| The Book of the Dun Cow, or "Leabhar na Uidhre", is the oldest surviving miscellaneous manuscript in Irish literature. So-called because the vellum upon which it is written is supposedly taken from the hide of St. Ciaran's cow at Clonmacnoise. It was compiled by about 1100 learned Irish monks at the monastery of Clonmacnoise from older manuscripts. It contains much factual and legendery material from the 8th and 9th centuries. It contains a partial text about the Cattle Raid of Cooley. |
Image from the book "Clonmacnoise" from OPW |
Image from the book "Clonmacnoise" from OPW |
The book also includes a poem praising St. Columba, supposedly written by Dallán Forgaill; poem on winter, ascribed to Finn MacCool; historical accounts of Mongan, an Ulster king of the 7th century, and of the Battle of Cnucha. It also includes a story of the court of Dá Derga, an Irish romantic saga. |