Tag: Sheeptown

Many thanks to Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust for inviting me to give a short presentation on my new book on the night of their AGM on Monday February 17th. The large number of attendees appeared to enjoy my talk about the Kings of Aileach and the Vikings. After a quick introduction to the Cenél nEógain population group and early Viking activity in Ulster from c.800 – 866 AD I was able to tailor my talk to Viking activity in the Carlingford and Annagassan region from the 850s to 920s. Members of the Heritage group in particular appeared to enjoy the piece concerning Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks and his defeat of the Carlingford Vikings and later the combined force of Vikings from Strangford and Annagassan led by Hálfdan of Dublin in December 926. The survivors of this rout were besieged for a week at Áth Cruithne – the Ford of the Cruithin, located in modern-day Sheeptown townland, north-east of Newry. Members of the heritage group speculated whether the Crown Mound feature close to the Ford of the Cruithin played a part in the events of late 926/early 927. This would make this historical monument older than its previously suggested Anglo-Norman origin. Ancient pre-historic mounds located beside fords can sometimes be mistaken for later Anglo-Norman motte-type structures and this may well be the case here. I would like to express my appreciation to attendees of the AGM on the night, many of whom very kindly bought copies of my new book. Many thanks again.