Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool)
Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), the legendary Irish warrior, was the son of Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna, and his wife Muirne. After Cumhaill was killed in battle by his rival Goll Mac Morna, Goll assumed leadership of the Fianna.
The young Fionn, known as the “Fair One”, was left in danger, as it was believed that one day he would avenge his father’s death and challenge Goll Mac Morna. To protect him, his mother placed him in the care of Bodhmall, Cumhaill’s sister, and Liath Luachra, who raised him in secret, traditionally said to be in the forests of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
There, from an early age, Fionn was trained in the use of weapons, hunting, and other physical and athletic skills. As he grew stronger and more capable, his reputation began to spread, and Bodhmall and Liath Luachra feared that his identity would be discovered.
Leaving behind the safety of his childhood, Fionn set out on his travels and joined a band of wandering poets. His journey eventually brought him to the Boyne Valley, where he met the poet and sage Finnegas, who had spent many years searching for the “Salmon of Knowledge” (An Bradán Feasa) in the River Boyne.
Finnegas took Fionn under his wing and shared his knowledge with him. In time, he finally caught the legendary salmon and instructed Fionn to cook it. As the fish cooked over the fire, a blister rose on its skin, and Fionn burst it with his thumb. Burning himself, he instinctively put his thumb into his mouth.
When Finnegas returned, he immediately saw a change in the young man, recognising the light of wisdom in Fionn’s eyes. Understanding what had happened, he told Fionn to eat the entire salmon so that he might gain all of its knowledge. From then on, Fionn was said to gain wisdom by placing his thumb in his mouth.
Hill of Tara
On the Hill of Tara during the annual festival of Samhain the malevolent fairy Aillen would rise from the Underworld
to burn the halls of Tara while the Fianna succumbed to an enchanted sleep rendering them powerless to defend themselves.
Empowered by his knowledge, great strength and fighting skill, Fionn defeated Aillen, saving Tara.
At this great victory, he was made Leader of the Fianna.
It is said that Fionn built the Giant's Causeway as stepping stones to Ireland and that the Isle of Man is a lump of Irish land which he hurled at an enemy.
Legend has it that Fionn is not dead, but lies in a cave somewhere beneath Ireland surrounded by the Fianna. Some day, when his hunting horn the 'Dord Fiann' sounds three times, he will rise again with his Fianna.
Proleek dolmen
According to local tradition, the Proleek Dolmen is linked to a legendary encounter between Fionn Mac Cumhaill and a Scottish giant, Para Buidhe Mór Mhac Seoidin. The giant is said to have challenged Fionn to combat, but after drinking from a nearby river that had been poisoned, he met his end. Folklore holds that he was buried in the nearby wedge tomb.
Proleek Dolmen, County Louth, associated in local folklore with Fionn Mac Cumhaill and a defeated Scottish giant
Jack Stones - Greenanstown
It is said that Fionn lived at Greenanstown, Co. Meath and used to throw the Jack Stones over his house and before they would land on the other side, he would run around the house and catch them before they hit the ground.
The Jack Stones - Greenanstown, Co. Meath