Achall, daughter of Cairbre Nia Fer, king of Tara, and his wife Fedelm Noíchrothach, is a minor character from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. After her brother Erc was killed by Conall Cernach, she died of grief on a hill near Tara, which was named Achall after her.[1]

The legendary High King of Ireland Túathal Techtmar is said to have taken power after defeating the previous High King, Elim mac Conrach, in battle on the hill of Achall.[2] According to The Expulsion of the Déisi, another legendary High King, Cormac mac Airt, lived on the hill of Achall after he lost an eye, his physical imperfection meaning he could no longer rule at Tara.[3] The hill is now known as Skryne.[4]

References

  1. ^ Edward Gwynn (ed. & trans.), "Achall", The Metrical Dindshenchas Vol. 1, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 1903
  2. ^ R. A. Stewart Macalister (ed. & trans.), Lebor Gabála Érenn: The Book of the Taking of Ireland Part V, Irish Texts Society, 1956, p. 307-311
  3. ^ Vernam Hull, "Expulsion of the Déssi", Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie vol. 57, 1957
  4. ^ "Lismullin Institute: The Gabhra Valley to 2000 AD". Archived from the original on 17 January 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
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