Launch of heritage trail and guidebook on The Cattle Raid of Mayo
The Iron Age ring forts which dot the modern landscape have imbued in them tales of Celtic mythology based on alliances and divisions of royal chieftains and tribes.
These sites and their environs were the locations of great ceremonial gatherings and festivals, of major battles involving large armies as well as warriors or champions with superhuman strength engaged in single combat – and of cattle raids.
Táin Bó Fliodhaise – The Cattle Raid of Mayo, an adventurous Celtic mythology saga, is a prequel to the great Irish saga Táin Bó Cuailnge.
It describes how a cattle raid brought Queen Meadhbh and her army from Ráth Chruacháin in Co. Roscommon on a journey through Mayo to reach their final destination at Rath Muireagáin near Glencastle in Erris.
The purpose of the raid was to steal away the prized Maol or hummel cow, which was reputed to supply enough milk daily for 300 men, their wives and children, as well as the herds and wealth of the resident Gamhanraidh.
The official launch of the Táin Bó Fliodhaise – Cattle Raid of Mayo heritage trail and guidebook will be performed by Minister Dara Calleary at Enniscoe House, Castlehill, Crossmolina, on Saturday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
The heritage trail consists of 14 site-specific information signs located at key sites in Mayo. The launch incorporates the unveiling of one of the information signs in the beautiful grounds of Enniscoe estate, giving you an opportunity to see the resident maol cattle herd, followed by refreshments in Enniscoe House – the last great house of north Mayo.
This project was developed by the Táin Bó Fliodhaise Project Steering Committee and Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo with the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2019, the Cill Chomáin Rural Social Scheme, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo County Council, Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sláinte Ireland Tours, Cruachán Ai Visitor Centre, Mayo North, and various community groups throughout the county.