What is recorded here
Donaghmore in County Laois contains an unlocated ringfort called Rath-Bacain, built by Baccan while St. Patrick travelled through Leix toward Ossory. The fort rose near the church that would later give the townland its name, suggesting Baccan shaped the place before Christian worship gathered there. What is missing is not the wonder but the exact spot where Baccan laid the first stones.
Unlocated possible ringfort within the townland that is described in the History of Queens County as, 'Baccan seems to flourished in the time of St. Patrick; for when the Irish Apostle passed through this part of Leix on his way to Ossory, a work was in the course of erection, near which the church of Domnachmore afterwards stood. This Baccan, it is said, built the Fort of Rath-Bacain (LA028-085----) in Magh-Reda (Morrett), and its foundations were being laid at that period' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 87).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload/revision: 11 December 2011
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
public housepublic house · 227 yd
Saint Patrick's Church (Donaghmore)church/chapel · 268 yd
Donaghmore MoatCastle, motte · 503 yd
Enclosure in Ballyhegadon GlebeEnclosure · 715 yd
Enclosure in Raheen UpperEnclosure · 962 yd
Donaghmore Castle ruinsCastle · 1315 yd
Cnoc SeanrathaMemorial · 4.9 mi
Clonmeen WoodWood · 4.9 mi