School: Cullahill (C.), Rathdowwney (roll number 13137)

Location:
Cullahill, Co. Laois
Teacher:
Mrs Baird
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0830, Page 258

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0830, Page 258

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  1. XML School: Cullahill (C.), Rathdowwney
  2. XML Page 258
  3. XML “Fairy Forts”

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  1. There is a very fine rath in the townland of Cool-na-Critta, namely Rathkile or the hazel rath. It is the most noted in the district, with the exception of Rath-Cill-Muire and is situated in Mr. Drennan's field.
    This rath consists of a circular area enclosed by two lines of circumvallation, and separated by a fosse or ditch. This rath was evidently the residence of some old Irish chief, and the ditch was used for defence against wild beasts and enemies. It is now believed to be the residence of the fairy folk, as the following story will show.
    A certain woman living in this townland, near the rath, was confounded one day, to see a small neat woman dressed in black, approach her. The fairy woman-for that was who she was supposed to be -bidding her the time of day, asked her for a gallon of meal. The woman granted her request and when the fairy woman was left, she followed her. Imagine her suprise
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. place-space-environment
      1. legendary and spiritual places (~158)
        1. fairy forts (~5,616)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Nora Rhatigan
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Cullahill, Co. Laois
    Informant
    Mrs Rhatigan
    Gender
    Female
    Age
    38
    Address
    Cullahill, Co. Laois