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The following is a very brief outline of the history of the Royal Arch in Ireland taken from various papers in Volume I of the Chapter of Research No. 222 Transaction and various Lodge of Research No. 200 Transactions (by kind permission). 

 

The Royal Arch Degree was probably introduced into Ireland in or about 1740.

The celebrated Masonic historian and scholar, Bro. W.J. Chetwode Crawley LL.D., D.C.L. discovered, and referred to, in Volume I of his work, "Caementaria Hibernica", (published 1895), the first reference to the Royal Arch in Ireland which appeared in Faulkner's "Dublin Journal", dated 14th January, 1744. The Article in the Journal reffered to the St. John's Day celebrations of 'Youghall' Lodge No. 21 on the 27th December, 1743, and described the public processsion as follows :-

"St. John's Day, celebrated by the Lodge in Youghall, No. 21.

`Firstly. The first Salutation on the Quay of Youghall, upon their coming out of their Lodge Chamber, was, the Ships firing their guns with their colours flying.

`Secondly. The first appearance was, a Concert of Musick with two proper Centinels with their Swords drawn.

`Thirdly. Two Apprentices, bare-headed, one with twenty-four Inch Gage, the other a Common Gavel.

`Fourthly. The Royal Arch carried by two excellent Masons.

`Fifthly. The Master with all his proper Instruments, his Rod gilt with Gold, his Deputy on his left with the Square and Compass.

`Sixthly. The two Wardens with their Truncheons gilt in like manner.

`Seventhly. The two Deacons with their Rods gilt after the same manner.

`Eightly. Two Excellent Masons, one bearing a Level, and the other a Plum Rule.

`Ninthly. Then appeared all the rest most gallantry dressed, following by Couples, each of them having a Square hanging about his Neck to a blue Ribbon. From the Quay, they took the whole length of the Town, the Streets being well lined, the Gentlemen and Ladies out of their Windows constantly saluting them, until they went to Church. The two Centinels stood at the Pues, holding the Doors open, until the Whole went in. And after Divine Service, came in the same Order, so their House of Entertainment, where, at the Approach of Evening, the Windows were illuminated with Candles, and the Street with Bonfires. They were greatly applauded, and allowed to be the finest and most magnificent Sight that ever was seen in this Country."

 

For further reading, click on the following link;

 

http://www.irishmasonichistory.com/royal-arch-masonry-in-ireland---a-short-history.html