Irish Folklore: Cuchulain Hound of Ulster

The story of the Táin Bó Cúailgne is recorded in ancient Irish manuscripts as early as 620 AD. The tale of Cuchulain and the infamous cattle raid is much older though, as before it was written down in the 7th century, it was shared from storyteller to storyteller long by word of mouth.

Translated from Irish, it literally means “the driving-off of cows of Cooley”. Less literally, it’s now known as “The Cattle Raid of Cooley.” The story of the Tain features in the series known as the Ulster Cycle within Irish mythology.

In short, the Cattle Raid of Cooley details a great battle that took place between the army of Queen Maeve of Connacht in the West of Ireland and the warriors of King Conor McNessa in Ulster in the north.

In the tale, Queen Maeve has her sights set on the prized Brown Bull of Cooley in County Louth, at the time part of Ulster. When her request to acquire the bull is refused, all hell breaks loose and as a result, Connacht and Ulster go to war. Yes, that’s right. They declared war over a bull (but it wasn’t just any bull…).

The warriors of the Red Branch Knights, led by Cú Chulainn, fell foul of a curse that made them suffer the pains of childbirth for nine days. Cú Chulainn, as well as women and young boys, were immune to this magic, and so the defence of Ulster was down to him alone.

According to legend, Cú Chulainn single-handedly defended all of Ulster from Queen Maeve’s encroaching army and her magic. Just as it had come down to single combat between him and his foster brother Ferdia, the men of Ulster rose up and ultimately defeated the armies of Connacht.

Believe it or not, the traditional Irish sport of hurling is older than Ireland’s recorded history.

One of Ireland’s national sports, the game of hurling is actually thousands of years old. It’s no surprise then that hurling is mentioned alongside the many heroes and heroines of the mythology cycles.

In the Boyhood Deeds of Cú Chulainn, there’s mention of him bringing his sliotar and hurl to play a game of hurling. He also uses these items to defeat the hound, and picked up a new name as a result.

Today, there are countless hurling clubs named after Cú Chulainn or Sétanta throughout the country. There is even a Dublin-based TV channel that takes the name Sétanta Sports.

Clochafarmore Standing Stone

Just outside Dundalk in County Louth is a 3m high standing stone. Found in a field known as the Field of Slaughter, Clochafarmore translates to “Stone of the Big Man.” Local lore says this is the standing stone Cú Chulainn tied himself to before perishing.

The Clochafarmore stone is located midway between Dublin and the Mourne Mountains, and just a stone’s throw from the Cooley Peninsula. It’s worth a stop if you’re in the area, such as those on our Northern Ireland self drive trip, which offers you expert suggestions and guidance but allows you the flexibility to choose the activities, stops and detours that best suit your interests.

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Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula

Located in Co Kerry, the sandy shores of the Dingle Peninsula have become a refuge of writers and artists. Long before the creative crowd moved in, the narrow peninsula was a wild and remote place, home to ancient stories and even older heroes.

Nestled amongst pristine beaches, glittering lakes and cheery villages, the Annascaul region of Dingle is steeped in legend. Here, follow in the footsteps of Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster, as he defeated the indomitable warrior (and his own foster-brother) Ferdia in single combat in these isolated and under-appreciated hills. (Read our guide on the Dingle Peninsula to discover more about the region.)

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The Táin Way

Starting in Carlingford, this 40km trail imagines the footsteps of the Táin Bó Cúailgne’s characters. On the Tain Way, enjoy amazing views of Carlingford fjord and lough and the Mourne and Cooley mountains.

As well as its local folklore connections, there’s a wealth of pre-historic sites including mountaintop cairns and early Christian monastic ruins, as well as the well-preserved medieval walled town of Carlingford.

There’s a ferry across Carlingford Lough, connecting visitors to the Mourne Mountains and beyond, or travel one hour south to Dublin. (Read our Guide to the Mourne Mountains to learn more about visiting this area).

Navan Fort

Once called Emain Macha after the goddess Macha, the site of the Navan Fort formed the stronghold of King Conor McNessa. It is here that Cú Chulainn spent much of his youth, eventually joining his uncle’s warrior class, the Red Branch Knights.

As the ancient capital of Ulster, Navan Fort holds a very important place in both history and mythology. Only about an hour’s drive from Belfast and the Mourne Mountains, Navan Fort makes for an easy day trip to see this incredible place and tour its visitor centre.

Interested in hiking the area? Visit the Mourne Mountains on our Coasts and Glens private departure hiking trip.