School: Cullahill (C.), Rathdowwney (roll number 13137)
- Location:
- Cullahill, Co. Laois
- Teacher: Mrs Baird
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0830, Page 194
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- Long ago, the people of Ireland were supposed to hide gold and precious stones in the earth. There are the ruins of an old building, in the land which bounds Raheenleigh, Gurteen and Newtown, on the side of the river Goul. It is called the "Nunnery".
Hundreds of years ago, a man named Bergin, who lived in the place, dreamt three nights in succession about a treasure hidden in the precincts of the 'Nunnery'.
He told some of the neighbours of his dream, so they agreed to go on the following night, to dig for the treasure, which was supposed to be hidden there.
While they were digging there appeared a horned animal, which they understood to be an angry bull. As the bull was making for them, the men fled for their lives, and as a result of the telling of the story, no one has ever since attempted to dig the treasure.
At night still there are several bright lights seen in and around the place, late at night.
This treasure, according to the local people, is supposed to have been hidden by the fairy-folk, who dwelt in Ireland long ago, and they, being possessed of magical powers, put this bull, which is a spirit, to guard the treasure.(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Nan Delahunty
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Raheenleagh, Co. Laois
- Informant
- Mrs James Delahunty
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 40
- Occupation
- Farmer's wife
- Address
- Raheenleagh, Co. Laois
