Dún Ailinne (Knockaulin), Kilcullen

This hill top fort encloses about 20 acres within a circular back 450 yds in diameter and up to 15’ high.  Excavations carried out in the 1960s/70s indicate its occupation in the bronze age (c 2000 BC) and it is linked in Irish mythology with the Fianna.  Evidence also exists of its use as a pre-christian ceremonial site and later as the seat of Leinster Kings.  In the 1798 rebellion it provided a safe defensive location for the United Irishmen prior to their surrender at Castlemartin.

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