Hill of Allen
| Hill Of Allen | |||
| County Kildare | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Hill of Allen | |||
| Range: | Chair of Kildare | ||
| Summit: | 676 feet N759205 53°13’46"N, 6°51’50"W | ||
The Hill of Allen is a volcanic hill situated in the west of County Kildare, beside the village of Allen.
Its name is also given as Cnoc Alúine in Modern Irish, or earlier Cnoc Almaine, or as the 'Hill of Almu'. According to Irish Mythology it was the seat of the hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna.
The site is currently part-owned by Roadstone Dublin Ltd.[1] 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. 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 A.D. 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.[2]
Tower
In 1859 Sir Gerard George Aylmer, the 9th Baronet of Donadea began building a circular tower on the top of the hill, a folly which was completed in 1863. The tower stands 60 feet high and is known as 'Aylmer's Folly'. The names of the workmen are inscribed on the steps.[3]
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.[1][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. 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.[5][6]
See also
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Hill of Allen) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "'National Monuments' found on Hill of Allen". Kildare Nationalist. 2007-10-18. http://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/story/?trs=cwgbeyeyau. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
- ↑ The Cycles of the Kings - Cath Almaine "The Battle of Allen" Template:Webarchive
- ↑ Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen – National Heritage Week
- ↑ County Kildare Heritage - Hill of Allen
- ↑ http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Planning/DevelopmentPlans/PreparationoftheDraftCountyDevelopmentPlan2011-2017/6SubmissionstoDraftCountyDevelopmentPlan/LinktoDocument,24252,en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/89676?userlanguage=ga
