School: Creatlach (B.)

On this page

1. Cratloe's Hills and Woods (continued)

   

   Share Share Post

   (continued from previous page)

   cool and refreshing and has never been known to fail. It was a welcome find for those who climbed to get a magnificent view of the counties of Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and even parts of Cork and Kerry. Some years ago however visitors to Cruach a' Bhannaille in a spirit of vandalism completely filled in the well with the flags which surround it and it has remained so ever since.

   Cratloe Woods:-
   The woods are the remnants of the large forest which existed here in olden times. At present they extend for almost three miles along the hill-side and are over a mile in depth. It was often used with advantage as a place of refuge by the clans of Clare when invaders in overwhelming number came into their territory. Here too Brian Borou and his hardy followers often sheltered, and when opportunity offered, burst upon the Danish invaders, upon whom they inflicted severe punishment in return for the slaughter and spoilation wrought amongst the homes and people of Thomond. At this time too it was infested with wolves, which the natives hunted and killed with the aid of the famous and now almost extinct wolf-hounds.
   History tells us that in the ninth century the men of Ulster invaded Thomond and took away from Cratloe a quantity of oak to roof the palace of the Kings of the North at Aileck, near Derry city.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Seán A. Breathnach

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Príomhoide