Cruachain

Also known as Uaimh Chrúachan [Irish, the cave of Crúachu] and Druim na nDruadh [Irish, the ridge of the druids]. The great fortress of Connacht as portrayed in many early narratives, including the Táin Bó Cuailnge [Cattle Raid of Cooley], where it is the seat of power for Medb and Ailill. The fortress of the stories is identified with Rathcroghan, an extensive archaeological site near Tulsk, north Co. Roscommon. In its antiquity and frequency of reference in Old Irish literature, Cruachain is the counterpart of Tara in Meath, Emain Macha in Ulster, and Dún Ailinne in Leinster.

The fortress of Medb and Ailill is usually described as both splendid and extensive, with seven compartments for residents. Thus in many stories a reference to Cruachain implies both the luxury and the power of the province of Connacht, which in modern times has been Ireland's poorest. Also celebrated in story is the cave at Cruachain, sometimes known as the ‘Hell's Gate of Ireland’. In its fearful aspects it is well described in Echtra Nerai [The Adventure of Nera]. From the cave issues forth Aillén (2), who devastates the landscape of Ireland. From the cave at Cruachain also comes a flock of white birds whose breath withers vegetation, as well as three predatory cats and a herd of wild pigs so numerous they cannot be counted.

Archaeologists have suggested that Rathcroghan was built by Goidelic invaders who used it as their capital in subjugating the native population. The site is about 2 miles square, and contains a great number of earthworks of different kinds as well as mounds that may be passage-graves. There are also five concentric fortified circles. Different points in the site have been given fanciful names by amateur archaeologists over the years that are not necessarily supported by irrefutable evidence, ‘Medb's Treasury’, ‘Medb's Mill’, etc. One circular enclosure has been rather grandly named Reilig na Rígh [Irish, Cemetery of the Kings], although recent excavation has not shown it to be a burial place. A 7-feet-high standing stone is said to mark the grave of King Dathí, the last pagan king of Ireland. At several points on the site are extensive ogham inscriptions.