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Leinster's District of
Croghan Hill
Ceann mor:
Position is currently vacant
Croghan Hill, or Croghan Bri Eile, was one of
the three "Royal Seats" of Leinster Province.
The site came into prominence in the first
millenium BC and continued as a residence
until quite recently (relatively speaking).
There are also a number of Neolithic burials
in the immediate area, which date to around
2,000 BC.
CROGHAN HILL
Croghan Hill / Cruachain Bri Eile - Located ten miles northeast of Tullamore in north County Offaly, Croghan Hill, almost circular and 4000 feet in diameter, rises high above the vast surrounding bog. It is actually the remnants of the main vent of an ancient volcano. People lived in this area since Mesolithic times, 9,000 years ago. During the neolithic age (circa 2,000 BC) the first burials were made there and a cairn was erected, obviously for an important person judging by the amount of work and workers necessary. Near this cairn, a hillfort was constructed sometime between the Bronze and early Iron Age, probably a defensive and/or assembly place that might have even served as a kind of urban center for ritual gatherings as well as a marketplace. The strategically significant site of Croghan Hill, overlooking the surrounding bog, kept the people of Leinster safe from their enemies, the Ui Neill dynasty of Mide. Nevertheless, in the year 365 there was a battle between the "king of Tara" Eochaidh Muighmheadhon, and Eanna, King of Leinster at Croghan Hill.
Use of Croghan Hill dates back to around 2000 BC. There are several Neolithic burial mounds on and around the hill, with many more dotted about the surrounding countryside. The tumulus atop the hill is said to be the burying place of Congal. Prior to these usages, the area was sparsely populated with Mesolithic hunter - gatherers, beginning around 9,000 BC. Owing to a lack of flint in the area, these stone-age peoples used the native chert, found in abundance some 20 miles to the south. A few chert points have been found in the area, but not in a concentration to indicate it was a residence in the earliest of times.
Map and graphics by MacMorna Niafer.
Text by Flidais and MacMorna Niafer.
Guide to Celtia
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