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Ventry —County Kerry

The scene in which the ancient romantic tale 'Cath Fionntrágha' (Battle of Ventry Strand) is laid. The tale, as told in a 15th century manuscript, now in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, is obviously intended for recitation, with its vivid descriptions and long rows of alliterative adjectives. It describes how Daire Donn, King of the World, and his vassal monarchs landed at Ventry (Ceann Trá) in an attempt to invade Ireland, and how they were defeated on the beachhead by the Fianna under Fionn Mac Cumhaill. Many topographical features are introduced into this tale, and it is thought that the writer must have been a native of the area.