Hill of Allen

Hill Of Allen
(Cnoc Alúine)

Hill of Allen
Highest point
Elevation 206 m (676 ft)
Coordinates 53°13′46″N 6°51′50″W / 53.22944°N 6.86389°W / 53.22944; -6.86389Coordinates: 53°13′46″N 6°51′50″W / 53.22944°N 6.86389°W / 53.22944; -6.86389 
Geography
Hill Of Allen
Location in Ireland
Location Kildare, Republic of Ireland
Parent range Chair of Kildare
OSI/OSNI grid N759205
Topo map OSi Discovery 49

The Hill of Allen (Cnoc Alúine in Modern Irish, earlier Cnoc Almaine; also Hill of Almu [1]) is a volcanic hill situated in the west of County Kildare, Ireland, beside the village of Allen. According to Irish Mythology it was the seat of the hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna.[1] The site is currently part-owned by Roadstone Dublin Ltd.[2] and extensive quarrying has noticeably changed the profile of the hill.

History

The hill is situated at the easternmost point of the Bog of Allen and it is from this hill that the bog gets its name.[1] According to legend, Fionn mac Cumhaill had a fortress on the hill and used the surrounding flatlands as training grounds for his warriors. In 722 the Battle of Allen was fought between the Leinstermen (Laigin), led by Murchad mac Brain Mut (King of Leinster), and the forces of Fergal mac Máele Dúin (High King of Ireland) in close proximity to the hill.[3]

Tower

In 1859 Sir Gerard George Aylmer, the 9th Baronet of Donadea began building a circular tower on the top of the hill, which was completed in 1863. The tower was a folly and the names of the workmen are inscribed on the steps.[1]

During the construction of the tower a large coffin containing human bones was unearthed which were said to be those of Fionn mac Cumhaill. These were re-interred under the site.[2][4]

Quarry

As of 2008 most of the site is under the ownership of Roadstone Dublin Ltd. and much of the western side of the hill has been quarried.[5] An agreement between Roadstone Dublin Ltd and Kildare County Council allows quarrying to be carried out (subject to conditions) for a period of 50 years from 15 October 2008 [6][7]

See also

References and notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 The Hill Of Allen Action Group Website Archived 2007-11-29 at the Wayback Machine.
  2. 1 2 "'National Monuments' found on Hill of Allen". Kildare Nationalist. 2007-10-18. Archived from the original on 2007-05-02. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  3. ↑ The Cycles of the Kings - Cath Almaine "The Battle of Allen" Archived 2006-09-02 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ County Kildare Website - Hill of Allen
  5. ↑ Aerial photograph of effect of quarrying on the Hill of Allen
  6. ↑ http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Planning/DevelopmentPlans/PreparationoftheDraftCountyDevelopmentPlan2011-2017/6SubmissionstoDraftCountyDevelopmentPlan/LinktoDocument,24252,en.pdf
  7. ↑ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/89676?userlanguage=ga
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