One of the greatest romantic legends of Ireland is that of Diarmuid and Grainne. Believed to date back to the 9th century, the ancient Celtic tale of Diarmuid and Gráinne is a true classic Irish love story.
As the story goes, Diarmuid was a mighty warrior of the legendary Fionn Mac Cool. Grainne was one of the most beautiful women in Ireland and also the daughter of the High King Cormac MacAirt. She was renowned for her unparalleled beauty and grace and was pursued by many. Suitors travelled from all over Ireland to woo the young princess but alas no one stole her heart.
She had finally settled on a marriage proposal from the great Chief at the time Fionn Mac Cool who wanted her as his second wife. It was during their great engagement feast Grainne set eyes on Diarmuid and for her it was love at first site. Diarmuid was a loyal warrior who would not betray Fionn so Grainne, legend has it drugged the entire party so she could have Diarmuid all to herself. Diarmuid not wanting to betray his trusted leader Fionn vehemently refused Grainne’s advances. The young princess would not take no for an answer so she cast a love spell on him to fall in love with her.
The two ran off together and for many years were pursued by an angry Fionn and his men. All across Ireland the eloping couple ran. Legend has it that Diarmuid and Grainne never slept in the same place. Across Ireland, there are dozens – perhaps hundreds! – of so-called “Diarmuid and Grainne beds” – local places where the couple are reputed to have spent a night while on the run. Caves, alcoves, neolithic tombs, bed-like stones – there are many places associated with the couple that you can still visit this day. One such place is Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave in the Gleniff Horseshoe, tucked under the shadow of Sligo’s iconic landmark, Ben Bulben mountain. Another is Loop Head in Co Clare; it is said that the lover’s leaped onto this rock to escape Fionn’s army.
Fate was eventually to catch up with the lovers and the tragic tale would come to an end. Fionn McCool was so hurt by the Diarmuid’s supposed betrayal of him that he never gave up chase of them. Legend has it that at Sligo’s Ben Bulben mountain, Diarmuid came face to face with an angry (and magical) bull. A prophecy had stated that a boar was the only creature that could harm Diarmuid. The bull was about to attack his pregnant wife Grainne – so Diarmuid in the name of chivalry threw himself in the path of the raging bull and was mortally wounded. It was at this moment that Fionn McCool finally found his former friend and enemy.
Grainne’s plea for help for her dying husband falls on deaf ears. Fionn has the power to heal Diarmuid but is too hurt over the betrayal and refuses to save him. His warriors beg him to help the dying Diarmuid but by the time he chooses to do so it is too late. Tragically in the shadow of the beautiful Ben Bulben mountain, Diarmuid dies in Grainne’s arms.
And so the story goes……..from all of us at Katie Daly’s Ireland, wishing you a very happy St Valentine’s Day……xxxxx
