As I said in the "Introduction", I decided to apply a mathematical approach, by taking the first verse of the poem (first 28 lines), numbering each of them and treating them as a separate identity. Though with some of the lines, I have to treat them as a dual identity as they have two places mentioned within them, and with three pairs of others I have to take two lines together as each pair describes one place.

Line 1. In view to my delighted gaze.

Line 2. At Ard Asse round about,

Line 3.       the Grave of Nemed’s Wife – a feat of daring –

Line 4          the Balance of the Son of Balor’s Daughter.

Line 5. The Port to which the Lugair brought (their) ship

Line 6. in Deiscert Maige of the single ridge;

Line 7.        the Swim of the mighty Boar after the hour of terce,

Line 8.        it is near and eke in view. In view.

Line 9. Loch Echtra, glorious Loch n-Echach,

Line 10. Sliab Breg, Sliab Bairche ever bright,

Line 11.     the Stone of the Seat of Congal of the heads,

Line 12.     the lofty and lordly Sliab Uillenn.

Line 13. Sliab Slanga, lovely Sliab Cuilinn,

Line 14. Sliab Modurin in the Mugdorn country,

Line 15.     Sliab Cairthinn of famous Ane,

Line 16.     deepsoiled Sliab Findar of shrill breezes.

Line 17. The Mountains of Ulaid on the north

Line 18. in the territory of strong Araide,

Line 19.     Sliab Mis of the precincts, a scanty bulk,

Line 20.     fair Sliab Callan of vaunted deeds.

Line 21. The Mountains of Connachta on the side, Sliab Tua,

Line 22. Sliab Cairn, Sliab Betha, ever fresh,

Line 23.     Sliab Cairthinn, Sliab Bethech of the peaks,

Line 24.     the Mountains of the Galing, scant in height.

Line 25. Cenel n-Eogain, the territory of Ulaid,

Line 26. the Men of Brega, the brave true stock,

Line 27      the territory of the Collas, no path of right,

Line 28.     on every side, it is in view. In view.

Although, I said I was going to take a planned mathematical approach, I do admit, at times I was going all over the place in the poem because as I tried to decipher each line in turn, I was unable to do this as some of them just did my head in, so I moved to another and another.

Anyway, I worked my way down the verse, line by line, using the information provided by Prof. MacNeill. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Now remember, I had reached a point where I had exhausted all possible options – or had I?

Line 1. In view to my delighted gaze.

This is quite simple. The poet is just delighted to see the things in his view.

Line 2. At Ard Asse round about,

Ard is high, and Asse was originally described by Prof. MacNeil as ridge, but I now know it can also mean place. So, the poet is on a high ridge or place, and he looking around to see what is visible.

Line 3.       the Grave of Nemed’s Wife – a feat of daring –

Prof. MacNeill was sure this was Armagh, and is totally correct. Nemed’s wife was Macha, and all sources claim she was buried on the highest hill in Armagh (Irish “Ard Mhacha” – the Height of Macha) However, it is Nemed who is mentioned in the poem and not Macha.

So, who is Nemed? He is a direct descendent of Noah from the Old Testament and a character in medieval Irish legend. According to the "Lebor Gabála Érenn" (literally "The Book of the Taking of Ireland"), known in English as The Book of Invasions (compiled in the 11th century), he was the leader of the third group of people to settle in Ireland.

“a feat of daring” may refer to: all the things Nemed built in Ireland; his four victories against the notorious Fomorians; his journey to Ireland, after their predecessors had died out. Of 44 ships setting out, the only ship to reach Ireland was Nemed’s, or it may refer to later, when St. Patrick secured Ard Mhacha as the place to build his church. However, I don’t believe it means any of these.

“a feat of daring” is also a stunt or a dangerous trick.

To “dare” means “to be brave enough to do something difficult or dangerous, or to be rude or silly enough to do something that you have no right to do”. Cambridge English Dictionary.

“daring” means “brave; willing to do dangerous or unusual things; involving danger or taking risks”. Oxford English Dictionary.

“a feat” means “An act or accomplishment of great courage, skill, or imagination; an achievement". The Free Dictionary.

You may wonder why I have studied this phrase so much. There's a reason and I’ll come back to this later.    

You can read more about Nemed at Wikipedia. 

Line 4         the Balance of the Son of Balor’s Daughter.

Prof. MacNeill correctly identifies “the Son of Balor’s Daughter” as Lug (aka Lugh). The story behind this is, Balor was the leader of the Fomorians, a supernatural race who liked to fight and not think about the consequences. Balor was known as “Balor of the Strong Blows” and “Balor of the Evil Eve”. The Fomorians lived on the “Island of the Tower of Glass”.

He hears a prophesy he’ll be killed by his grandson, so locks his daughter up in a tower, with only women present, to stop her getting pregnant. However, she does and has a son named Lug. When Balor finds out, he orders Lug be drowned. Anyway, that failed and Lug was brought to his father Cain (a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann people). Lug was fostered by Taillte, wife of Eochaid mac Eirc, last Fir Bolg High King of Ireland. He seems to have had an amazing upbringing as he was great at everything. He invented many games, including horse racing. He’s responsible for some festivals, "Lughnasa" is named after him. He eventually went on to be High King of Ireland and took revenge on his grandfather Balor by killing him in The Second Battle of Mag Tuired.

He was also known as “Lug of the Long Hand” (this maybe where we get the phrase “long hand of the law”?).

If you are wondering why I gave Lug such a long introduction, it’s because he’s a very important person in Irish History and mentioned more than most in Irish Mythology.

Back to the poem.

Prof. MacNeill identified Lug as being associated with Louth, in County Louth. There is a plain around Louth Village which was named Lug’s Plain. The word “Balance” means level, or flat plain. There was also said to be a shrine to Lug in Louth Village. So, I believe this is correct and “the Balance of the Son of Balor’s Daughter” has to be the flat ground around Louth Village.

According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louth,_County_Louth:

“… The village is named after Lugh, a god of the ancient Irish, and may once have been the site of a shrine dedicated to the god. Historically, the place-name was spelt in variously different ways such as; "Lughmhagh", "Lughmhadh" and "Lughbhadh". The first is thought to mean "Lugh's plain" or "Lugh's field", but the meaning of the other two is unclear. …” 

Lug also had a famous son, who’ll appear later in this paper, his name was Sétanta.

You can read more about Lug at Wikipedia.

Line 5. The Port to which the Lugair brought (their) ship

Line 6. in Deiscert Maige of the single ridge;

Prof. MacNeill in his notes states:

“The only part of the sea that can be found visible from Carrigatuke is the southern part of Dundalk Bay. I think, however, that the port can have been none other than Annagassan, at the ancient Cassan Linne. There is evidence that this was a seaport of importance in ancient times. The varieties of its name point to frequent and widespread usage. It is called Linn Duachaill, Linn Duachaille, Linn Uachaill, Linn Luachan, Linn Luachaire (see the many references in “Onom. Goedelicum”). Thither Conall Cernach brought his fleet before the battle of Ros na Righ. It was one of the first Irish ports occupied and fortified by the Norsemen, and was used by them as a base for extensive inland raids, which must have followed older lines of commerce.

The allusion to a story of the Lugair and their ships has possibly reference to the story of Lugaid Mal in the Dinnshenchus of Carn Mail (see “RevueCeltique,” XVI, p. 48 and references to Carn Mail in “Onom. Goedelicum”). Lugair should mean “the men of Lug,” *Lugu-viri.

For Deiscert Maige, see JRSAL, LVII, 2, p. 155.”

This seems to be a good argument for the port of Annagassan. The ancient port of Linn Duachaill (see Wikipedia) is just upstream from the present port. It also makes sense for Lugair to mean the men of Lug (or Lugh), as Lug was based just 8.5 miles northwest at Louth Village (see Wikipedia).

I have researched this and I have not been able to fault Prof. MacNeill’s conclusions here.

The other possibility is the ancient port of "Inbhear Colpa" (aka. Inber Colpa and Inber Colptha). This is now Mornington, County Meath.at the mouth of the River Boyne. It was the landing-place of Érimón (see Wikipedia).

The reason I believe Inbhear Colpa is another possibility is, Érimón landed there in a ship. He was accompanied by one wife "Tea" (he had two wives, but left the other in Spain). Tea was the daughter of Lugaid (thought to be derived from the god Lug). Tea is important in Irish history as "Hill of Tara" is named after her. See a short excerpt from Wikipedia below..

"Érimón had two wives, Odba, mother of Muimne, Luigne and Laigne, whom he left behind in Spain, and Tea, mother of Íriel Fáid, who accompanied him to Ireland, and died there. Tea was a daughter of Lugaid and gave her name to Tara, where she was buried – the Lebor Gabála Érenn explains its Old Irish name Temair as "Tea mur", "Tea's Wall".

So maybe “Tea’s Wall” was what is referred to as the “single ridge”?

Also, see the paper “The Sons of Bregon” at JSTOR.

You can read the story of "The Conquest of the Sons of Mil", from the "Book of Invasions" (Lebor Gabála Érenn) at Mystical Ireland.

Line 7.        the Swim of the mighty Boar after the hour of terce,

Line 8.        it is near and eke in view. In view.

This poem is deliberately tricky. I was now starting to understand, every line, word, comma, full-stop, layout, etc. is there for a reason.

Prof. MacNeill and the CLAHS Team both agreed “the Swim of the mighty Boar” was Lake Muckno. I knew both were correct, as on a map, I have been constructing of the historic places in Ulster, I had learnt Muckno means "where the pig swims".

Boar in the phrase “the Swim of the mighty Boar” refers to a ditch, named the Black Pig’s Dyke. It still exists in many places, and science has dated to it being built around 2,400 years ago. It was probably the largest thing ever constructed in Ireland. It went all the way from County Down, through Armagh, Monaghan, Cavan, Longford, Fermanagh and Leitrim. It was wide and deep. It stopped one side of Lake Muckno and restarted on the opposite side – hence the name “Muckno”, where the “pig swims”.

These two lines are the defining lines in this poem. They are the lines which tell where the poet is and where Sliabh Fuaid is. If Prof. MacNeill and the CLAHS Team had not just been looking to find the places in the poem, but had also looked at the words which accompanied, then they would never have gone on wild goose chases.

The two lines also confirmed this poem was written by a holy man (a monk or a priest), and probably educated at one of the abbeys in Armagh. He did put Armagh first on this list and, for many centuries, you could only teach or preach Christianity in Ireland if you were educated at Armagh.

So, what does this all mean?

The “hour of terse” is a term used in Christianity. “Terse” is from Latin and literally means the third hour, or the third hour after dawn. It is 9am.and is a fixed time of prayer.

When this poem was written time was told from where the sun was in the sky and measured by a sun dial. The sun would cast a shadow to the direct west at 9am, just the same as the hour hand on a clock points directly to the left.

Now you may be wondering how a monk, sitting on top of a hill, with a sundial could tell it's 9am. Well this is where ancient traditions would have helped. Before the modern clock was invented religious centres had developed accurate ways to tell time. In many religions there is a "call to prayer" at certain times each day  Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer; Barechu the Jewish call to prayer; Church bells, the Christian call to prayer, etc... So at the "hour of terse" (9am) the monk would be able to hear the bells of surrounding churches and monasteries ring out, and at the same time see the direction of the shadow cast by his sun dial. .

In the poem it states, “the Swim of the mighty Boar after the hour of terce,” means Muckno Lake is just above a westerly direction from the poet. The centre of Muckno Lake is directly west of Slieve Gullion.

The poet goes on to say, “it is near and eke in view. In view.”. “eke” means "also", "to lengthen", "stretch out", etc. Muckno is a lake of parts, and from Slieve Gullion it is seen in parts. The north side is seen just above west, the same direction a sundial would cast a shadow immediately after 9am (after the hour of terse). The south side is just below west. So, it appears the repeat of “in view” is the poet sees its northern part first and then its southern part second, thus his view is moving southwards.

The north part of Muckno is just 11.43 miles from Slieve Gullion and is visible (see map). The south part of Muckno is 10.75 miles from Slieve Guillion and visible (see map). The centre of Muckno is around 10.3 miles from Slieve Gullion and most of it is not visible (see map). Now, the three claims above may not appear obvious from the maps, but I have used a simple calculation to verify.  

The only other option, which has been suggested as Sliabh Fuaid, and from which Muckno is visible, is Mullyash. However, Muckno is in a south-southwest direction from Mullyash, which on a sundial would equate to around 7am..

Hence, after everyone discounting Slieve Gullion as being Sliabh Fuaid, it turns out, that in this poem, it is Sliabh Fuaid.

So, let’s reflect on a line near the start of Paper 2.

“…others have been content to follow Standish O’Grady in his rather stupid assumption of the identity of Sliabh Fuaid with Slieve Gullion.”

To read more about the Black Pig's Dyke visit www.blackpigsdyke.ie/  

Now let’s go back:

Line 4. “the Balance of the Son of Balor’s Daughter,”

Previously believed to be Louth. Louth Village is 12.5 miles from Slieve Gullion, both the village and the area around it is easily visible (see map).

Lines 5 and 6. ”The Port to which the Lugair brought (their) ship” and “in Deiscert Maige of the single ridge;”

Prof. MacNeill suggested this could be Annagassan (the ancient port of Linn Duachaill). Linn Duachaill is 16.43 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map).

The other possibility is the ancient port of "Inbhear Colpa" (aka. Inber Colpa and Inber Colptha). This is now Mornington, County Meath.at the mouth of the River Boyne. Mornington is 28.34 miles from Slieve Gullion and visible (see map).

A Final Note on this: Parts of Belfast Lough, Strangford Lough, Carlingford Lough, most of Dundalk Bay and most of the east coast of Ireland down to the south of Dublin Bay are all visible from Slieve Gullion.

Line 9. Loch Echtra, glorious Loch n-Echach,

This line has two places mentioned, so I’ll cover them separately.

Loch Echtra

This is Lough Ross, and even though I had a sneaking feeling it was, it took me a while to conclude it was.

Many have made assumptions on where this is. Some of these include Lough Patrick, Lough Muckno and the CLAHS Team came to the conclusion it was Tullynawood Lake. None of the suggestions proved helpful, but then they all had discounted Slieve Guillion as being Sliabh Fuaid.

The reason I thought this was Lough Ross goes back to my explanation of the previous line of the poem. I believed the poet was telling us his view was moving southwards and thus giving us a pointer. Lough Ross is just south of Lough Muckno and would have been the next thing he saw.

In old Irish literature it states Lough Echtra is between Sliabh Fuaid and Sliab Modurin. You’ll see below, I had identified Sliab Mondurin as Fincarn Hill and Lough Ross is in a direct line between both. However, I needed more.to be sure, to be sure.

A paper at JSTOR dated 2011 and entitled, “Maoldoid of Muckno”, by “Seosamh Ó Dufaigh, Clogher Record Vol. 20, No. 3 (2011), pp. 473-490, Published by: Clogher Historical Society” helped provide the proof I needed. This is the same paper which also helped me to find Sliab Modurin. It’s a shame that, in producing this paper, they didn’t identify Lough Echtra. But, yet again they were working on the presumption Sliabh Fuaid is in The Fews (see old map), and probably referring to Carrigatuke. However, Lough Ross cannot be seen from Carrigatuke (see map - this may not look obvious from the map, but can be proved using a simple calculation) and for this reason they probably never considered Lough Ross to be Lough Echtra.

“Echtra” is an old Irish tale about a hero going on a journey to another world. Thus, Echtra could mean crossing a border or boundary. In the paper above, it argues the point for Muckno being Lough Echtra. It points out the Parish of Muckno hosts the boundary of the old territories of Ui Meith Macha (denoting the attachment to Armagh) and Ui Meath, the Armagh side of the boundary. This goes on to state the boundary is to the north and south of Muckno.

Old maps also show the boundary between these territories is basically the modern-day boundary between counties Armagh and Monaghan. Lough Ross is mostly in Armagh, but is also partly in Monaghan.

Old Irish literature (and people trying to solve the dilemma of finding Sliabh Fuaid) often mention the “Fertas of Lough Echtra” and the old road from Emhain Macha (Navan Fort). The road is said to branch here, one branch going onto Dun Dealgan (Dundalk) and the other into the territory of Fir Rois (area around Carrickmacross).

The Irish word “Ferta” means “grave” or "burial mound". This may refer to the nearby megalithic Annaghmare Court Tomb. This is very impressive and you can see a video of it at YouTube. There are many ancient monuments in the vicinity of the lake, plus two crannogs in the lake.

The source of the Fane River is Lough Ross (although, on some maps, it seems to start from Muckno, flows into Lough Ross, then exits and flows mainly southwest to enter Dundalk Bay, south of Dundalk town. On some maps the section between Lough Muckno and Lough Ross is named the Clarebane River). The Irish name for the Fane River is “Abhainn Átha Féan” and this suggests "river of the ford of carts" (see Wikipedia).

Everything I can find about Lough Echtra points towards Lough Ross. If only people, in the past, who researched this, had not eliminated Slieve Gullion (as Sliabh Fuaid) so early, they may have come to the same conclusions.

Lough Ross is 9.35 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map).The Irish name for Lough Ross is “Loch an Rois”. 

Loch n-Echach is Lough Neagh

The way he expresses this is like relief. He seems happy to see it and calls it “glorious Loch n-Echach,” (glorious, in its full glory). So, I believe he is saying he can see all of Lough Neagh from his viewpoint.

The name of the lake derives from Irish: “Loch nEachach”, meaning “Eachaidh's lake” (aka The Dagda). He was an important god in Irish mythology and a leader of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland and covers an area of 151 square. There are many mythological stories about the lake, some of which can be read at Wikipedia.

Just about all of Lough Neagh can be seen from Slieve Gullion. I don’t believe I need any maps to prove this, but I’ll provide you with one anyway (see map). You can actually see Lough Neagh by using Google Earth and dropping down onto the top of Slieve Gullion (see link), also see view at PeakVisor..

Line 10. Sliab Breg, Sliab Bairche ever bright,

Again, this line has two places mentioned, so I’ll cover them separately.

Sliab Breg,

Prof. MacNeill’s notes state, “Sliab Breg, also called Druimne Breg, the ridge of hills south of Ardee in Co. Louth, and extending into Meath.”

I believe Prof. MacNeill was in the right place. I have narrowed this down to one hill on the ridge, Slieve Breagh. The old name for Slieve Breagh is Sliab Breg. It is the second highest hill in County Meath and four miles west of the village of Collon (see JSTOR). This hill is impressive, being littered with ancient barrows, ringforts, houses and huts (see link). Immediately south east is a huge ring ditch. ringfort and barrow (see Wikipedia).

See more information on the Sliabh Breagh Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063787650725 

Slieve Breagh is c750 feet tall, is 25.43 miles from Slieve Gullion, and easily visible. (see map).

“Sliab Bairche ever bright,”

Prof. MacNeill’s notes state “the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down. Their district was called Biarche or Boirche.”

“The Edinburgh Dinnshenchas” states:

“[69. BENN BAIRCHI.] — Benn Bairchi, whence is it?

Not hard (to say). Bairche, Ross Ruddy-yellow’s cowherd,

this was his herdsman’s seat, the Benn, and (there) equally would

he herd every cow from Dunseverick to the Boyne: and no (one)

beast of them would graze a bit in excess of another. So thence

is Benn Bairchi, ‘Bairche’s Peak,’ as said (the poet):”

and

“Bairche, the famous cowherd,

Who belonged to very mighty Ross the Red:

The peak was the soft seat of the herdsman,

Who was not weak against sadness.”

Ross Ruddy was King of Ulster (c300), he gave the grazing rights of the land from Dunseverick (north coast of Antrim) to the River Boyne to Bairche, and the Mourne Mountains became known as “Beanna Bairche”, “the peaks of Bairche”. It wasn’t until the Mugdorn People (from Monaghan) migrated there in the late 12th century when the name was changed to Mourne.

From the poet’s viewpoint, this mountain was “ever bright”?

The words “ever bright” made me think. Also, Slieve Donard, the highest in the Mournes, is mentioned elsewhere in the poem, and it’s part of the main range. Yet, Sliab Bairche gets a mention on its own and also gets a special mention with the added “ever bright”. So, I find myself looking for something unique to Bairche, probably something seen alone, in full and always bright.

Finding the exact thing the poet is referring to has been difficult. I have narrowed it down to three possibilities, but I may still be incorrect.

1. Slieve Binnian. Paul Tempan Irish Mountain Placenames states, “…Also simply known as /Binneán. Dominates views of the Mourne Mountains from Annalong and Kilkeel. The folklore of Mourne explains the name Beanna Boirche as 'peaks of Boirche', a personal name. This character is said to have ruled his kingdom from Slieve Binnian.”

Slieve Binnian is 2,448 feet tall, is the 3rd highest in the Mourne Range, is 18.44 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

2. Finlieve Mountain (Irish: “Fionnshliabh” meaning “white mountain” – hence, maybe ever bright?). It is one of the minor peaks on the south side of the Mournes, is 1,896 feet tall, 13.19 miles from Slieve Guillion and is visible (see map). See Mountainviews.

3. Mourne Mountains (all of the range). Sliab, as well as meaning just one mountain (in Old Irish), can sometimes mean a range of mountains (see link). As a whole, they are very prominent from Slieve Gullion. They are so near and the largest thing in the poet’s view. Maybe, this is why “ever bright”. See view from Slieve Gullion at PeakVisor.

FOOTNOTE: Almost all of the peaks in the Mournes (“Bairche’s Peaks”) are visible from Slieve Gullion. If I had to make a choice of the three options above, I'd go for option 3 as the most likely.

Line 11.      the Stone of the Seat of Congal of the heads,

In the first of the two papers from CLAHS, dated 1932, Prof. MacNeill’s suggests this could be Cloughmore "The Big Stone" (Irish: Chloch Mhór) on Slieve Martin, next to Rostrevor (see Wikipedia). This is about the size of a large van. However, I cannot see any reason for this assumption apart from where it is in the poem. It is visible from Slieve Gullion, but at 10.5 miles away (see map), you’d find it almost impossible to see something so small with the naked eye.

Congal is most likely Congal Cáech (also Congal Cláen). He was a king of the Cruthin of Dál nAraidi in the Irish province of Ulaid, from around 626 to 637. He was king of Ulaid from 627–637 and also High King of Ireland (see Wikipedia).

At the following two links (see link1 and link2, there are other sources), it appears the only High King of Ireland referred to as having his seat at Tara is Congal.

There is a stone, “The Lia Fáil” (meaning "Stone of Destiny" or "Speaking Stone") at the Inauguration Mound on the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland, which served as the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland. It is also known as the “Coronation Stone of Tara” (see Wikipedia).

A King’s base is his seat and “Congal of the heads” most likely refers to Congal as High King. So, I believe this place is the Hill of Tara.

Hill of Tara is 509 feet tall, is 38.27 miles from Slieve Gullion, but is easily visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia. and view of Slieve Gullion from Hill of Tara at PeakVisor. 

Line 12.     the lofty and lordly Sliab Uillenn.

Prof. MacNeill, in his notes, states: “It meaning …elbow mountain,” may help towards identification”.

We also know, “Uillenn” gives its name to an Irish musical instrument, the Uillenn Pipes, the “elbow pipes”.

I believe this to be Slieve Foye, the highest peak in the Cooley Mountains. “lofty and lordly”, means sits high and above the rest. According to Wikipedia, "Locally the name is understood as Sliabh Fathaigh, "mountain of the giant", because its outline is said to resemble a sleeping giant.”

In folklore the giant, Fionn mac Cumhaill, is said to have stood on the mountain while fighting his rival Ruscaire. He defeated Ruscaire by throwing a boulder over Carlingford Lough. The boulder still sits on the lower slopes of Slievemartin and is named Cloughmore "The Big Stone" (Irish: Chloch Mhór).

The mountain also appears in the Táin Bó Cúailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley). The name “Cooley” comes from Fuad’s brother, Cuailgne. They both died in the aftermath of the Battle of Tailtinn (Teltown, County Meath), Cuailgne at Sliabh Cuailgne (Carlingford Mountain), Fuad (aka as Fuat) at Sliabh Fuait..

The links give the view of Slieve Foye from Slieve Gullion at Google Earth and Peak Visor - it certainly looks lofty and lordly, and may even be the elbow of the sleeping giant.

Slieve Foye is 1,932 feet tall, is10.33 miles from Slieve Gullion and is easily visible (see map).

Line 13. Sliab Slanga, lovely Sliab Cuilinn,

Both of these mountains were successfully identified by Prof. MacNeill, but he didn't identify Slieve Gullion as Sliabh Fuaid.

Sliab Slanga is the old name for Slieve Donard.

Sliab Slanga was named after Slanga, son of Partholon and is said to be buried there in a cairn.

The name was changed to Donard after an early Christian missionary, and follower of St. Patrick, named “Domhanghart” became associated with the mountain. According to the National Trust:

“Slieve Donard itself takes its name from St. Domhanghart (known by his Anglicised name, St. Donard) who had removed himself from society, converted the cairns into a hermitage and oratory and lived on the summit until his death in AD 506, later giving his name to the mountain.”

Slieve Donard is 2,790 feet tall, is 21.15 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

Sliab Cuilinn is Slieve Gullion, the mountain the poet is on, also the "Ard Aise" (high ridge, or high place), and also Sliabh Fuaid. He writes “lovely Sliab Cuilinn”. I believe this is because its position and height allow him to see all the places he includes in the poem.

The things he sees from here aren’t just about the place names. They are also about the stories behind each name, and the sum of these stories tell the story of Ireland and its people.

“lovely Sliab Gullion”

Slieve Gullion is derived from Irish: “Sliabh gCuillinn”, meaning “hill of the steep slope” or “Sliabh Cuilinn”, "Culann's mountain".

Slieve Gullion is 1,880 feet tall and dominates the countryside around it. There are views over a huge amount of Ireland, as far as Mount Errigal in Donegal (see map), North Antrim (see map), Belfast Lough (see map), parts of Strangford Lough (see map), parts of Carlingford Lough (see map), most of Dundalk Bay (see map) plus most of the east coast of Ireland down as far as Dublin Bay, the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, most of the Central Plain of Ireland, Slieve Bloom (see map), Carrauntoohil, in County Kerry, if your eyesight is good enough (see map), the Mountains of Connemara (see map), some of the mountains of Leitrim and Sligo (see map). Also, see Peak Visor for more.

Slieve Gullion is associated with many stories of Irish mythology. There’s the story of how Sétanta became Cú Chulainn, "Culann's Hound"’; how Fionn mac Cumhaill was tricked by Cailleach Bhéara, and Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley or The Táin). See Wikipedia. You can also read about the two cairns and the lake between them.

Line 14. Sliab Modurin in the Mugdorn country,

Sliab Modurin is Fincarn Hill, as you’ll see below.

A paper at JSTOR dated 2011 and entitled, “Maoldoid of Muckno” by “Seosamh Ó Dufaigh, Clogher Record Vol. 20, No. 3 (2011), pp. 473-490, Published by: Clogher Historical Society” helped provide the proof needed.

In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, commonly known as “The Cattle Raid of Cooley” or “The Táin”, there is a passage,

‘Thence they came to Slíab Fúait where they found Conall Cernach. It had fallen to Conall to guard the province that day. For each warrior of the Ulstermen spent a day in turn in Slíab Fúait, to protect anyone who came that way with poetry or with challenge to battle, so that there he might be encountered and so that no one should go unnoticed into Emain. ‘I wish you prosperity, victory and triumph!’ said Conall. ‘Go to the fort, Conall, and leave me here to watch now,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That will do,’ said Conall, ‘if it is to undertake the protection of one coming with poetry. However, if it be to fight some one, it is still too soon for you to do that.’ ‘Perhaps it will not be necessary at all,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Meanwhile let us go to take a look at the sand-bank of Loch Echtra. There are usually warriors staying there.’ ‘I am willing,’ said Conall. So they set out.’

‘Cú Chulainn threw a stone from his sling and the shaft of Conall Cernach's chariot broke. ‘Why have you thrown the stone, lad?’ asked Conall. ‘To test my shooting and the accuracy of my shot,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘And it is the custom with you Ulstermen that you do not drive on in a chariot which is unsafe. Go back to Emain master Conall, and leave me here to keep watch.’ ‘I am willing,’ said Conall. Conall Cernach did not go past that spot afterwards.’

‘Cú Chulainn went on to Loch Echtra but they found no one there. The charioteer told Cú Chulainn that they should go to Emain to be in time for the feasting there. ‘No,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘What mountain is that over there?’ ‘Slíab Monduirnd,’ said the charioteer. ‘Let us go to it,’ said Cú Chulainn.’

‘Then they went to it, and when they had reached the mountain, Cú Chulainn asked ‘What white cairn is that over there on the mountain-top?’ ‘Finncharn,’ said the charioteer. ‘What plain is that yonder?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Mag mBreg,’ said the charioteer.’

‘So he told him the name of every chief fort between Temair and Cennannas. He named, moreover, their meadowlands and their fords, their renowned places and their dwellings, their forts and their fortified heights…”

It makes me wonder why so many people were trying to identify “Sliab Modurin in the Mugdorn country,”. This passage above may spell names slightly different, but tells exactly where it is. Many tried to prove it was Mullyash as it can be easily seen from Carrigatuke. Fincarn can also be seen from Carrigatuke but only the top (31 feet) is visible (see map), most is blocked by the southern edge of the Mullyash ridge. Many had discounted Slieve Gullion and were convinced Sliab Fuaid was Carrigatuke.

Fincarn (Irish: Fionncharn, meaning “white cairn”) is 758 feet tall, is 13 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map).

A few extra points. Mullyash is 1,040ft tall (it does have a story and is easily visible from Slieve Gullion) but is not in Mugdorn Country. Mugdorn is defined as being south of Castleblayney, Mullyash is north. Fincarn is 3.5 miles south of Castleblayney and is in Mugdorn. It is also the highest hill in Mugdorn country and there are no hills between it and Slieve Gullion.

Line 15.     Sliab Cairthinn of famous Ane,

This is Knockmany Passage Tomb (aka. “Annya’s Cove”). It is mentioned by Prof. MacNeill in his notes, but he seems to discount it – I’m not sure why.

Knockmany Passage Tomb is an ancient burial monument on the summit of Knockmany Hill, near the village of Augher in County Tyrone. It is believed to be around 5,000 years old. According to Curious Ireland:

“This impressive site is located on a hilltop 700 feet above sea level. In Irish, it is known as ‘Cnoc mBaine’ and is also known as ‘The Hill of Queen Baine’, ‘The Hill of the Monks’ or ‘Annya’s Cove’. Queen Baine was a wife of the 1st century King Tuathal Techtmar was reputedly buried here in the tomb of an earlier Queen named Anya. The tomb dates back thousands of years before this event. There is Neolithic art on 3 of its 12 huge orthostats that are broadly similar to those found at Newgrange and Lough Crew. These include spirals, cup-marks, serpentines, and concentric circles. The upright stones vary in height between 3 to 7 feet and the mound is 82 ft in diameter. In Irish mythology, this was the home of both the giant Finn McCool and his wife Oonagh who reputedly defeated the bad giant Cucullin at this location.”

”famous Ane” is "Aynia", reputedly the most powerful fairy in Ulster. She may also be a variant of the Áine, an Irish goddess of summer, wealth and sovereignty (see Wikipedia).

So, why “Sliab Cairthinn”?

I looked up “Cairthinn”, this directed me to Saint Mac Cairthinn (aka. Saint Macartan). He was from Munster. On hearing of St. Patrick’s teachings, he went north, first met Patrick at Drumlease, near Dromahair, County Leitrim and was baptised by him. According to Wikipedia:

“…soon became one of Patrick's official missionary staff. He was spoken of as Patrick's "champion" or "strong man". We are told that when the great Apostle was worn out by his work that Macartan supported his faltering steps over rough roads, marshes and rivers by carrying him. Macartan was initially ordained to the role of presbyter (priest) while Patrick was still living, possible by Patrick himself.

He was the "staff of Patrick" in the Irish patron saint's declining years. On one occasion after carrying Patrick over a river, an exhausted Macartan expressed a wish that he might be relieved from further travel and allowed settle down in charge of some church close-by his beloved master where he could spend the evening of his life in peace. Patrick, full of sympathy for his faithful companion and friend, agreed that he should establish a monastery in Clogher, and finish out his life there. A monastery was established near the ancient royal fort of Rathmore on the outskirts of the town and one of Ireland's oldest bishoprics was established. To commemorate the occasion Patrick gave Macartan his staff and a number of precious relics contained in a shrine known to tradition as the Domnach Airgid.”

The reason why I included such a large quote is because of the previous quote. It stated Knockmany Hill was known as “The Hill of the Monks”. The monastery at Clogher, set up by Saint Mac Cairthinn was just 2.86 miles south of Knockmany Hill. The hill was most probably part of the land of the monastery and may have been referred to, by holy people, as “Cairthinn’s Hill” – thus, “Sliab Cairthinn”.

Knockmany Hill is 700 feet tall, is 37 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

Line 16.     deepsoiled Sliab Findar of shrill breezes.

“deepsoiled” and “of shrill breezes”, seem to refer to screams from under the ground. To me, this appears to mean the screams from those in Hell. Heaven is above and Hell is below.

In many religions, the Ferryman conveys the dead to Hades (Hell, the Underworld, etc.) via caves in his boat.

Cuilcagh Mountain is a huge lump. It is on the border of counties Cavan and Fermanagh and is the highest point in both. Under Cuilcagh are the Marble Arch Caves. They were formed over 340 million years ago.

Monks, priests and other educated Christian scholars would have known about these caves. They are now a tourist attraction and you are taken through them in a boat.

The Holy Man who wrote this poem lived c900 years ago. He would have known about Hell and may have associated these caves with the Ferryman ferrying people to Hell.

I believe Findar is Cuilcagh Mountain with the caves under it, as caves signified a passage to the underworld. As for its connection to the name Findar. As far as I can gather, Findar may mean fair or white, Cuilcagh means “chalky”, so maybe this explains it.

Cuilcagh is 2,182 feet tall, is 56 miles from Slieve Gullion and is easily visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

Line 17. The Mountains of Ulaid on the north

Line 18. in the territory of strong Araide,

I’ll take both of these lines as one, as they refer to the same thing.

Prof. MacNeill, in his notes, states, “The phrase may have no precise intent. It may comprise Slieve Croob in the middle of Co. Down, the Divis range at Belfast, the Collin hills farther north, or it might denote only one of these groups.”

From my research, “Strong Araide” was in County Antrim. So, “The Mountains of Ulaid on the north” I believe is the Collin Hills (Divis Mountain and the rest of the Belfast Hills may also be included, but Slieve Croob is not as it is not in strong Araide, it is in the kingdom of the Uí Echach Cobo. They were related but often had disagreements).

Stronghold of the Dál nAraidi was in Antrim, mainly south and central. They royal seat was at Ráith Mór, near Antrim town.

The Collin Hills are substantial. Big Collin (at 353m / 1158ft) is the closest. It is 49.27 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map).

Divis is just northwest of Belfast and is 1568 feet. It is 37.7 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map). Also see Wikipedia.

There are three more possibilities.

1.     Agnew’s Hill, 5 miles west of Larne. It is 1,558 feet tall, is 53.93 miles from Slieve Guillion and is visible (see map)

2.    Crew Hill (Irish: Cráeb Telcha), southeast of Glenavy. It was the inauguration site of the Dál Fiatach kings of Ulaid, however it appears to have also been the same for the Dál nAraidi prior to the 9th century. Crew Hill is 656 feet, is 32.6 miles from Slieve Gullion and is visible (see map).

3.    Trostan (highest in County Antrim at 1,808 feet), but it maybe too far north. It is 64.87 miles from Slieve Gullion and visible (see map).

However, I still believe this to be Collin Hills, as it is only six miles from the royal seat of the Dál nAraidi was at Ráith Mór, near Antrim town. However, it may also include Divis and the Belfast Hills, which are only 14 miles away..

Line 19.     Sliab Mis of the precincts, a scanty bulk,

This is Slemish, as pointed out by Prof. MacNeill. Irish: Sliabh Mis, meaning “Mis's mountain” (see Wikipedia). Mis was a Goddess in Irish Mythology. She was a wild woman and more associated with a mountain in County Kerry. However, I believe the main story here is about St. Patrick.

It is a big bulk, an old volcano. It sits up high around its surroundings as a ridge running south to north. So, looking from the south it will appear skinny (scanty).

“precincts” also means fields and Slemish is surrounded by fields. Patrick was made to work in the fields below Slemish for six years after he was captured and taken to Ireland at the age of 16.

Slemish is 1,434 feet tall, is 54.25 miles from Slieve Gullion and easily visible (see map).

Line 20.     fair Sliab Callan of vaunted deeds.

Prof. MacNeill, in his notes, states, “this is “Slieve Gallion” on the north-west of Lough Neagh”.

I have no reason to disagree.

The name is from Irish, Sliabh gCallann, “mountain of the heights”. The mountain dominates the western side of the lough.

As for “of vaunted deeds”, this may refer to how it towers above the plain below. It may also refer to Colla Uaís, who is said to have been buried in the cairn on the mountain top. Colla was one of three brothers (The Three Collas), and High King of Ireland in the early 4th century. He lost his kingship, but later gained the lands of Ulster. Some sources (here’s one) claim he thought he was above this and gave away the lands to his brethren so that he could go onto do better for himself.

Slieve Gallion is 528 metres (1,732 ft) and dominates the western shore of Lough Neagh. It is 45 miles from Slieve Gullion and is easily visible (see map). Also see Wikipedia.

Line 21. The Mountains of Connachta on the side, Sliab Tua,

Again, these refer to two different places.

The Mountains of Connachta on the side.

It sounds like a throw away phrase, but it’s very significant. Many of mountains in Connacht can be seen from Slieve Gullion, and yes, the Mountains of Connacht are on the side – the side of Ireland.

I won’t go through all the Mountains of Connacht which can be seen from Slieve Gullion. I’ll leave you with a link to a wonderful website, Peak Visor, which you can use to scroll around and see most of the mountains visible from Slieve Gullion. I just wish I realised much earlier, in my research, how useful this website could be. However, after I found it I did go back and add a link from it to some of the places already discussed.

Sliab Tua

Prof. MacNeill, in his notes, states, “the name changed to Bessy Bell”. It’s near Newtownstewart in Tyrone”.

I researched Bessy Bell, the old name was Sliabh Troim and I could not find any connection to Tua. Also, this is in the same line as “The Mountains of Connachta”. Something felt wrong here.

It took me a few days to find a candidate, Sliabh an Iarainn (Slieve Anierin), next to Lough Allen, in County Leitrim is almost directly west (“on the side”, but I now believe “on the side” referred to the Mountains of Connacht). Sliabh an Iarainn is much closer is 585 metres (1,919 ft) high and seems to be in the right place as it blocks the view of some of the Mountains of Connacht.

Tua, I believe, comes from Tuatha in “Tuatha De Dannan”. Lebor Gabála Érenn (“The Book of Invasions”) describes the Tuatha Dé Danann. tribe of the goddess Danu, arriving in Mesolithic Ireland through the air before landing their floating-ships on the summit of Sliabh an Iarainn, "mountain of Conmaicne natives”. The Tuatha De Dannan are one of the most important races of people in Irish Folklore - see Wikipedia.

Sliabh an Iarainn is 1,919 feet tall, is 62.49 miles from Slieve Gullion and all of the mountain is visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

Line 22. Sliab Cairn, Sliab Betha, ever fresh,

There are two places mentioned here, so once again I'll go through them separately.

Sliab Cairn

Prof. MacNeill in his notes, states, “this is likely to be Mullaghcarn mountain, north-east of Omagh in Tyrone.”

I agree with Prof. MacNeill on this.

Mullaghcarn (from Irish: Mullach Cairn, meaning 'peak of the cairns') and is the most southerly peak in the Sperrin Mountains. An old tradition, possibly dating back to before Christianity, and named “Cairn Sunday”, still continues to this day. This is the last Sunday in July, when many locals have their annual pilgrimage up the mountain.

Mullaghcarn is 1,778 feet tall, is 49.36 miles from Slieve Gullion and is easily visible (see map). Also see Wikipedia.

Sliab Betha, ever fresh,

Prof. MacNeill, in his notes, states, “Slieve Beagh,” where the county boundaries of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan meet.

Again, I agree with Prof. MacNeill, as the Irish for Slieve Beagh is “Sliab Betha”. However, why “ever fresh”?

“According to Irish mythology, the name refers to the mythological figure Bith, who died here and was buried in a cairn on top of the mountain” (see link). Bith was a son of Noah. He was with the first group of people to come to Ireland. The group was led by his daughter, Cessair (see Wikipedia). “The Edinburgh Dinnshenchas”, also claims the mountain is named after Bith.

According to Wikipedia, “.. it is likely that the name's original meaning is "mountain of birch.". In Irish, the birch tree is associated with “Tír na nÓg” (land of the young, or youth - see Wikipedia). Hence, the connection with “ever fresh”.

Slieve Beagh is 1,250 feet tall, it is 34.24 miles from Slieve Gullion and is fully visible (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.  

Line 23.     Sliab Cairthinn, Sliab Bethech of the peaks,

There are two places mentioned here, so once again I'll go through them separately.

Sliab Cairthinn

The name of this mountain came up in Line 15 (above), but it also had “of famous Ane,” attached to it, so we are most probably looking for a different mountain.

When I previously looked up “Cairthinn”, it directed me to Saint Mac Cairthinn (aka. Saint Macartan). So, I assumed I must be looking for a mountain connected to the name Macartan, or similar.

According to Wikipedia,

“McCartan is the Anglicized form of Mac Artáin of Irish origins. The surname denotes the son of Artán, diminutive of the personal name "Art" translating from Irish to English: A God, A Stone, Noble. They are the Lords of Kinelarty, a barony in the County Down of Northern Ireland. Kinelarty was at one point in time historically known as McCartans-Country and also Cineal Foghartaich.”

Kinelarty contains Slieve Croob, which is one of the most visible from Slieve Gullion. Hence, I believe Sliab Cairthinn to be Slieve Croob.

Slieve Croob is 1,752 feet tall, is 23.9 miles from Slieve Gullion and is fully visible (see map). Also see Wikipedia.

Sliab Bethech of the peaks,

"Sliab Bethech" is another name for a mountain we covered earlier, "Slieve Beagh" aka "Sliab Betha", but it appears we are looking for something different here.

The words “of the peaks,” seems to suggest this is somewhere in the Mourne Mountains. The word “Bethech”, as far as I can gather, refers to birch trees, or birch-grove.

Birch trees are very significant in Irish Mythology. They represent purity, protection, femininity, healing and new life. They are associated with “Tír na nÓg” (land of the young, or youth – see Wikipedia). You can listen to "The Story of Tír na nÓg" at YouTube.

So far, I have been unable to identify this mountain, but I believe it to be somewhere in the Mournes.

However, I don’t believe it’s important I haven’t identified the exact mountain (I may try again) as most of the peaks in the Mournes are visible from Slieve Gullion – see PeakVisor.

I came back to this on 19 December 2021 after giving it much thought. A possibility is Slieve Bearnagh in the Mourne Mountains. This is only because of the phrase "of the peaks", may mean a mountain of more than one peak. Slieve Bearnagh is unique in the Mournes as it has two distinctive peaks, it is 18.53 miles from Slieve Gullion and both peaks are visible from Slieve Gullion - (see map), also see PeakVisor. Slieve Bearnagh (Irish: "Sliabh Bearnach", meaning "gapped mountain") is the fourth tallest in the Mournes at 2,425 feet. However, I have not yet been abled to connect it to the name "Sliab Bethech". You can read more about Slieve Bearnagh at Wikipedia. Maybe, you can help me here?

Line 24.     the Mountains of the Galing, scant in height.

Prof. MacNeill has a long note on this, I’ll just quote the relevant part “…The mountains of Gailenga are that part of Co. Cavan which adjoins the barony of Morgallion in Meath. As the poem says, they are scant in height, their greatest altitude being 1,027 feet in a hill named “Cornasaus,” between Kingscourt and Bailieborough. The old proper name of these mountains appears to have been Sliabh Guaire. See “Omen. Goed,” under this name and also under Gailenga and Machaire Gaileng.  ”

The hills Prof. MacNeill mentions above are named Loughanleagh (see Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust – this website has lots of information). According to this website,

“The Loughanleagh is a region of high landscape value situated in east Cavan between the towns of Bailieborough and Kingscourt off the R165. It covers an area of approx 3 kilometres in length by up to 1 Kilometre wide and rises to a height of 344 meters (1119 ft) above sea level. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty offering spectacular panoramic views of up to fourteen surrounding counties of the Irish countryside.

The name Loughanleagh originates from Lough-an-Leighis or ‘Lake of the Cures’. Its former name was Sliabh Gaileng-‘The Mountains of the Gailenga’. Loughanleagh is steeped in history and folklore covering the Neolithic, Stone age, Celtic and Norman periods. There are three Stone Age Cairns straddled across the ridge of Loughanleagh mountain.”

The website also has information on local folklore. One about the “One-Eyed Hare of Loughanleagh”, another about a confrontation between St. Patrick and the Cailleach.

The highest point on the Loughanleagh ridge is 1,119 feet, it is approximately 24 miles from Slieve Gullion and all of the ridge is visible (see map). Also, see view of Cornasaus from Slieve Gullion at Peak Visor.

Line 25. Cenel n-Eogain, the territory of Ulaid,

There are two places mentioned here, so once again I'll go through them separately.

Cenel n-Eogain,

Cenél nEógain were a branch of the Northern Uí Néill. They claimed descent from Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Originally their power-base was in Inishowen, with their capital at Ailech, in Donegal. They were forced out by another branch of the Northern Uí Néill, the Cenél Conaill, descended from Conall Gulban, another son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

By the 11th century the Cenél nEógain had established themselves in Tyrone and set up their power-base at Tullyhogue Fort. This is where they were probably based when this poem was written, as the Book of Leinster dates from c1160. So, it appears when the poet is referring to Cenel n-Eogain, he is referring to Tullyhogue Fort.

Tullyhogue Fort. Is 35.75 miles from Slieve Gullion and is visible, as is much of Tyrone (see map). Also, see Wikipedia.

the territory of Ulaid,

Ulaid is from where the modern-day Province of Ulster gets its name. The name, from Roman, means a fifth, a fifth of Ireland. It also refers to a people of early Ireland who were prominent in the “Ulster Cycle” of Irish mythology (there were four cycles, see Wikipedia). Ulaid covered all of Ulster, excluding Cavan, but included Louth. Over the years the boundaries changed, but by the 5th century it still included Slemish and Ard Macha, two places important in the life of St. Patrick.

By the 11th century, Ulaid had been squeezed and just included counties Antrim and Down. Antrim in the hands of the Dál nAraidi, and Down divided between Dál Fiatach and Uí Echach Cobo.

“the territory of Ulaid,” in the poem may refer to 11th century territory, or it may refer to before then. It probably doesn’t matter as most of Antrim, Down, Louth and modern-day Ulster is visible from Slieve Gullion. See Wikipedia.

Line 26. the Men of Brega, the brave true stock,

The Men of Brega were based in the area of what is now modern-day Meath. They were the men of “Niall of the Nine Hostages” and his descendants. Niall was descended from Conn Céadcathlach (aka "Conn of the Hundred Battles"), who is believed to have lived in the middle of the 2nd century and was reputedly the first High King of Ireland. Niall was King during the late 4th / early 5th centuries. He fought and won many great battles and his lands grew. Some of these battles were with other Irish tribes, but he also led raids into Roman Britain and mainland Europe. Some sources credit him being the person who kidnapped a young St. Patrick and brought him to Ireland.

Niall’s people were the Ui Néill (meaning “descended from Nial”). They expanded and took over most of the northern half of Ireland. The Northern Ui Néill’s were based mainly in what is now Counties Donegal, Tyrone and Derry; the Southern Ui Néill’s based in Meath and the surrounding counties.

The term “true stock” most likely refers to how descendants of Niell and of Braga would go on to dominate the High Kingship of Ireland for the next six centuries.

You can read more about Niall of the Nine Hostages at Wikipedia, and at this link.

The inauguration site for High Kings of Ireland was at the Hill of Tara in modern-day County Meath. Tara, most of Meath and the rest of the lands of the Southern Ui Néill’s (Brega) can be seen from Slieve Gullion.

Line 27.       the territory of the Collas, no path of right,

The Collas were three brothers, Colla Uais, Colla Fo Chri and Colla Menn. The Internet has a lot on these three Their father was Eochaid Doimlén, a son of Cairbre Lifechair, a High King of Ireland. Their mother was Ailech, daughter of Udaire, King of Alba (modern-day Scotland).

Their uncle Fíacha Sroiptine ruled as High King for over 30 years, during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. According to Wikipedia:

“Fíacha's son, Muiredach Tirech, commanded his armies, as the king himself was not allowed to go into battle. Once, Muiredach led a victorious expedition to Munster. The Three Collas—Colla Uais, Colla Fo Chri and Colla Menn, sons of Fíacha's brother Eochaid Doimlén—gave battle to Fíacha while Muiredach and his army were still in Munster. Fíacha's druid, Dubchomar, prophesied that if Fíacha was to defeat the Collas, none of his descendants would ever rule Ireland, and likewise, if the Collas won, none of their descendants would be king after them. Fíacha was defeated and killed in what became known as the Battle of Dubchomar.”

Colla Uais ruled as High King of Ireland for four years, then Muiredach took the throne and banished the three brothers to Alba. Eventually, they returned to Ireland, hoping Muiredach might kill them, and deprive his descendants of the throne. But Muiredach knew of the prophecy, and despite knowing they had killed his father, took them into his service.

Muiredach later gave the Collas an army (from Connacht) so they could go and conquer the Ulaid in Ulster and gain their own lands. They fought seven battles against the Ulaid in a week, killing the King of Ulster in the 7th and also loosing Colla Menn. They burnt Emain Macha (Navan Fort), seat of the Kings of Ulaid. It would never be occupied again.

The lands they conquered spanned parts of the counties of Armagh, Derry, Fermanagh, Louth, Monaghan and Tyrone. This was the foundation of the Kingdom of Airgíalla.

The prophecy held and, as far as I can gather, none of the descendants of the Three Collas ever became High King. Thus, “no path of right,”.

“the territory of the Collas” mentioned in the poem most likely refers to the Kingdom of Airgíalla, which they are accredited to have established (see Wikipedia).

Almost all of this kingdom can be seen from Slieve Gullion (see map).

To read more about The Three Collas visit Wikipedia, and in more detail at Roots Web.

A SHORT NOTE: Lines 25 to 27 no-longer refer to individual places, but to territories, to the people who founded them and the stories behind their history.

Line 28.     on every side, it is in view. In view.

So far, we have read 27 lines. These lines refer to places, but they also refer to the stories behind these places and to a history of Ireland: from the Old Testament; Adam, Noah and his ark; the first to come and settle here; the myths, the legends; the kings and dynasties who ruled; the arrival of Patrick; the introduction of Christianity and beyond. This is "The Story of Ireland" all put into one verse of a poem.

This is a preacher, a holy man telling the story of Ireland.

“on every side, it is in view. In view.” Is saying, look all around and you will see all of our stories, all of our history and all that has come before. This is the story of this island and it’s how we got here.

Line 3.       the Grave of Nemed’s Wife – a feat of daring –

The problem with “the Grave of Nemed’s Wife” is, the poet cannot see the high hill in Armagh where Macha is buried and where St. Patrick founded his church (it’s 60 feet below his view) – see map. Note: If it were today, you could see the tower of the Old Cathedral, but that's not really relevant to when the poem was written.

However, I don’t believe this is really a problem. To understand why, you need to look at the later part of the line. “a feat of daring”. Just look at the exact words and the way it is laid out.

“– a feat of daring –“

Earlier, I said I had studied this phrase for quite a while, and what I found was,

“a feat of daring” is a stunt or a dangerous trick.

To “dare” means “to be brave enough to do something difficult or dangerous, or to be rude or silly enough to do something that you have no right to do”. Cambridge English Dictionary.

“daring” means “brave; willing to do dangerous or unusual things; involving danger or taking risks”. Oxford English Dictionary.

“a feat” means “An act or accomplishment of great courage, skill, or imagination; an achievement.” The Free Dictionary.

You may wonder why I have studied this phrase so much. The reason is:

It does not say “his feat of daring”, referring to Nemed. It is not attached to Mhacha. It’s something different. It is closed off on both sides. It’s something else, why? I believe this is from the poet himself and nothing to do with Ard Mhacha (the high hill at Armagh), It’s not about Nemed, it’s about the poet, it’s the poet’s “feat of daring” – he’s chancing his arm.

The poet cannot see the high hill in Armagh where Mhacha is buried and where St. Patrick founded his church. It’s a “feat of daring” by him to see if you understand he can’t see Armagh. A dare by him, to everyone who reads the poem, to understand he could not see Armagh, but really may have wanted to. It’s the poet’s own “feat of daring” in including Armagh in the places he can see, a bit of poetic licence to include the place where he probably received his learning and a white lie. It’s probably why so many people discounted Slieve Gullion from being Sliabh Fuaid.

To read where we go next, see "Verse 2"