This guidebook contains entries on every aspect of Rathcroghan, from its archaeological and historical landscapes, through to its literary and mythological associations. This publication is the quintessential user’s guide to this fascinating archaeological landscape. Drawing upon historical, literary and cutting-edge archaeological research, Rathcroghan: The Guidebook is designed to bring the reader on a journey through time at Rathcroghan, from the first settlers to this broad limestone plain in the Neolithic period, through to the political mechanics of late medieval Machaire Connacht.
Thereafter, you will be taken on a journey of a different kind. You will see how our ancestors wove a tapestry of literature on top of this canvas of Rathcroghan, connecting physical landmarks and ancestor burials with the intoxicating narrative of Queen Medb of Connacht and the Ulster Cycle of Tales, filled with war and strife, jealousy and intrigue, gods and mere mortals.
Rathcroghan (Crúachain) is often referred to as both a ‘Celtic’ Royal Settlement and a sacred burial place; it is one of several major royal sites in ancient Ireland, such as Tara, Co. Meath, Knockaulin, Co. Kildare, and Navan Fort near Armagh, that are frequently mentioned in early literature.
While these sites had special importance in early historic times, and in some cases bore and extraordinary weight of myth and legend, we now know that they are older archaeological assemblages of impressive complexity and size.
This book is the result of a major programme of archaeological field research at Rathcroghan in County Roscommon in the West of Ireland. The project involved the use of a range of geophysical techniques to explore a number of extraordinary monuments in the Royal Site.
Written by Tom Condit and Fionnbarr Moore, this heritage guide is an excellent way for you to make your acquaintance with the enigmatic monument of Oweynagat, (Uaimh na gCat), the Cave of the Cats.
This unique monument, comprised of a man-made souterrain attached to a limestone cavern, is very interesting from a geological point of view, but it is the epic literature that truely brings the cave to life.
Complete with a reconstruction drawing of the monument, this should be your first port of call before visiting ‘Ireland’s Gate to Hell’.
Rathcroghan and Carnfree (Celtic Royal Sites in Roscommon), by Prof. Michael Herity. This guide is based on a survey of the antiquities in an area of 100 square kilometres around Cruachain and Carnfree begun before 1980.
The results of the survey have been published in four articles in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1983, 1984, 1987, 1988).
Gerald of Wales was among the most dynamic and fascinating churchmen of the twelfth century. A member of one of the leading Norman families involved in the invasion of Ireland, he first visited there in 1183 and later returned in the entourage of Henry II. The resulting Topographia Hiberniae is an extraordinary account of his travels.
This accessible translation preserves the directness and lively storytelling of the original and includes maps, illustrations and notes.
A Dictionary of Roscommon Biography contains 5000 individual entries which describe the careers of people in all fields of endeavour, including politics, religion, law, literature, journalism, business, trades, medicine, sport, engineering, painting, music and entertainment.
At nearly 1000 pages and beautifully bound, this book is a must for anyone with an interest or connection with Co. Roscommon.
This is the gripping story of Patrick, the slave boy, his capture by Irish raiders and his dramatic escape. The first Irish graphic novel, magnificently illustrated throughout, it is suitable for all readers from 10 to adult.
An Sclábhaí won a prestigious Bisto Merit Award in May 2002.
A stunning graphic novel of An Táin, the classic tale of Cúchulainn, Queen Méabh and the cattle-raid for the Brown bull of Cooley. Written by prize-winning author Colmán Ó Raghallaigh, superbly illustrated by Barry Reynolds and produced by the Cartoon Saloon in full-colour graphic novel format, this is the fourth in a series of highly successful Irish language graphic novels published by Cló Mhaigh Eo.
A full English translation is available at www.leabhar.com
The Co. Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society Journal is a fascinating collection of articles devoted to the study of Roscommon’s past, both modern and ancient.
With topics ranging from archaeology to history, folklore to heritage, there is something for everybody.
The tragic tale of Deirdre and the sons of Uisneach, one of the classics of Irish literature, skilfully retold in graphic novel format by Colmán Ó Raghallaigh and superbly illustrated by Barry Reynolds and Audrey O’Brien. Tragic and moving, this companion volume to the award-winning, An Táin, captures all the richness of language and relentless excitement of the original Irish tale.
Letters Relating to the Antiquities of the County of Roscommon Containing Information Collected During the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837, edited with an introduction by Michael Herity MRIA.
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