Magh Slécht facts for kids
Magh Slécht (which some people call Moyslaught) is the name of a special historic plain in Ireland. It's about three square miles (8 km2) big and is found in the western part of County Cavan. This area is surrounded by Templeport Lough to the south, Slieve Rushen mountain to the north, the Shannon–Erne Waterway to the east, and the River Blackwater to the west. Magh Slécht used to be part of Connacht province until the 1500s, when it became part of Ulster.
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What's in a Name?
This plain had different names over time. It was first called Magh Senaig, which means "plain of the hill-slope." This name appears in old Irish stories like The Metrical Dindshenchas.
Later, around 1911 BC, its name changed to Magh Slécht. This means "The plain of prostrations." People would pray here by kneeling and touching their forehead to the ground, similar to how some people pray today. Another idea is that Magh Slécht means "Plain of the Monument." Even though it's called a plain, it has small hills. But compared to the mountains around it, it looks flat!
Ancient Beliefs and St. Patrick
Magh Slécht was a very important place in ancient Ireland, long before Christianity arrived. It was the main center for worshipping a god named Crom Cruach. People believed this idol was very powerful.
According to stories, the High King of Ireland, Tigernmas, and 4,000 of his followers died here while worshipping Crom Cruach on Halloween in 1413 BC. A standing stone is said to mark his grave.
In the 5th century AD, Saint Patrick came to Magh Slécht. He is famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland. The story says that St. Patrick used his staff, the Bachal Isu, to knock down the Crom Cruach idol. After it fell, the twelve smaller idols around it were swallowed by the earth. This event marked a big change, as Christianity began to spread across Ireland.
A Land Full of History: Ancient Monuments
Magh Slécht has been lived in for a very long time, over 6,000 years! This is proven by the huge number of ancient monuments still found here. In just three square miles, there are more than 80 different types of old structures. This makes it one of the richest areas for ancient sites in County Cavan, and maybe even all of Ireland!
Some of the cool monuments you can find include:
- 9 Megalithic tombs: These are very old graves made of large stones.
- 7 Ring barrows: Circular mounds of earth, often used for burials.
- 3 different stone circles: Rings of standing stones, possibly used for ceremonies.
- 9 different standing stones: Single tall stones placed upright.
- 2 stone-rows: Lines of standing stones.
- 6 crannogs: Old homes built on artificial islands in lakes.
- 33 ráths or souterrains: Old circular forts or underground passages.
- Early Christian church sites and Holy Wells.
- Medieval castles.
Who Lived Here?
The first people to live in Magh Slécht were Neolithic hunter-gatherers. They arrived by river, which is now part of the Shannon–Erne Waterway.
The first named tribe to rule Magh Slécht was the Masraige. They were also called the "Sons of the Liath." The Masraige were powerful until the Uí Briúin tribe conquered them in the 8th century AD. Interestingly, Conall Gulban, one of the first important Irish noblemen to be baptized by St. Patrick, was killed by the Masraige in 464 AD.
Today, many people in the area have the surname McGovern. They are descendants of the Uí Briúin tribe.
Key Historical Events
Magh Slécht has been the site of many important events throughout Irish history. Here are some of them:
- 2000 BC: The hero Corrgenn traveled through Magh Senaig (the old name for Magh Slécht).
- 1860 BC: Regan, a giant from the Fomorians, was killed at Tomregan.
- 1413 BC: The High King of Ireland, Tigernmas, and 4,000 followers died while worshipping Crom Cruach on Halloween.
- 1342 BC: The Battle of Tuaim Drecain (Tomregan) took place.
- 1st century BC: The Ulster hero Conall Cernach was murdered at Ballyconnell.
- 80 AD: The High King Tuathal Techtmar fought a battle here.
- 239 AD: King Cormac mac Airt fought a battle near Magh Slécht.
- 5th century AD: Saint Patrick destroyed the idol Crom Cruach.
- 464 AD: King Conall Gulban was murdered by the Masraige tribe.
- c.530 AD: Dallan Forgaill, a famous Irish poet, was born here.
- 550 AD: Saint Mogue (also known as Saint Aidan of Ferns) was born here.
- 584 AD: A university was founded at Tuaim Drecain (Tomregan).
- 1256 AD: The Battle of Magh Slecht was fought between different Irish forces.
