Rathnadarve

Rathnadarve

Location: Glenballythomas, Co. Roscommon

Classification: Enclosure

SMR Code: RO022-057004-

Rating:

Rathnadarve (Rath na dTarbh), The Fort of the Bulls is a considerable ringfort, 85m in diameter. This is so large that the Newgrange mound could nearly fit inside it. The bank is well preserved and stands over 2m high with evidence of a large ditch surrounding it. To the southeast of the ringfort sits a ritual or sacrificial pool, which is evident at the site all year round. Although this monument has been classified as an 'enclosure', its purpose was most likely ceremonial.

Description

Rathnadarve (Rath na dTarbh), The Fort of the Bulls is a considerable ringfort, 85m in diameter. This is so large that the Newgrange mound could nearly fit inside it. The bank is well preserved and stands over 2m high with evidence of a large ditch surrounding it. To the southeast of the ringfort sits a ritual or sacrificial pool, which is evident at the site all year round. Although this monument has been classified as an 'enclosure', its purpose was most likely ceremonial.

Folklore

Rathnadarve is thought to be the setting for the fight of the bulls during the mythological tale of the Táin. According to the tale; Queen Medb of Connacht started a war with Ulster in order to steal a bull known as the Donn Cúailnge (the Brown Bull of Cooley), so she could equal her husband who owned the great bull of Connacht - Finnbhennach, (white horned). Although she lost the war with Ulster, Queen Medb managed to steal the Donn Cúailnge and bring him back to Rathcroghan with her. It was here that Donn came face to face with Finnbhennach and the two beasts locked horns in a fight to the death. After a long and grueling battle, Donn though mortally wounded himself, killed Finnbhennach, then returned to Cooley to die.

This monument is part of a Complex

Image

Rathcroghan Royal Complex

Location: Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

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This monument is part of a Complex

Image

Rathcroghan Royal Complex

View this Complex

Accessibility Rating: Easy

Guided tours of this monument and others within the complex can be arranged through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: 00353 (0) 71 963 9268. Visit www.rathcroghan.ie for more details.

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

Guided tours of this monument and others within the complex can be arranged through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: 00353 (0) 71 963 9268. Visit www.rathcroghan.ie for more details.

Facilities

Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: 00353 (0) 71 963 9268

Map

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 05:26

Sunset: 21:35

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 05:26

Sunset: 21:35

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