On the History and Antiquities of Tara Hill

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Bishop Cerpan of Ferta Cerbain at Tara, died 503/504

   Tara · parish · Meath · 503–504

   The Annals of Ulster record the death of Bishop Cerpan of Ferta Cherpain at Tara in 503, indicating an ecclesiastical establishment at Tara as early as the fifth century; Tighearnach records the death of Cerban, bishop of Ferta Cerbain, at 504.

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   To the south-east of the Rath of Colman, beside the Leitiry or slope of the hill, the prose places the two Wells, called Adhlaic and Diadhlaic, which according to the verse flowed down to Cairn na Macraidhe, or the Cams of the Youths. These natural features have escaped total destruction, although an attempt to obliterate one of them was lately made. In the year 1837 this one was covered over, and, though there is still a strong flow of water at its site, it is no longer an open well. Up to this period these wells had been considered holy, and one of them was popularly called St. Patrick's Well ; about a rood of ground around them had till that time been lay-ground, and kept in that state from a supposition that it had been a burial ground in ancient times, and it is highly probable that this belief was founded in fact. From a record in the Annals of Ulster, it would appear certain that there was a church or ecclesiastical establishment at Tara as early as the fifth century, as it records, at the year 503, the death of a Bishop Cerpan, or Cerban, of Fearti Cherpain at Tara : — " Cerpan mortuus est — Eps, o peapci Cheppani oc Cemuip." Tigheamach also records the death of Cerban, bishop of Ferta Cerbain^ at the year 504, the true year — ^but without naming Tara ; and the Annals of the Four Masters have an entry similar to that in the Annals of Ulster, but which is wholly in Irish, and erroneously placed at the year 499.

   It would appear that this Bishop Cerpan was a convert made by St. Patrick on his memorable visit to Tara in the reign of Laogaire, as it is stated in a passage in the annotations of Tirechan, already quoted, p. 167, — that on this occasion he wrote elements, that is, an alphabet, for Cerpanus.

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through the parish of Tara, the annals preserve the memory of a bishop who died here in the early sixth century. The Annals of Ulster record, at the year 503, the death of Bishop Cerpan of Ferta Cherpain at Tara. Tighearnach gives the true year as 504, though without naming Tara. The Annals of the Four Masters carry a similar entry, but wholly in Irish and erroneously placed at 499. The record suggests there was a church or ecclesiastical establishment at Tara as early as the fifth century. Bishop Cerpan appears to have been a convert made by St. Patrick during his visit to Tara in the reign of Laogaire. In the annotations of Tirechan it is stated that on this occasion Patrick wrote elements, that is, an alphabet, for Cerpanus. Near the Rath of Colman, beside the slope of the hill, two wells called Adhlaic and Diadhlaic are placed, which according to verse flowed down to the Cairn of the Youths. One was popularly called St. Patrick's Well. In 1837 one of these wells was covered over, and though a strong flow of water remains at its site, it is no longer an open well. About a rood of ground around them had been kept as lay-ground, from a belief that it had been a burial ground in ancient times.

2. St. Fechin's Mill at Fore

   Fore · townland · Westmeath

   A mill at Fore, built on the ancient site associated with St. Fechin, still exists and continues to be called St. Fechin's Mill, cited as evidence of early ecclesiastical mill-building in Ireland.

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   Irish Saints show, that mills were erected by ecclesiastics, shortly after the introduction of Christianity, as the mills of St. Senanus, St. Ciaran, St. Mochua, &c. (See the lives of these Saints-) The mills of St. Lucherin and St. Fechin are noticed by Geraldus Cambrensis, and a mill at Fore, built on the ancient site of the latter, still exists, and is called St. Fechin's Mill. The Annals of Tlgheaniach, at the year 651, record, that the two sons of Blamac, (King of Ireland,) son of Hugh Slaine, — Donchad, and Conall, — were mortally wounded by the Lagenians in Maelodrain's mill. The Four Masters also, at the year 998, record, that a remarkable stone, called Lia-AUbe^ which stood on the plain of Moynalvy, in Meath, fell, and that the king Maelsechlain made four mill-stones of it.

   From the preceding authorities, as well as from the classical etymology of the name, in Ireland as in every country in Europe, it might be supposed, that water mills were first introduced by Christian ecclesiastics. There is reason, however, to believe, that their introduction is of higher antiquity. Cuan O'Lochain, chief poet and lawgiver of Irerand, whose death is recorded in the Annals of Tigheamach, at the year 1024, states in his poem on the ruins then existing at Tara, that Cormac, the son of Art, chief monarch of Ireland, in the third century, had a beautiful cumaU or bondmaid, named Ciamaid, who was obliged to grind a certain quantity of corn every day with a brOy or quern ; but that the king observing her beauty, took her into his house, and sent across the sea for a millwright, (ruj faop THuillino cap mop inno,) who constructed a mill on the stream of Nith, which flows from the fountain of Neamhnach to the north-east of Tara. The ancient Irish authorities all agree in stating, that this was the^r^^ mill ever erected in Ireland ; and it is remarkable, that this circumstance is most vividly preserved by tradition, not only in the neighbourhood where a mill still occupies its site, but also in most parts of Ireland. Tradition adds, that it was from the king of Scotland the Irish monarch obtained the millwright ; and it can be shown, that the probability of its truth is strongly corroborated by that circumstance.

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is St. Fechin's Mill. It stands on the ancient site of a mill associated with St. Fechin, and it still carries his name. Geraldus Cambrensis noticed the mills of St. Fechin and St. Lucherin in his writings. The Irish saints built mills shortly after Christianity came to Ireland, as the lives of St. Senanus, St. Ciaran, and St. Mochua also show. The Annals of Tighearnach, at the year 651, record that the two sons of Blamac, King of Ireland, son of Hugh Slaine, Donchad and Conall, were mortally wounded by the Lagenians in Maelodrain's mill. The Four Masters, at the year 998, record that a remarkable stone called Lia-Aibe, which stood on the plain of Moynalvy in Meath, fell, and the king Maelsechlain made four mill-stones of it. From these authorities, and from the etymology of the name, it might be supposed that water mills were first introduced by Christian ecclesiastics. There is reason to believe their introduction is of higher antiquity. Cuan O'Lochain, chief poet and lawgiver of Ireland, whose death is recorded in the Annals of Tighearnach at the year 1024, states in his poem on the ruins then existing at Tara, that Cormac, son of Art, chief monarch of Ireland in the third century, had a beautiful bondmaid named Cianaid, who was obliged to grind a certain quantity of corn every day with a quern. The king, observing her beauty, took her into his house, and sent across the sea for a millwright, who constructed a mill on the stream of Nith, which flows from the fountain of Neamhnach to the north-east of Tara. The ancient Irish authorities all agree that this was the first mill ever erected in Ireland, and tradition adds that the millwright came from the king of Scotland.

3. Rath na Seanadh, site of synods at Tara

   Tara · parish · Meath

   Rath na Seanadh (fort of the synods) is located opposite Dumha na n-giall and north of Fal. Within this rath is the site of Adamnan's tent (Pupall Adamnain), his cross, seat and mound.

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   Rath na Seanadh (fort of the synods) lies opposite Dumha na n-giall, and to the north of Fal.

   The site of Pupall Adamnain (pavilion or tent of Adamnan) is in this Rath, and his ( Adamnan's) Cro^t is opposite the fort to the east, and his Seat and his Mound are to the south of the cross.

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   In the parish of Tara, there is a place called Rath na Seanadh, the fort of the synods. It lies opposite Dumha na n-giall and to the north of Fal. Within this rath stood the pavilion or tent of Adamnan. His cross stood opposite the fort to the east, and his seat and his mound lay to the south of the cross.

4. Comparison of Teach Miodhchuarta ruins with bardic poem measurements

   Tara · parish · Meath

   Petrie compares the measurements given in the ancient poem for the Teach Miodhchuarta (Banqueting Hall) at Tara with the existing ruins, noting the ruins are actually more than twice the length stated in the poem, nearly eight hundred feet. He suggests the poem's measurements may refer only to the Hall or Place of Assembly, with additional space occupied by lesser apartments.

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   It would be absurd to receive as a historical evidence, a bardic poem which only pretends to record the floating tradltipns of circumstances more than six hundred years anterior to the period of its composition ; neither should a document of such undoubted antiquity be wholly rejected as a poetic fable, without some inquiry as to the possibility of its having at least a groundwork of truth — and particularly if in those statements respecting the size, &c., of the buildings, which the existing ruins enable the investigator to test, they should not be found wanting in veracity. Now it is remarkable that the only disagreement between the measurements of this building, as given in the poem, and in the present remains, is that the latter are actually more than twice the length stated, namely, near eight hundred feet ; for respecting its alleged height there is nothing to awaken scepticism ; and even the apparent disagreement just noticed may be explained by a plausible if not natural conjecture. Those measurements may be true as applied to the Hall, or Place of Assembly, while the remaining space on each side might have been occupied by apartments of lesser importance; and, indeed, the triple names applied by the poet to this building seem to require such a subdivision, for the Hall of Assembly could scarcely be called with propriety the House of the Women, nor the House of the Fians, or common soldiers. At all events the disagreement, such as it is, does not tend to stamp the poem with the character of exaggeration ; and its statement of the number of persons, which this " great house of a thousand soldiers" was capable of accommodating, is well supported by the cautious remark of the prose account, that it would seem true, for, that as many men would fit in it as would form the choice part, that is, the chiefs, of the men of Ireland. It is not easy, however, to avoid considering as a poetic fiction the statement of the number of one hundred and fifty resting or sleeping apartments, with fifty soldiers in each — or in all seven thousand five hundred — which sleeping places are stated to have been about or around the house ; yet it is evident that considerable accommodation must have been necessary for the military attendants of the provincial and other princes who came to the assembly ; and it may not perhaps be puerile to remark, that a very ample space on each side of the Hall, and in which such apartments may be supposed to have existed, was unoccupied with any monumental remains at the time when the descriptive accounts were written. Such apartments were evidently of timber, and therefore no vestiges would be found

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7

   As the companion tells it

   Through the parish of Tara, the road travels near the ruins of Teach Miodhchuarta, the great banqueting hall of ancient tradition. A bardic poem describes this building, but it was composed more than 600 years after the events it claims to record. Petrie asks whether we should dismiss it as a poetic fable, or whether it might hold a groundwork of truth that the ruins themselves can test. The one striking disagreement is in length. The poem gives a measurement, but the ruins run to nearly 800 feet, more than twice what the poem states. The height, though, raises no scepticism. Petrie offers a conjecture. The poem's measurements may describe only the Hall, or Place of Assembly, while the remaining space on each side held apartments of lesser importance. The poet gives the building three names, and that seems to require such a subdivision. The Hall of Assembly could scarcely be called the House of the Women, nor the House of the Fians, the common soldiers. The poem calls it the great house of a thousand soldiers, and the prose account supports this cautiously, saying that as many men would fit in it as would form the choice part, the chiefs, of the men of Ireland. Harder to accept is the claim of 150 sleeping apartments, with 50 soldiers in each, making 7,500 in all, stationed about or around the house. Yet considerable accommodation must have been necessary for the military attendants of the provincial princes who came to the assembly. A very ample space on each side of the Hall held no monumental remains when the descriptive accounts were written. Such apartments were evidently of timber, and therefore no vestiges would be found.

5. Ecclesiastical assembly of the Uí Néill and Leinstermen at Tara, 779

   Tara · parish · Meath · 779

   A congress of synods of the Uí Néill and Leinstermen was held in the town of Tara in 779, attended by many scribes and anchorites, led by Dublitir.

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   From the preceding notice of a convention, or synod, having been held at Tara in the seventh century, it appears, that though no longer the residence of the kings, Tara was still occasionally selected as a place for ecclesiastical assemblies. A later instance of such assemblies there is thus recorded in the Annals of Ulster at the year 779 : " Congressio Sinodorum Nepotum Neill et Laginensium in oppido TemrOy ubi fuerunt Scribe et Ancorite multi, quibus dux erat Dublitterr

   Of the illustrious man whose name is connected with this and other monuments at Tara, it would be superfluous to give any lengthened notice in this place. As the distinguished author of the Life of St. Columba, his predecessor in

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7

   As the companion tells it

   In the parish of Tara, in 779, a congress of synods brought the Uí Néill and the Leinstermen together. The Annals of Ulster record it. Many scribes and anchorites gathered there, and their leader was Dublitir. By this time Tara was no longer the residence of kings, but it was still chosen as a place for ecclesiastical assemblies. The meeting stood in a tradition stretching back to earlier centuries, when conventions and synods had been held at the same site.

6. Fulacht na Mor-righna, the cooking spit of the great queen

   near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

   A magical cooking implement called Fulacht na Mor-righna could cook three kinds of food simultaneously on one spit without burning the dressed food or melting the butter, and was associated with the household of the Mor-righain at Tara.

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   Fulacht na Mor-righna. Three kinds of victuals on it, i.e. dressed victuals, and raw victuals, and butter ; and the dressed food was not burned, and the raw food was dressed, and the butter was not dissolved, but as was proper.

   The Fulacht na Mor-righna is also noticed in the MS., H. 2. 16, col. 245, as follows :

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   As the road passes near the hill of Tara, there is the Fulacht na Mor-righna, the cooking spit of the great queen. It could cook three kinds of food at once on one spit. Dressed food was not burned. Raw food was dressed. And the butter was not dissolved, but as was proper. It belonged to the household of the Mor-righain.

7. Grave and Rath of Caelchu, ancestor of Munster chiefs

   Tara · parish · Meath

   The grave and rath of Caelchu, son of Loam of the Eoganachts of Cashel, lie near the northern head of Long na m-ban. He is said to be the ancestor of the chiefs of Ros-Teamrach and the tribe of Tuath-Cis at Tara.

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   The Grave of Caelchu and his Rath are near the northern head of Long na m-ban. This Caelchu, the son of Loam, son of Ruadh, son of Cas, was one of the Eoganachts of Cashel, and the most distinguished of all the men of Munster for wisdom ; and from him the chiefs of Ros- Teamrach and the tribe of Titath-Cis, at Temur, are descended.

   The Treduma (triple mound) of Nesi, the daughter of Eochaidh Salbhuidhe, the mother of Concobhar, [Mac Nesa,] at the north-eastern end near the north-east head of Long na m-ban.

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   In the parish of Tara, there is a grave and a rath belonging to Caelchu. He was the son of Loam, son of Ruadh, son of Cas, one of the Eoganachts of Cashel, and the most distinguished of all the men of Munster for wisdom. From him the chiefs of Ros-Teamrach and the tribe of Tuath-Cis at Tara are descended. His grave and rath lie near the northern head of Long na m-ban. Close by, at the north-eastern end, stands the triple mound of Nesi, daughter of Eochaidh Salbhuidhe, the mother of Concobhar.

8. Inneoin an Daghdha at Teach Miodhchuarta

   near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

   A cooking device called the Inneoin of the Daghdha, made by Drinne son of Luchair, with thirty spits, thirty hooks and thirty spindles, was associated with Teach Miodhchuarta at Tara and noted for its speed in turning.

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   It was Goivnenn that made the Bir Beichen, It was Drinne, the son of Luchair, who made the Inneoin of the Daghdha ; and it was thus : a stick at each end of it, and its axle was wood, and its wheel was wood, and its body was iron ; and there were twice nine wheels on its axle, that it might turn the faster, and there were thirty spits out of it, and thirty hooks, and thirty spindles, and it was as rapid as the rapidity of a stream in turning : and thrice nine spits, and thrice nine cavities (or pots,) and one spit for roasting, and one wing used io set it in motion.

   These cooking instruments, together with a third called Fulacht na Mcrrighna^ or the spit, or cooker, of the great queen, are also noticed in a fragment of the Brehon Laws in the same MS., and on the same page.

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   The hill of Tara holds a hall called Teach Miodhchuarta, and in it stood a cooking device known as the Inneoin of the Daghdha. Goivnenn made the Bir Beichen, and Drinne, the son of Luchair, made the Inneoin of the Daghdha. A stick at each end of it, its axle wood, its wheel wood, its body iron. Twice nine wheels on its axle, so it might turn the faster. Thirty spits out of it, and thirty hooks, and thirty spindles. It was as rapid as a stream in turning. Thrice nine spits, and thrice nine cavities or pots, one spit for roasting, and one wing used to set it in motion. These cooking instruments, together with a third called Fulacht na Murrighna, the cooker of the great queen, are also noticed in a fragment of the Brehon Laws.

9. Slighe Cualann, the Road to Wicklow via Dublin

   near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

   The Slighe Cualann was one of the ancient roads leading from Tara toward Dublin and on to Wicklow, discovered according to tradition by Fingin, son of Eogabail. Its junction with Tara has been lost but the road's general direction via Ratoath remained traditionally remembered.

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   Of some of these roads very indistinct traces now remain, but their localities are still remembered by the old inhabitants, though their ancient names, as well as those of other features at Tara, are unfortunately forgotten. And it is consequently impossible to fix with certainty the original names of some of these roads, or to trace their directions, till more distinct evidences are obtained from ancient sources. The roads which have been ascertained with the greatest apparent certainty are those called the Slighe movy or great road, and the Slighe Cualann, or road to Wicklow, through Dublin, though the junctions of these roads with Tara are in both instances obliterated, and now only remembered traditionally. The Slighe mor, as marked on the ancient map, struck off from the Fan na g-carbad^ or Slope of the Chariots, at the northern head of the Hall, and joined the Escir Riada, or great Connaught road from Dublin via Trim : the Slighe Cualann struck off from the Fan na g-carbad, or, perhaps more correctly, the Slighe Miodhluachra, near the present village, and led to Dublin via Ratoath. The Slighe Miodhluachra^ as appears from various notices in ancient documents, was the north-eastern road from Tara,

   230 Mr. Petrie on the History and AniiquMes qfTara HiU;

   Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   Tara is a hill the old roads reached for. One of them was the Slighe Cualann, the road to Wicklow through Dublin. Tradition says it was found by Fingin, the son of Eogabail. Its junction with Tara is gone now, lost entirely, but the road's general direction through Ratoath was long kept in memory. The traces of these roads at Tara have grown faint. The old inhabitants still knew where they ran, but the ancient names were forgotten, along with the names of other features at Tara. Without older evidence it is impossible to fix the original names with certainty or to trace the directions the roads once took. The Slighe Cualann was one of two roads identified with the greatest apparent certainty. It struck off from the Fan na g-carbad, the Slope of the Chariots, or perhaps more correctly from the Slighe Miodhluachra, near the present village, and from there it led to Dublin by way of Ratoath. The other road, the Slighe Mor, struck off from the same slope at the northern head of the Hall and joined the Esair Riada, the great Connaught road from Dublin via Trim. Both junctions with Tara are obliterated and only remembered traditionally.

10. Stones marking druids Mael, Blocc and Bluicni

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Three small stones beside Rath na Seanadh to the north mark the graves of the druids Mael, Blocc and Bluicni, positioned to the east, south and north respectively.

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    There are three small stones at the side of Rath na Seanadh to the north. These three stones were placed over the druids who were named Mael, Blocc, and Bluicni : Mael to the east, Blocc to the south, and Bluicni to the north.

    IS Co po mapbaic onotp in the Book of Glendalough, i. e. so that both were killed.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tara, three small stones stand at the side of Rath na Seanadh to the north. They were placed over the druids Mael, Blocc, and Bluicni. Mael lies to the east, Blocc to the south, and Bluicni to the north. The Book of Glendalough says of them, so that both were killed.

11. The Rath and Grave of Caelchu at Tara

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    The Rath and Leacht (Grave) of Caelchu, great-grandson of Cormac Cas and ancestor of the chiefs of Ros-Teamrach, still remain near the northern head of Long na m-ban; Caelchu was contemporary with Cormac Mac Art and his son Cairbre Liffeachair.

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    Proceeding now to the northern extremity of the Hall, both the prose and verse place here the Rath, and the Leacht, or Grave, of Caelchu. These are described in the prose as being near the northern head of Long na m-ban, and the verse states that the Grave was to its north-east, and adds that it was a heap of stones ; but there is every reason to believe that it should have been written north-west, as the Irish transcribers frequently mistake the word faip for fiap. Both authorities state that this Caelchu was the great-grandson of Cormac Cas, and was one of the Eoganachts of Cashel, and the most distinguished of all the men of Munster for wisdom, and that from him the chiefs of Bos- Teamrach and the tribe of Tuath-cis at Temur were descended. He was cotemporary with the monarch Cormac Mac Art, and his son Cairbre Liffeachair. This

    * For an historical evidence of the existence of female soldiers in Ireland, see p. 172.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Near the northern end of the great Hall at Tara stand the Rath and the Leacht, the grave, of Caelchu. The old verse says the grave was a heap of stones lying to the north-east, but there is good reason to think it should read north-west, for Irish transcribers frequently mistook one word for another. Both the prose and the verse agree that Caelchu was the great-grandson of Cormac Cas, one of the Eoganachts of Cashel, and the most distinguished of all the men of Munster for wisdom. From him descended the chiefs of Bos-Teamrach and the tribe of Tuath-cis at Temur. He was contemporary with the monarch Cormac Mac Art, and with his son Cairbre Liffeachair.

12. Battle of Almhain where Fergal was slain

    near Allen · population centre · Kildare · 720–721

    The text dates the battle of Almhain, in which Fergal son of Moelduin was slain, to approximately 720, based on the annalistic chronology, with cross-reference noting the Annals of Ulster date it a year later.

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    OictpTnaic ocup 6lauhTnacy oa mac CXeoa SUxine. V. bliaona xx* 6r\ &uioe Chonaill CO puf maich pinachea, ITTac TTloliouin, mio Qeoa 6laine in 6o|iiTne do niolinj. Ceopa blioona xxsf. o pup moieh in 6opimeco each Qlmaine i topchaip pepjal, mac TTIolioum. Se blioona x. o chach Qlmaine co ccccf) Uchbuio. XL blta6ain o chorb Ucbboio CO hcj^ Weill Ppoppatj, TRic Pep^aile. V. bltoona h o bap Heill ppappai^ oo bee Concobcnp, TTlic t>onocba6a ocup CCpcpi, comopbai pacpaic.

    ♦ ♦ ♦ Ocup Din, ip in aimpip pin do cbocap buoiD mapcpa .1. Cippianup ocup Copniliup, picbe bliaoam qio, o'n rtt.mao injpeim co jabail Gpeno oo Cbopmac h-Ua Cuino, ip in qiep bliaoam placha Prohi Imperatoris. V. blwiDna xx, lap pin in nomao in^eim s«b

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Allen was once the ground of a battle the annals remember. Around the year 720, Fergal son of Moelduin was slain here at Almhain. He was king of Tara, and his defeat ended his rule. The Annals of Ulster place the battle a year later, in 721, but the chronology is close enough that the event belongs to these years. The name Almhain has come down attached to this fight and to the death of Fergal. No more detail survives in the record than that: a king, a place, a year, and a fall.

13. Leacht of Maine at Tara linked to Lord of Mughdhorna

    Tara · parish · Meath

    On the slope east of Rath na Riogh once stood the Leacht, or Monument, of Maine, son of Muinremhar, now destroyed by cultivation. Muinremhar was Lord of Mughdhorn in County Monaghan during the time of Cuchullin, according to the Tain Bo Cuailgne.

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    On the slope of the hill, to the east of Rath na Riogh, the same authorities place the Leacht, or Monument, of Maine^ the son of Muinremhar. This also has been destroyed by the progress of cultivation, and nothing has been discovered relative to its history. Muinremhar, the father of Maine, according to the ancient tale entitled Tain Bo Cuailgne, was Lord of Mughdhorn^ a district in the County of Monaghan, in the time of Cuchullin> who flourished in the first century.

    Imperfect as the historical notices of the preceding monuments are, it will be seen that they are nearly all connected with king Cormac's time, or the close of the third century, a period quite within the limits of real Irish chronological history.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara there once stood the Leacht of Maine, a monument to the son of Muinremhar. It stood on the slope east of Rath na Riogh, but cultivation has destroyed it, and nothing has been discovered about its history. The ancient tale called the Tain Bo Cuailgne names Muinremhar as Lord of Mughdhorn, a district in County Monaghan. He lived in the time of Cuchullin, who flourished in the first century. The records of these monuments are imperfect, but nearly all of them connect to the time of King Cormac, near the close of the third century, within the limits of real Irish chronological history.

14. The three names of the well Caprach-Cormaic

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The well Caprach-Cormaic, situated east and south of Rath na Riogh, was known by three other names according to the prose account: Liagh (physician), Tipra-bo-finne (well of the white cow), and Dearc-dubh (dark eye). The well itself no longer exists, though the townland name Cabrach preserves a trace of it.

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    The well, Caprach-Cormaicej which is described both in the verse and in the prose accounts, as situated under Rath na Riogh to the east, and consequently south of the well Neamhnachy is no longer to be found ; nor is any tradition of its former existence now preserved ; but the name Caprach, or Cabrachy as it is written by the O'Clerys, is still preserved in the adjacent townland, through which its streamlet evidently flowed. No certain etymology of this word Cahrach can be given, though it is the name of several townlands in Ireland. According to the prose account^ this well had three other names : Liaghj Tipra-bo-Jinney and Dears dubh :* of these, the first, Liaghy signifies a physician, cognately with the English word Leech ; the second, Tipra-bo-finne^ the well of the white cow ; the third, Deare-dubh^ the dark eye.f

    The third and last of these wells is that called Laegh^ situated, according to the verse and prose accounts, on the slope of the hill west of Rath na Rioghj and sending a stream directly westwards. This well is also dried up, or diverted from its original situation, but the ground immediately below its site is still watery. The signification of the name of this well is placed beyond conjecture by an Jtncient Irish saying, quoted in the prose description, in allusion to its situation as contradistinguished from that of the well Liagh : " The Qz\i{Laegh) never goes to the physician, (Liagh,) the one," it adds, "being to the east and the other to the west of Temur." The meaning of the name is also explained in a passage full of interest, in Tirechan's annotations on the life of St. Patrick, — fol. 10, by 1.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tara, there was once a well here called Caprach-Cormaic. The old accounts, both verse and prose, place it under Rath na Riogh to the east, and south of another well called Neamhnach. It is no longer to be found. No tradition of its former existence survives. But the name Caprach, or Cabrach as the O'Clerys wrote it, is still preserved in the adjacent townland, through which its streamlet evidently flowed. No certain etymology of the word Cabrach can be given, though it is the name of several townlands in Ireland. According to the prose account, this well had three other names. Liagh, which signifies a physician, cognate with the English word leech. Tipra-bo-finne, the well of the white cow. And Dearc-dubh, the dark eye. There was also another well at Tara, called Laegh, situated on the slope of the hill west of Rath na Riogh, sending a stream directly westwards. This well too is dried up or diverted from its original position, but the ground below its site is still watery. An ancient Irish saying, quoted in the prose description, explains its name by contrasting it with the well Liagh: "The Laegh never goes to the physician, the one being to the east and the other to the west of Temur."

15. The well of Cormac at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    A well called Tipra Cormaic lay beside Rath na Righ to the east, known by three names: Bhog, Tipra bo Finne, and Dearc Dubh, associated with a saying that no calf escapes its physician there.

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    Cappac Copmaic .i. cippa pil po caeb Roca na "R15 a naip; ocup cpi hanmano puippi .1. 61015 ocup Cippa bo pmoi, ocup Oepc Dub : ip oe aco, — ni caec a laej 50 a liaij. In Dopanai 6 Cempoij paip, ocup apoili a Cempaij piap,"

    t>ubo na bo*^ .1. m 5^aip Cempach ppi t)uma na n-jiall" a mop.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Here in Tara, there was a well called Tipra Cormaic, lying beside Rath na Righ to the east. It had three names: Bhog, Tipra bo Finne, and Dearc Dubh. The old saying went that no calf escapes its physician there. It is tied in the records to Duma na nGiall.

16. Armagh Chronology Compiled c.1100

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1091–1105

    The manuscript's chronology of St Patrick's mission and successors was drawn up at Armagh around 1100, as evidenced by its catalogue of archbishops ending with Domhnall, son of Amhalghaidh, who succeeded around 1091.

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    The age of the preceding document, which has not been hitherto published, or even noticed, may be ascertained with tolerable accuracy from a catalogue of the successors of St. Patrick, in the see of Armagh, which immediately follows it in the same MS. and which is constructed on the same scheme of chronology, and appears to be the composition of the same writer. The last archbishop named in this catalogue, and in whose time it was obviously drawn up, is Domhnall, the son of Amhalghaidh, who succeeded in 1091 or 1092, and died in 1105 ; and as the writer allows only eight years to his episcopacy, it is clear that he wrote about the year 1100. That the chronology of these documents was drawn up in accordance with, as well as to sustain the popular belief of the period respecting the important eras of the saint's life, is sufficiently obvious j and it may, therefore, be regarded as the best existing authority in support of the system which it was intended to uphold. That its chronology is almost entirely erroneous in whatever precedes the assumed period of Patrick's mission, has been shewn in the preceding notes, as well as its general accuracy from that period forward. The inaccuracies in the former are, however, of small importance in this inquiry, as the only question to be investigated is, whether the dates usually assigned to Patrick's birth, mission, &c., can be sustained by historical evidences or not, and to this inquiry the subject now naturally turns.

    1. With respect to the period of Patrick's birth, it may be briefly stated that Ussher assigns it to the year 372, and Colgan to 373. For either of these dates, however, no record has been found in the Irish Annals, and it rests solely on the authority of the Chronicle of Florence of Worcester, compiled in the twelfth century. The BoUandists assign his birth, conjecturally, to the year 377, and Dr. Jlranigan thinks he settles the point by placing it ten years later, and this solely on

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Armagh, the town the road passes through or near, was where a chronology of Saint Patrick and his successors was drawn up around the year 1100. The document sits in a manuscript that carries a catalogue of the archbishops of Armagh, built on the same scheme of chronology and seemingly written by the same hand. The last archbishop named in that catalogue is Domhnall, son of Amhalghaidh, who succeeded to the see in 1091 or 1092 and died in 1105. The writer allows only eight years to Domhnall's episcopacy, which is how we know the chronology was composed about the year 1100. The chronology was drawn up in accordance with, and to sustain, the popular belief of the period regarding the important eras of the saint's life. It is regarded as the best existing authority in support of the system it was intended to uphold. Its chronology is almost entirely erroneous in whatever precedes the assumed period of Patrick's mission, but it is generally accurate from that period forward. The question the document raises is whether the dates usually assigned to Patrick's birth, mission, and the rest can be sustained by historical evidence. With respect to Patrick's birth, Ussher assigns it to the year 372, and Colgan to 373. For either of these dates, no record has been found in the Irish Annals. The dating rests solely on the authority of the Chronicle of Florence of Worcester, compiled in the twelfth century. The Bollandists assign his birth, conjecturally, to 377, and Doctor Lanigan thinks he settles the point by placing it ten years later.

17. Bardic poem attributed to Cuan O'Lochain on customs continued at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Petrie cites the poem of Cuan O'Lochain to argue that customs observed at Tara, described in ancient documents, were continued by Irish kings even into O'Lochain's own time, supporting the antiquity and reliability of the traditions recorded about Tara's buildings and customs.

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    In connexion with the ancient history of the Te<ich Mtodhchuarta^ there exists another ancient poem, which, from the curious and valuable illustration which it affords of the state of society in Ireland at a very remote period, should on no account be omitted in this memoir. Of this poem two copies are preserved in ancient vellum MSS., in the College Library ; one, in the Book of Glendalough — a MS. compilation of the twelfth century, H. 2, 18 ; the other in the Leabhar Buidhe^ or Yellow Book, of the Mac Firbises of Lecan, H. 2. 16. - In both these MSS. the poem is illustrated by a ground-plan of the principal compartments of the house, with the names of the several ranks, professions, and trades, which were privileged to sit in them, and the order in which they were located — with the names of the different portions of the meat to which each was entitled. And, as the copies of this curious ground-plan are slightly dissimilar, and of different ages, fac-similes are given of both. Of the liame or age of the writer of the poem no record remains, but that its antiquity is higher than that of any of the documents already given, and possibly anterior even to the desertion of Tara, will not be doubted by any person conversant with the Irish language ; and indeed the obscurity of the language is so great, from the obsoleteness of the words, that the translation of it has been attended with the greatest labour and difficulty, and in several instances it has been impossible to determine with certainty the meaning of the names of the things described. An attempt to illustrate this singular remain was made by the late General Vallancey, — with what success may be judged from the translation here given. To the poem is prefixed a prose preface, giving descriptions of the House of Laoghaire, the House of Cormac, and the Teach Miodhchuarta^ or Banqueting-Hall ; and the accuracy of these descriptions is sustained by the existing remains of the monuments, nor indeed is there, either in the prose or verse, anything inconsistent with probability. It may, perhaps, be objected that no accurate accounts of this kind could have been preserved from so early a period as that anterior to the desertion of Tara, but that the use of letters was prevalent in Ireland very near, if not at, the time to which these descriptions refer, has been shewn in the earlier portions of this memoir; and from the poem of Cuan O'Lochain it appears that the customs observed at Tara were continued by the Irish kings in

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Tara in Meath carries a story told in a poem attributed to Cuan O'Lochain. Two copies of this poem survive in ancient vellum manuscripts held in the College Library. One copy is in the Book of Glendalough, a manuscript compilation of the 12th century. The other is in the Leabhar Buidhe, the Yellow Book of the Mac Firbises of Lecan. Both manuscripts carry a ground-plan of the principal compartments of the house, showing the names of the several ranks, professions, and trades privileged to sit in them, the order in which they were located, and the names of the different portions of meat to which each was entitled. The copies are slightly dissimilar and of different ages. No record remains of the name or age of the writer of the poem, but its antiquity is higher than that of any of the documents already given, and possibly anterior even to the desertion of Tara. The obscurity of the language is so great, from the obsoleteness of the words, that the translation was attended with the greatest labour and difficulty, and in several instances it has been impossible to determine with certainty the meaning of the names of the things described. The late General Vallancey made an attempt to illustrate this singular remain. To the poem is prefixed a prose preface giving descriptions of the House of Laoghaire, the House of Cormac, and the Teach Miodhchuarta or Banqueting-Hall. The accuracy of these descriptions is sustained by the existing remains of the monuments. From the poem of Cuan O'Lochain it appears that the customs observed at Tara were continued by the Irish kings.

18. Building of Teach Miodhchuarta by Nuado

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    An entry in the Book of Glendalough preserves the pedigree of Nuado, son of Faelchu, said to be the first man who erected the great house of Miodhchuarta at Tara.

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    An entry written over this ground-plan in the Book of Glendalough^ preserves the name and pedigree of the builder of Teach Miodhchtuirta. It runs thus : — ** NuaDo mac paelcon mic Qllooic mic Chuacaio mic Cairc cacorchmo cerna pep lap n-t>epnat) rech n)6p miOcuapODa ap rup in h-6pinn." i. e. Nuado, the son of Faelchu, son of AUdoit, son of Tuathaid, son of Caitt Catotchenn, was the first man by whom the great house of Mzdkchtiardda was first erected in Ireland.

    The references in the second ground-plan are as follows : —

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    The hill of Tara carries an old story in the Book of Glendalough, written over a ground-plan of a great house. The record gives a pedigree. Nuado, the son of Faelchu, son of Auldoit, son of Tuathaid, son of Cairbre Catotchenn, was the first man by whom the great house of Miodhchuarta was first erected in Ireland. That is all the entry says. A name, a lineage, and a claim that this man raised a great house on this hill before any other.

19. Lia na b-Fian, the Stone of the Heroes

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    This stone was said to stand east of the road opposite the Rath of the Synods at Tara, a site now occupied by the village, with no vestige of the monument remaining.

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    are Mur na d-tri g-CoguTj or the Mur^ or Wall, of the Three Conspiracies, and Lia na b-Fian^ or the Stone of the Heroes, or Soldiers. Of the first, it is only stated in the prose that it was situated in the vicinity of Teach Miodhchuarta ; but the verse most distinctly marks that it was between the Long and the Heroes' Well. To this Well there is no other allusion in any of the documents, but this is sufficient to point out the locality of the Mur, as the Well is still to be found to the north-west of the Hall, though it is now generally dry. Of the monument itself there are no remains, and no illustration of its history has been found. With respect to the second feature, the Stone of the Heroes, the prose and verse both state that it was situated to the east of the road, opposite the Rath of the Synods — a locality now occupied by the village — and consequently no vestige of the monument remains ; nor has anything been found that would serve to illustrate the history of this, any more than of the former monument.

    The next monument described is Dumha na m-ban-amuSy or the Mound of the Heroines, or, literally, Women Soldiers,* which, according to the prose, was a small mound situated to the south-east of the Teach Miodhchuarta, and at the southern end : the verse states, more simply, that it was situated at the upper or southern extremity, and calls it the Mound of the Women who had been betrayed. This mound has disappeared, and no historical illustration of it has been found.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Tara holds monuments that have vanished from the ground entirely. One of them was called Lia na b-Fian, the Stone of the Heroes, or Soldiers. The old prose and verse both say it stood opposite the Rath of the Synods, a locality now occupied by the village. No vestige of the stone remains. Nothing has been found that would illustrate its history. Not far from it was another lost feature, Mur na d-tri g-CoguTj, the Wall of the Three Conspiracies. The prose places it in the vicinity of Teach Miodhchuarta, the Hall. The verse is more specific, saying it lay between the Long and the Heroes' Well. That Well can still be found to the north-west of the Hall, though it is now generally dry. Of the Wall itself there are no remains, and no illustration of its history has been found. There was also Dumha na m-ban-amuSy, the Mound of the Heroines, or Women Soldiers. The prose says it was a small mound to the south-east of Teach Miodhchuarta, at the southern end. The verse states more simply that it sat at the upper or southern extremity, and calls it the Mound of the Women who had been betrayed. This mound too has disappeared, and no historical illustration of it has been found.

20. Mur na d-tri g-Cogur, the Wall of the Three Conspiracies

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    This monument was said to be located between the Long (Enclosure) and the Heroes' Well near the Dining Hall at Tara, though no remains of it survive and its history is unrecorded.

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    are Mur na d-tri g-CoguTj or the Mur^ or Wall, of the Three Conspiracies, and Lia na b-Fian^ or the Stone of the Heroes, or Soldiers. Of the first, it is only stated in the prose that it was situated in the vicinity of Teach Miodhchuarta ; but the verse most distinctly marks that it was between the Long and the Heroes' Well. To this Well there is no other allusion in any of the documents, but this is sufficient to point out the locality of the Mur, as the Well is still to be found to the north-west of the Hall, though it is now generally dry. Of the monument itself there are no remains, and no illustration of its history has been found. With respect to the second feature, the Stone of the Heroes, the prose and verse both state that it was situated to the east of the road, opposite the Rath of the Synods — a locality now occupied by the village — and consequently no vestige of the monument remains ; nor has anything been found that would serve to illustrate the history of this, any more than of the former monument.

    The next monument described is Dumha na m-ban-amuSy or the Mound of the Heroines, or, literally, Women Soldiers,* which, according to the prose, was a small mound situated to the south-east of the Teach Miodhchuarta, and at the southern end : the verse states, more simply, that it was situated at the upper or southern extremity, and calls it the Mound of the Women who had been betrayed. This mound has disappeared, and no historical illustration of it has been found.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Tara is the hill the road passes near, and somewhere on it stood a monument called Mur na d-tri g-Cogur, the Wall of the Three Conspiracies. The old prose says only that it was in the vicinity of Teach Miodhchuarta, the Dining Hall. The verse is more precise. It places the wall between the Long, the great enclosure, and the Heroes' Well. There is no other allusion to that well in any of the documents, but this is sufficient to point out the locality of the wall. The well can still be found to the north-west of the Hall, though it is now generally dry. Of the wall itself there are no remains, and no illustration of its history has been found. No record tells us what the three conspiracies were, or who raised this wall, or why. The name is all that survives of it. The same documents mention a stone called Lia na b-Fian, the Stone of the Heroes, said to stand to the east of the road, opposite the Rath of the Synods. That ground is now the village, and no vestige of the stone remains. Nor has anything been found to illustrate its history. There was also a small mound, Dumha na m-ban-amus, the Mound of the Heroines, or Women Soldiers, south-east of the Dining Hall at its southern end. The verse calls it the Mound of the Women who had been betrayed. That mound has disappeared, and no historical account of it has been found.

21. Rath Grainne on the western hill face at Tara

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    Rath Grainne lies on the summit of the western slope of the Hill of Tara with two concentric ramparts, one nearly obliterated, and a hollow dug into its central mound, possibly for treasure-hunting or gravel.

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    Rath Grains lies on the summit of the western face of the hill, and on its abrupt slope. It appears to have had two concentric ramparts ; but the external one is nearly obliterated, and a deep hollow has been excavated in the central mound, either for the purpose of obtaining gravel, or in search of treasure. Its measurements will be seen from the section, taken from east to west, and on a scale of 60 f. to 1 inch.

    No historical allusion is made, either in the prose or verse, to the person from whom this fort was named, obviously because it was unnecessary, as only

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    On the western slope of Tara there is a place called Rath Grainne. It once had two concentric ramparts, but the outer one is nearly gone now. Someone dug a deep hollow into the central mound, either looking for gravel or hunting for treasure. No old text, in prose or verse, ever explains who Rath Grainne was named for. The record simply says it was unnecessary, as if everyone already knew.

22. Slighe Dala Toward Ossory and East Munster

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    The Slighe Dala led from the southern side of Tara Hill in the direction of Ossory and East Munster. Its track at the junction with Tara is believed preserved in the southern road from the hill.

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    and £^parently proceeded in the direction of Duleek and Drogheda. There is, therefore, every reason to believe that the road still pointing in that direction is, to a certain distance at least, identical with that ancient road. The Slighe Dtxla led from the southern side of the hill in the direction of Ossory and East Munster, and it is most probable, that its track at its junction with Tara is still preserved in the southern road from the hill. There remains then only the Slighe Asaih and this, there can be little doubt, was a continuation of the ancient Fan na g-carbad, or Slope of the Chariots, which still remains, though little used, as it appears from a passage in the Leabhar na h- Uidhre, that Fan na g'Carbad was on the line of road leading from Tara to Brugh na BoinnCf which is situated on the Boyne to the east of Navan.

    The monuments of Tara, described in the documents in the Dinnseanchus^ have been all now illustrated ; but, to make this memoir as satisfactory and complete as possible, it will be proper to include a notice of two remarkable similar monuments in its immediate vicinity, and particularly as one of them at least is of the same age, and is most intimately connected with its history. The monument here alluded to is that called Rath MeadKbha^ or the Rath of Move, which is situated on a height about a mile to the south-east of Tara Hill, as seen from which It is a striking object. This Rath appears to have been an inclosure with a single circular rampart, and without any ditch. A section from north to south, on a scale of 150 f. to an inch, gives the following measurements : —

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Tara is a hill the road passes through, and from its southern side once led the Slighe Dala, an ancient road that ran in the direction of Ossory and East Munster. Its track at the junction with Tara is most probably still preserved in the southern road from the hill. There was another road here too, the Slighe Asaih, which there can be little doubt was a continuation of the ancient Fan na g-carbad, the Slope of the Chariots. That slope still remains, though little used. A passage in the Leabhar na h-Uidhre tells that Fan na g-carbad was on the line of road leading from Tara to Brugh na Boinn, which is situated on the Boyne to the east of Navan. In the immediate vicinity of Tara there is also a monument called Rath Meadhbha, the Rath of Maeve. It stands on a height about a mile to the south-east of Tara Hill, and from the hill it is a striking object. This rath appears to have been an enclosure with a single circular rampart and without any ditch. The monuments of Tara described in the Dinnseanchus have all been illustrated, but this rath and another similar monument nearby are included here because one of them at least is of the same age as Tara and most intimately connected with its history.

23. The House of Mairiseo near Neamhnach

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The ruins of the House of Mairiseo lay to the north of the well of Neamhnach, with three small stones around it. Mairiseo was said to be a widow contemporary with King Cormac, and any house built in this manner was never sorrowful nor without plenty.

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    Carpac cije TTlaipifen pil op m q^io ppi Nemnaij a cuaio, ocup ceopa cloca bega [imbe].* Ip amlaiD po puioijeo m ceacpm, Cdp* apo ocup cuapao aipipel. Tllaipipeo, Don, bancpebach bae im copae ppi Cop-

    Of the remarkable remains of Temur.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara, the ruins of the House of Mairiseo stand near the well of Neamhnach, with three small stones around them. Mairiseo was a widow, a contemporary of King Cormac. It was said that any house built in this manner was never sorrowful, nor without plenty.

24. The well Laegh and its saying

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The well called Laegh lay on the slope of the hill west of Rath na Riogh, sending a stream westwards, and though now dried up the ground below its site remains watery. An old Irish saying contrasted it with the well Liagh, noting one lay east and the other west of Temur.

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    The third and last of these wells is that called Laegh^ situated, according to the verse and prose accounts, on the slope of the hill west of Rath na Rioghj and sending a stream directly westwards. This well is also dried up, or diverted from its original situation, but the ground immediately below its site is still watery. The signification of the name of this well is placed beyond conjecture by an Jtncient Irish saying, quoted in the prose description, in allusion to its situation as contradistinguished from that of the well Liagh : " The Qz\i{Laegh) never goes to the physician, (Liagh,) the one," it adds, "being to the east and the other to the west of Temur." The meaning of the name is also explained in a passage full of interest, in Tirechan's annotations on the life of St. Patrick, — fol. 10, by 1.

    Porro fundavit aeclesiam i Carrie Dagri, Moreover he founded a church at Carrie

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tara, there was a well here called Laegh. It lay on the slope of the hill west of Rath na Riogh, and sent a stream directly westwards. That well is now dried up, or diverted from its original situation, but the ground immediately below its site remains watery. An old Irish saying, quoted in the prose accounts, set this well against another called Liagh. The saying plays on their names and their positions: one to the east of Temur, the other to the west. The words run, the Laegh never goes to the physician, Liagh, the one being to the east and the other to the west of Temur. The meaning of the name is also explained in a passage in Tirechan's annotations on the life of St. Patrick, where he notes that he founded a church at Carrie Dagri.

25. Ruins of Cormac's Kitchen at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The ruins of Cuchtair Cormaic, or Cormac's Kitchen, once stood over the brink of the well Laegh, to the east, between it and the external ring of Rath na Riogh, but are now obliterated.

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    The ruins of Guchtair Connaic, or Cormac's Kitchen, now obliterated, were situated over the brink of this well, to the east ; that is, between it and the external ring of Rath-na-Riogh.

    On the same Letter ^ or slope of the hill, in which this well was situated, and not far to the west of Rath-na-Riogh, the prose account places two stones marking the sepulchres of Cu and Cethen. These monuments were to the south of the well, and, like it, have disappeared. The verse, with equal distinctness, points out the situation of these monuments, but adds another feature called CnoG'bo^ or the Hill of the Cow, of which also there is no trace. The destruction of these monuments is at once accounted for by the fact, that this side of the hill has been long under cultivation. Respecting Cnoc-bo^ no historical account is given, but the sepulchral stones of Cu and Cethen, according to the prose account, owe their origin to two distributors, or servants, of Cormac's household, as thus stated :

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tara, there were once ruins the old records called Cormac's Kitchen, or Cuchtair Cormaic. They stood over the brink of a well, to the east, between that well and the outer ring of Rath na Riogh. Nothing remains of them now. The well too has disappeared. On the same slope of the hill, not far west of Rath na Riogh, a prose account places two stones marking the graves of Cu and Cethen, south of the well. Those stones have disappeared as well. A verse account points to the same place with equal distinctness but adds a feature called Cnoc-bo, the Hill of the Cow, of which no trace survives and no historical account is given. The loss of all these is plain enough. That side of the hill has been long under cultivation. The stones of Cu and Cethen, according to the prose account, owed their origin to two distributors, or servants, of Cormac's household.

26. Ruins of Sciath Chonchulainn near the Medhi

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The ruins of Sciath Chonchulainn (Cuchulainn's shield) and its Tul lie near the Medhi to the north-east, described as a rath level with the ground with a small hillock in its centre.

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    The ruins of Sciath Chonchulainn and its Tttl are near the Medhi to the north-east. The Rath is level with the ground, and there is a small hillock in its centre Ian na teala de huir.

    The Sheskin of Temur is close to Long na m-ban to the north-west. This dirty little Sheskin (moor) is south of Cam na macraidhe,

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Tara, the ruins of Sciath Chonchulainn, Cuchulainn's shield, and its Tul lie near the Medhi to the north-east. The rath is level with the ground, with a small hillock at its centre. To the north-west, the Sheskin of Temur lies near Long na m-ban, a dirty little moor south of Cam na macraidhe.

27. Fan na g-Carbad Linked to Brugh na Boinne

    near Brú na Bóinne · monument · Meath

    A passage in the Leabhar na h-Uidhre shows that Fan na g-Carbad lay on the line of the road leading from Tara to Brugh na Boinne, a site situated on the Boyne to the east of Navan.

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    and £^parently proceeded in the direction of Duleek and Drogheda. There is, therefore, every reason to believe that the road still pointing in that direction is, to a certain distance at least, identical with that ancient road. The Slighe Dtxla led from the southern side of the hill in the direction of Ossory and East Munster, and it is most probable, that its track at its junction with Tara is still preserved in the southern road from the hill. There remains then only the Slighe Asaih and this, there can be little doubt, was a continuation of the ancient Fan na g-carbad, or Slope of the Chariots, which still remains, though little used, as it appears from a passage in the Leabhar na h- Uidhre, that Fan na g'Carbad was on the line of road leading from Tara to Brugh na BoinnCf which is situated on the Boyne to the east of Navan.

    The monuments of Tara, described in the documents in the Dinnseanchus^ have been all now illustrated ; but, to make this memoir as satisfactory and complete as possible, it will be proper to include a notice of two remarkable similar monuments in its immediate vicinity, and particularly as one of them at least is of the same age, and is most intimately connected with its history. The monument here alluded to is that called Rath MeadKbha^ or the Rath of Move, which is situated on a height about a mile to the south-east of Tara Hill, as seen from which It is a striking object. This Rath appears to have been an inclosure with a single circular rampart, and without any ditch. A section from north to south, on a scale of 150 f. to an inch, gives the following measurements : —

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Brú na Bóinne is Fan na g-Carbad, the Slope of the Chariots. A passage in the Leabhar na h-Uidhre shows that Fan na g-Carbad lay on the line of the road leading from Tara to Brugh na Boinne, which is situated on the Boyne to the east of Navan. The road still remains, though little used. There can be little doubt that it was a continuation of what was called the Slighe Asaih. The ancient road from Tara apparently proceeded in the direction of Duleek and Drogheda. There is every reason to believe that the road still pointing in that direction is, to a certain distance at least, identical with that ancient road. Other roads led from Tara as well. The Slighe Dala led from the southern side of the hill toward Ossory and East Munster, and its track at its junction with Tara is probably still preserved in the southern road from the hill. But Fan na g-Carbad belongs to the road that ran from Tara toward Brugh na Boinne on the Boyne, east of Navan.

28. Cross of Fergus the holy pilgrim near the Carn of the Youths

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The Cross of Fergus, a holy pilgrim who had been at Carraic Clumain, stood alongside the Carn of the Leinster Youths to the west, according to Tara's ancient topographical tract.

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    The Cross of Fergus the holy pilgrim, (who was in Carraic Clumain^) is alongside the Cam of the Youthsy to the west.

    Deisiol Teamhrach is between the two Corns qftheVouths, i. e. between the southern Cam and the northern Cam*

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara there stood the Cross of Fergus, a holy pilgrim who had been at Carraic Clumain. It stood alongside the Carn of the Youths to the west. Between the two carn of the Youths, the southern and the northern, lay Deisiol Teamhrach.

29. Rath Grainne on the height above the Sheskin

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Rath Grainne (Grania's fort) is situated west of the Sheskin of Temur, on the height of the hill, one of the named monuments in the ancient topography of Tara.

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    Hath Grainne (Crania's fort) is west of the Sheskin on the height of the hill.

    *9 Supplied from the Book of Glendalough.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara, there is a place called Rath Grainne, Grania's fort. It stands west of the Sheskin, on the height of the hill, one of the old named monuments of Tara.

30. Description of the House of Laoghaire at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The ancient prose text describes the House of Laoghaire, son of Niall, as erected long after Cormac's house and being one-third its extent, with specific measurements given for its imdas, airels, fireplace and other features. This description is part of the ground-plan tradition preserved in the Book of Glendalough and the Yellow Book of Lecan.

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    cpian C151 Copmaic/ ccc, cpaijeo hi caij thrice. The house of Laoghaire, the son of Niall,

    ^aejaipe; /.imDai5ann;/.pep injacimoai^; [erected] long afterwards, was one-third of the

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara stood the house of Laoghaire, son of Niall. It was erected long after Cormac's house and was one-third its extent. This description survives through the ground-plan tradition preserved in the Book of Glendalough and the Yellow Book of Lecan.

31. Dwellings of Temur spreading from Mariseo's house

    Tara · parish · Meath

    According to the poem, from the House of Mariseo out towards Meath, along the side of the hill east of the road, the houses and dwellings of Temur (Tara) were spread.

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    The poem adds an Interesting particular connected with this locality, that from this house out towards Meath, that is, along the side of the hill to the east of the road, the houses, or dwellings of Temur, were spread.

    Proceeding in the order of the prose description, the monuments next to be noticed are the three stones which marked the graves of the druids, Mael, Blocc, and Bluicni. These stones were situated at the side of the Rath of the Synods^ to the north ; and with respect to each other, that of Mael to the east, Blocc to the south, and Bluicni to the north. The poem states, that these stones had been cast or thrown here by the great Mai of Macha. This Mai, according to the Annals of Tigheamach, was king of Emania, or Emhain Macha, for thirtythree years, and commenced his reign in the year 130.

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    The old poem says that from the house of Mariseo, out towards Meath, along the side of the hill east of the road, the dwellings of Temur were spread. That is Tara itself, and the road passes through the parish where those houses once stood. The poem also speaks of three stones that marked the graves of the druids Mael, Blocc, and Bluicni. These stones stood at the side of the Rath of the Synods to the north. Mael's stone was to the east, Blocc's to the south, and Bluicni's to the north. The poem says the great Mai of Macha cast or threw these stones there. According to the Annals of Tighearnach, Mai was king of Emania, or Emhain Macha, for 33 years, and his reign began in the year 130.

32. Teach Midchuarta Ri Nimi compared to Tara's hall

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    The poem's final verses compare the Teach Midchuarta, the joyful hall of the King of Heaven, to Tara's earthly banqueting house, noting that none but those who do God's will may dwell within it.

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    Ceach TTliDcuapca "Rij Nimi,

    Ni bai cech ba puilliu,

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991

33. The Teach Midchuarta banqueting hall poem and seating plan

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    Petrie analyses an ancient poem describing the ranks and food-shares of officials seated in the Teach Midchuarta, the great banqueting hall of Tara, comparing texts from the Book of Glendalough and the Leabhar Buidhe. The poem lists distributors, brehons, poets, harpers, smiths and other officials and their allotted portions at the feast.

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    Ceach TTliDcuapca "Rij Nimi,

    Ni bai cech ba puilliu,

    Internet Archive jstor-30078991, Chapter 7