Chapter 5: Coill Beag to Inis Uí Chuinn
- Parish of Cairrgín
- Cahergal Fort
- Killursa
- Coill Bheag to Inis Uí Chuinn
- [no title]
- Rosserilly
- Shrule
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Refer to Map
The Parish of Cairrgín, although small in extent, is one of great interest
in an historic and pictorial point of view. It extends eastwards between
that of Cill Éanna, on the south-east, and Cill Fhursa, on the north-west,
over a space about
The old church of this parish is of no great interest or antiquity, and neither to it nor to this parish itself is the term "Cill" applied, but the ruin is called Séipéil a' Chairrgín, "The Chapel of Cargin," and in all probability it was a chapel of ease to some of the saints' churches in the neighbouring parishes. Around it are the remains of a circular rath, and beside it a Cillin, or children's burial ground, of which class of cemetery there are great numbers in the West, but especially along the shores of Lochs Coirib and Measca. [fn38-1]
The ruined Castle of Cairrgín, here presented, stands on an eminence at the
extremity of the little bay.There is no history, nor are there any legends
attaching to this ancient castle, which measures externally
In the little bay in front stands Inis creamha, or "wildgarlic Isle, "where, says O'Flaherty, in his "West Connacht," "the walls and high ditch of a well-fortified place are still extant, and encompass almost the whole island. Of this isle, Macamh Insicreawa, a memorable antient magician, as they say, had his denomination. Anno 1225, the Lord Justice of Ireland, coming into the port of Iniscreawa, caused Odo O'Flaherty, Lord of West Connacht, to deliver that island, Kirke Island, and all the boats of Lough Orbsen, into the hands of Odo O'Connor, King of Connacht (Cathald Redfist's son) for assurance of his fidelity."