Bruree possesses a wealth of myth, mystery, legend and history. It holds a supreme position in Irelands Ancient East. From as far back as our history and folklore does go, Bruree has been continually intertwined in history books for a multitude of remarkable reasons. What are the reasons you ask? Let me tell you the tale of Bruree (Bru Ri). Bruree or Bru Ri translated from our native Gaelic tongue means “Palace of the Kings”. There are 4 ring forts in Bruree called Knockduha, The Raheens which hold 2 ring forts & Lisoleem. We know that Bru Ri was once an important “Royal Seat” in Munster. They say it is possibly older than Naas, Tara & Cashel.
The royal seat in Bruree may be more than 2,000 years old, ancient legends describe it as the seat of “Oilioll or Ollum”. Our journey begins with Ollum in the 2nd century. Ollum at the time was the King of Munster. It was a mile down river in the townland of Lotteragh Lower, Bruree, by the magical and mystical river Maigue, in which Ollum’s timber house was situated. His house was safely encapsulated within his 3 bank/ditch fort. This fort is one of considerable ancient importance stretching 91meters in diameter, it sits quietly, cocooned by trees & heavy growth and it remains untouched. It is known in the locality as “Lisoleem”. Lisoleem or Lios Olium translates from Gaelic to “the earless”. You wonder why? Ollum travelled to Knockainey on 31st October or Samhain Eve to take care of some horses he had grazing there. He had to wait for the entrance for the gates to open.
Knockainey is noted for the “Si Bhru”, one of the most famous fairy mansions in Ireland. It is well known that these fairy mansions opened their doors to mortals on Samhain Eve. Once the gates were opened Ollum burst through & slayed Eogabal the King of the Si Bhru. He attacked Eogabal’s daughter Aine. Aine is known to have been a goddess. In retaliation to the attack set upon her Aine bit off Ollum’s ear, hence his name.
St. Patrick in the 5th century foretold the coming of a St. Senan, when he travelled Ireland preaching the gospel. It is known that St. Patrick travelled through Bruree on his journey from Ardpatrick to Knockpatick in Foynes. It was common for Patrick to visit royal forts. St. Patrick’s journey is marked throughout Ireland with holy wells, which were dedicated to him, along the routes which he took. St. Senan is known to have converted the Ui Fidhgeinte to Christianity and as a result he became a patron saint in the area. A stone carving, which was found near the centre of the river Maigue, is associated with an event in the life of St. Senan.
The carving on the stone is locally known as the “Cloch Eurtha” which when translated from Gaelic means “The Stone of Denial”. It is a carving of a cow with a calf sucking. This stone carving is now housed in the DeValera Museum and Heritage Centre in Bruree. Rockhill/Bruree is strongly associated with St. Munchin. He is Patron Saint of our Parish.
The church is Rockhill is dedicated to him. It is believed that St. Munchin founded a church in the grounds of Ballynoe Churchyard. The original church does not stand today, but a grassy mound with a stone base does mark the area of a 14th century church, which was also dedicated to St. Munchin. Tucked away neatly in the village, near the river Maigue you will find St. Munchins Holy
Well. It is at this very location that St. Munchin requested a drink of water. When he was unable to obtain it, he struck the ground with his staff. Water burst through the ground where his staff had impacted. Thus giving him, his much desired drink of water.