Colgan's Lives of Irish Saints had taken him back to Ireland, that he might examine the scenes described.

He visited them under the best guidance; and Petre, the learned historian of the Round Towers, showed him a host of curious antiquities, including a utensil which had come to be called the Crown of Brian Boru.

Legendary history made no impression upon Froude.

The actual state of Ireland affected him with the deepest interest.

A population of eight millions, fed chiefly upon potatoes, and multiplying like rabbits, light-hearted, reckless, and generous, never grudged hospitality, nor troubled themselves about paying their debts.