Slieve Bloom Mountains - a brief history

Archaeological field monuments and artifacts found in the Slieve Bloom Mountains indicate several phases of human settlement in the area dating from the end of the Stone Age circa 4,500 years ago. The Stone Age finds include a javelin head found at Glenkitt and a cist burial located near Clonaslee.

The evidence for settlement during the Bronze Age (from 4,000 to 2,000 years ago) consists of several burial mounds, passage graves and standing stones on the northern and south-western margins of the mountains for example at Forelacka, and at Ballybritt. Several bronze axeheads have been recovered from such sites. Raths or ring forts dating to the Iron Age between 200BC and 300AD are found in the Slieve Blooms. Good examples occur on Cumber Hill and at Clonlee, both south of Kinnitty.

There is a small monastic settlement at Kilmanman north-west of Clonaslee and there are Early Christian and Medieval decorations on grave slabs at St Chiaran's Church near Clareen. The high cross at Kinnitty in front of Castle Bernard dates from the 10th century. The rich archaeological heritage of the area is dealt with in detail in John Feehan's book entitled 'The Landscape of Slieve Bloom'.

The Normans arrived in Ireland in the twelfth century when the Slieve Blooms were still divided among several Gaelic Kingdoms including the O Carrolls who controlled the southern regions. An important Norman town was established at Ballybritt. Due to it's central location, the Slieve Blooms occupied a strategic military position and over the centuries ancient Irish kings including Brian Boru and Hugh O Neill led their foot troops through the gaps of the Slieve Blooms on their way to doing battle.

The O Dunn clan originally known as Dunn Ui Riagain controlled the northern territory of the Slieve Blooms for most of the last millennium. Ruins of the O Dunn castles are still evident at Castlecuff, Brittas, Tinnahinch and Castlebrack.

More Information: www.slievebloom.ie

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