Cuchulainn and Emer

Judging by place name evidence Drumanagh is thought to have been the fort of Forgall Manach, a trader in gold, whose settlement is described in extraordinary detail in 'The Tain' (Cattle Raid) one of the earliest pieces of Irish mythological literature from the Ulster Cycle. This story may also have connections with Rathmoone, Lusk. 

According to this legend, the men of Ulster were jealous of Cuchulainn because of his brilliance, nimbleness, fair face and fine figure and the passion their womenfolk had for him. They prevailed on King Conchobhar to find a wife for him. Conchobhar sent nine men to each province in Ireland looking for a wife for Cuchulainn but they returned a year later without a girl to suit him. 

Cuchulainn himself set out with his charioteer Leag Mac Riangabra, his finest chariot and a team of horses. He crossed the plain of Brega and went to 'Loglochta Logo' to the fort of 'Forgall Manach the Cunning' to woo Emer his daughter. 

Remains of Ancient Ramparts

Cuchulainn gave his 'salmon leap' and jumped over the ramparts into Forgall's fort and immediately fell in love with Emer. They spoke to each other in riddles but Cuchulainn could not get permission to marry Emer until he went to 'Alba' to learn special crafts in warfare. Forgall hoped Cuchulainn would be killed in his attempts and would not return. Cuchulainn was successful, however, and returned to claim his bride. At this stage Forgall sent out his warriors to meet him but Cuchulainn slew them all using his newly learned warfare skills  and brought Emer back to King Conchobhar's court in Ulllin Ulster. They were never parted again. It is said that when Cuchalainn was killed Emer died of grief. They are buried together in the Cooley Mountains. 

Access to Drumanagh by the cliff from Loughshinny beach is highly dangerous due to costal erosion, this site is Private Property and entry is prohibted.

You can view the site from the lane opposite St Catherine's (route 2). The ramparts can be clearly seen from the enterance gates on the public lane.