Emain Macha, three miles west of Armagh, was named for the goddess Macha who is also at the root of Armagh, the "heights of Macha". Emain Macha is one of the most cited places in ancient Irish literature. Its history dates as far back as the 7th to 4th centuries BC and its final ruling dynasty fell during the fifth century AD. People occupied this site from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Most of the construction took place between 400 -100 BC when a series of roundhouses and large enclosures was built. The main area consists of a bank and a ditched enclosure about 1000 feet across. There is undisputable evidence that Emain Macha was a major ceremonial center during prehistoric times, as well as the political and spiritual capital of that area during the Iron Age. Within one of the structures was found the skull of a barbary ape from N. Africa, the most exotic prehistoric archeological find in Ireland, and interpreted as evidence of a prestige gift exchange.

At the summit of this site is a tumulus that was once a residential site, later used for ceremonial purposes. The round house was begun around 700 BC and rebuilt nine times before 100 BC. The surrounding stockade was rebuilt six times. The residence was destroyed or abandoned when raided by rival clans during the 5th century. Fergus Foga was the last king of Emain Macha. The abandoned hill fort continued to be the site of an annual feis through medieval times.

As is often the case with ancient Irish cites, legends tell more of Emain Macha's true grandeur. There was the palace of the legendary Red Branch (Craebruad) whose name is echoed in the village of Creeveroe, Co Armagh. Two queens named Macha are connected with the area. The less well known is Macha, the queenly wife of Cimbaeth, (circa 300 AD). Cimbaeth was dominated by his queen and it is said that she made him build a great fortress-palace in her honor. She marked out the area with her brooch, thus the folk etymology of "Emain Macha" meaning "Macha's brooch". The better known Macha was the wife of Crunniuc mac Agnomain. At a fair in Ulster, he boasted that his wife could beat a horse-drawn chariot in a foot race. Macha, pregnant and near delivery, protested but threatened with the death of the baby, she finally complied. She won the race, then birthed twins. In revenge, she cursed the men of Ulster to suffer her birth pangs for nine generations. Women, young boys and Cuchulainn (because he was not bred of Ulster stock) were exempt.

Craebruad was the best known of the 3 great halls at Emain Macha. It had nine rooms of red yew, walls of bronze, and King Conchobar's apartment had a silver ceiling and bronze pillars topped with gold.

The second hall, Craebderg (ruddy branch) contained the treasure house that held, among other valuables, the heads of slain enemies.

The third hall, Tete Brec (twinkling hoard) held the weapons and armor.

Weapons were not to be brought into Emain Macha and the grounds contained a hospital for the sick and wounded warriors.


Map and graphics by MacMorna Niafer.
Text by Flidais and MacMorna Niafer.

Guide to Celtia