Situated atop one of the rolling hills of northern Leinster, not so far from Tara and even closer to the Boyne Valley, is the hillfort and village of Dunn Seannachaidh. This is the stronghold of Clan Cumhaill, a relative newcomer to this part of Eire. The leadership claims descent from the mighty Fionn macCumhaill, giant of legend and leader of the Fianna in the time when Cormac macAirt was King over Tara.

The peaceful times of Cormac's reign have faded into the mists of the past. Cairpre Liffechar, son of Cormac, has come and gone. He and many others were killed at the Battle of Gabhra. Fiacha Sraibhtine is king over Ireland and there are constant battles in the struggle for supremacy. It is an unsettled time and the head that bears the crown does not rest easy.

Clan Cumhaill is a constant thorn in the side of the Niafer and many of the other local tribes. Frequent cattle raids are only one of the problems. The war bands are often at each others' throats. Even when things are relatively peaceful, constant jeers and threats are exchanged, even at the Feis! The peace of Eire hangs by a thin thread…