Canfree

On a rock-outcrop rise at the E end and the highest point of the broad WNW-ESE Carnfree ridge. The cairn of Carn Fraoich (RO028-069001-) was the inauguration site of the O'Conors from the late 12th century and probably earlier into the 15th century (Gormley 1989, 26-8; FitzPatrick 2004, 60-8). The inauguration stone (RO020-057----), which is of uncertain authenticity (FitzPatrick 2004, 113-5), was removed to Cargin House near Tulsk c. 1840 (Jones 1922-3) and is now at Clonalis House near Castlerea. The cairn is within ceremonial enclosure (RO028-069002-). (Herity 1983,126-7; Waddell 1988, 15) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 24 August 2010 O’Daly, J. 1853 Inauguration of Cathal Crobhdhearg O’Conor, King of Connaught. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, vol. 2, 335-48. O’Donovan, J. 1891 The O’Conors of Connaught. An historical memoir compiled from a Ms. of the late John O’Donovan LL.D. with additions from the state papers and public records by the Rt. Hon. Charles Owen O’Conor Don. Dublin. Hodges, Figgis, and Co.

The site is linked to the inauguration tradition of the O'Conor kings of Connacht, who were inaugurated at Carn Fraoich, a cairn on the Carnfree ridge, from the late 12th century onwards, reflecting its historical and symbolic importance in medieval Irish kingship rituals. The name "Carn Fraoich" suggests a connection to a "fairy cairn," indicating possible pre-Christian or folkloric associations with the Otherworld.