Castle — ringwork in Duntryleague

The precise location of a possible earthwork castle or high status ringfort which gave its name to the townland of Duntryleague has not been identified. Westropp (1906-07, 197-8) recorded the following details about this possible castle site; 'Cormac Cass, King of Munster in the second century, says an early legend, was wounded in the head at the Battle of Knocksouna (see section 191, supra), where he defeated and slew Eochu Abhradruadh, King of Ulster. Cormac was brought to Duntriliag, where "a good dun" was constructed round a spring, with three pillars round his bed (whence the name "dun tri liag") ; and, despite skilled medical attendance, he died, and was buried in a "cave" in the fort (Book of Lismore, " Colloquy "). 1002 King Brian strengthened Duntriliag (Wars G. and G.). 1346 Dundirleke (Gormanstown Register, p. 145 d). 1540 Burke of Castleconnell claimed a mark from "the small quarter of Duntriliag, whereon Baile na mona, Garrdha an laugaigh (Garryenlanga), Baile an bhighigh, Caislean Criaidh (Burke Rental). 1655 Downeterleague, the estate of Jo. Cantwell, sold to Hugh Massy (B.D., p. 90), confirmed 1666. His son, Hugh Massy, junior, describes its partial burning by the Irish; but he saved the outbuildings and several turrets (History of the Massy Family, 1890, p. 238). 1701 Hugh Massy made his will "being in danger of death, occasioned by a wound received from Edw. Moore, of Knockhorden" (Prerog., Dublin)'. According to Lynch (1920, 122-3) this high status ringfort was built by 'Cormac Cas, son of Olioll, to heal his wound received at the battle of Samhain. At Dun ar Sléibh, or Dun on the mountain, he had a fort built, a good town, which was so that in its midst was a sparkling and translucent loch-well. About the spring, he had a great and royal house planted, and there (with its head to the eastward, and betwixt the said three columns of stones) the King's bed was set, while out of a Cuach or else a bowl, a confidential warrior of his people splashed water on his head continually. There, too, he died, and in that fort was laid in subterranean excavation, whence dun-tri-liag or 'fort of three pillar stones' by way of name is given to it." It is perfectly clear that this legend refers to a fort specially constructed, and for a special purpose, at the dun on the mountain. The site of Dun-tri-liag is supposed to be on the south-west slope of the mount. The earlier Dun was presumably nearer the summit, or Dun-tri-liag may have been constructed as an extension or annexe to the original Dun on the mountain, so as to enclose the well, and both duns have been destroyed. All the references would lead to the conclusion that the earlier fort was the Dun Claire of Olioll Olum's time' (Lynch 1920, 122-3). May be the same site as the earthwork (LI049-063004-) immediately to the E of Duntryleague church (LI049-063002-) and graveyard (LI049-063003-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 July 2021