AN EXISTING PALACE IN IRELAND.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Six,—You have written on the question of a Royal residence in Ireland. It is not a new idea, but very important. Lord Strafford wrote from Ireland to Archbishop Laud, in a letter dated September 27th, 1637, as follows :—" His Majesty will justify me that at say last being in England, I acquainted him
with a purpose I had to build hini a hotise at the Traiarir being uncomely his Majesty should not have one here capable to lodge him with moderate conveniency, which in truth as yet he hath not, in case he might be pleased some time here- after to look upon this Kingdom—that when it was built, if liked by his Majesty, it should be his, paying me as it cost ; if disliked, a suo damno, I was content to keep it, and smart for my folly." Laud replied that the Xing was well pleased with this proposed bargain.
It is near to Naas, in Kildare, that the unfinished and now ruinous palace, called Jigginstown, now stands, on the property of Earl FitzWilliam.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ALFRED CrITTY, D.D.
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