in a voice that is barely above a whisper. It is said to call out the names of those whose death is imminent, sealing their fate.

The Dullahan’s speech is considered ominous and powerful, and hearing it is believed to be a terrible omen. This eerie ability to speak despite its headless form adds to the chilling aura that surrounds this figure in Irish mythology.

Prompt: What was the coastal 18th century port near Killarney that would have been used to embark troops for the Seven Years War?

Copilot: The coastal port near Killarney that would have been used to embark troops for the Seven Years’ War is Tralee. Tralee was a significant port during the 18th century and would have been a logical embarkation point for troops heading to various campaigns during the war.

Prompt: During what time of year would new troops for the Seven Wars War muster in County Kerry Ireland?

Copilot: New troops for the Seven Years’ War would typically muster in County Kerry during the spring and summer months, around April to June. This timing allowed for the assembly and preparation of troops before embarking on campaigns, taking advantage of the more favorable weather conditions for travel and military operations.

Prompt: What is weather like in County Kerry during April?

Copilot: In April, County Kerry generally experiences moderate temperatures with daytime highs around 13°C (55°F) and nighttime lows around 5°C (41°F). It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to precipitation—April can be quite rainy, with average rainfall ranging from 84 mm to 112 mm depending on the area. You can expect around 157 hours of sunshine throughout the month, so there will be some sunny days mixed with rainy ones.

Prompt: What rain gear might a horse rider wear in 18th century County Kerry? A wool coat covered with some type of water repellent?

Copilot: In the 18th century, a horse rider in County Kerry would likely wear a woolen coat as the primary outer layer. This coat would often be waterproofed with a substance like oil or tallow to provide some degree of water repellency. Additionally, riders would wear breeches (knee-high pants) and riding boots to protect their legs and feet from the elements. For extra protection against rain, they might also use oilskin cloaks or oilskin capes, which were made from heavy-duty fabric treated with oil to repel water effectively.