site of abandoned granard town

This site is referred in legend and history. Queen Maeve on her legendary quest (Tain Bo Cuailgne) for the Brown Bull of Cooley spent a night here. The old town of Granard is where St. Patrick appointed Guasacht, son of Milchuo his former slave master, as Bishop to the church here. This medieval town was destroyed in a battle that ensued when the local chieftain Con O' Farrell refused to submit to the Scot, Edward Bruce. This battle lasted two days and resulted in the burning of this old walled town. The town was abandoned with the inhabitants moving to the present town of Granard. The land surrounding this site has the reputation of being very fertile and this fact could give credence to the theory that Granard means Grain Hill or Barley Hill. The Sheridan Clan, being eranaghs of Granard, tended Church lands and generally took charge of Church affairs. Later they left this area and became devoted followers of the neighbouring O'Reilys in County Cavan.