Right on the south end of Lough Derg, where it narrows back into the River Shannon at Killaloe, Beal Boru is a beautiful example of a ring fort, in an atmospheric setting. The mound is dotted with native Irish timber - holly, beech, scots pine and oak. Brian Boru - the 175th and last high-king of Ireland, from 1002 until his death during the Battle of Clontarf (against the vikings) in 1014AD, was born and raised here, or nearby, according to folklore expert Daithi O hOgain. Boru - Bórumha or bóraimhe, means 'cattle tribute, and this place - Beal Boru or 'Béal Bóramha', can be translated as the 'port of the cattle tribute'.
The fort on approach - hidden beneath native trees.
The moat surrounding the fort
Looking the other way - the moat
Inside the fort - the central area.
Looking along the perimeter of the fort, or 'rath'.
Spider web
Looking inside Brian Boru's Fort from what was possibly the original entranc
The fort from inside
Sitting inside the fort
Comments (1)
I wonder if the spider was rewarded for his patience after sitting there waiting in the centre of his little web like that ....'tis a nice photo :)
Posted by jen | September 8, 2005 10:24 PM
Posted on September 8, 2005 22:24