Hill Of Allen
Elevation	206 m (676 ft)
Location	Kildare,  Ireland
Range	Chair of Kildare
Coordinates	53°13′46.19″N 6°51′47.92″W / 53.2294972°N 6.8633111°W / 53.2294972; -6.8633111Coordinates: 53°13′46.19″N 6°51′47.92″W / 53.2294972°N 6.8633111°W / 53.2294972; -6.8633111
Topo map	OSi Discovery 49
OSI/OSNI grid reference	N759205

The Hill of Allen (Cnoc Alúine in Modern Irish, earlier Cnoc Almaine; also Hill of Almu ^[1]) is a volcanic hill situated in the west of County Kildare, Ireland, beside the village of Allen. According to Irish Mythology it was the seat of the hunter-warrier Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna^[1]. The site is currently part-owned by Roadstone Dublin Ltd.^[2] and extensive quarrying has noticeably changed the profile of the hill.

Contents 1 History 2 Tower 3 Quarry 4 See also 5 References and Notes 6 External links

[edit] History

The hill is situated at the eastern-most point of the Bog of Allen and it is from this hill that the bog gets its name^[1]. According to legend, Fionn mac Cumhaill had a fortress on the hill and used the surrounding flatlands as training grounds for his warriors. In 722 the Battle of Allen was fought between the Leinstermen (Laigin), led by Murchad mac Brain Mut (King of Leinster), and the forces of Fergal mac Máele Dúin (High King of Ireland) in close proximity to the hill.^[3]

[edit] Tower

In 1859 Sir Gerard George Aylmer, the 9th Baronet of Donadea began building a a circular tower on the top of the hill, which was completed in 1863. The tower was a folly and the names of the workmen are inscribed on the steps^[1].

During the construction of the tower a large coffin containing human bones was unearthed which were said to be those of Fionn mac Cumhaill. These were reintered under the site^[2][4].

[edit] Quarry

As of 2008 most of the site is under the ownership of Roadstone Dublin Ltd. and much of the western side of the hill has been quarried^[5].

[edit] See also

• Fionn mac Cumhaill
• Bog of Allen
• Allen, County Kildare

[edit] References and Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c d} The Hill Of Allen Action Group Website
2. ^ ^{a b} "'National Monuments' found on Hill of Allen". Kildare Nationalist. 2007-10-18. http://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/story/?trs=cwgbeyeyau. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
3. ^ The Cycles of the Kings - Cath Almaine "The Battle of Allen"
4. ^ County Kildare Website - Hill of Allen
5. ^ Aerial photograph of effect of quarrying on the Hill of Allen

[edit] External links

• Hill of Allen Action Group