King Mesgegra's Mound
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Shown within Ireland | |
| Location |
Carrigeen, Clane, County Kildare, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°17′14″N 6°41′03″W / 53.287093°N 6.684180°WCoordinates: 53°17′14″N 6°41′03″W / 53.287093°N 6.684180°W |
| Type | Motte |
| Diameter | 43 m (140 ft) |
| History | |
| Material | earth |
| Periods | Iron Age |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | yes |
King Mesgegra's Mound is a motte and ancient Irish royal site located in Clane, County Kildare, Ireland.[1]
Location
King Mesgegra's Mound is located south of Clane, 160 metres (540 ft) northwest of a fording point on the River Liffey.
History and archaeology
According to Ulster Cycle legends, Mesgegra, King of Leinster, confronted the Ulster warrior Conall Cernach at the ford in Clane. Conall beheaded Mesgegra at the bullaun stone placed his head in the hollow. Mesgegra's body was buried under King Mesgegra's Mound, while his head was buried at Mainham, north of Clane, along with his wife Buan.[2][3] This story is recounted in Tallaind Etair ("The Siege of Howth") in the 12th-century Book of Leinster.[4]
The mound was later built on in the 12th century by the Normans who took control of Clane, probably by Richard de Hereford.
Sunday's Well, a warm spring now covered over, is at its base. At 13 °C, it is one of only ten such springs in Ireland.[5]