It is easy to see why the Danes were attracted to Malahide. Its estuary
offered a safe harbour for its galleys, and it was a good centre from which to
attack the well-to-do ecclesiastical communities of Swords and Lusk. One such
raid occurred on Glassmore Abbey which had been founded about 660 A.D. It is
situated about one mile from Swords on the Rathbeale Road, and in addition to
the abbey, there was also a holy well (in Cian Lea Estate). Under the rule of St
Cronan, Glassmore Abbey flourished sufficiently to attract the attention of the
Northmen (Danes) of Inbher Domhnainn (Malahide). They raided the abbey,
destroyed it, and killed St Cronan and his followers on 10 February.
It is easy to see why the Danes were attracted to Malahide. Its estuary
offered a safe harbour for its galleys, and it was a good centre from which to
attack the well-to-do ecclesiastical communities of Swords and Lusk. One such
raid occurred on Glassmore Abbey which had been founded about 660 A.D. It is
situated about one mile from Swords on the Rathbeale Road, and in addition to
the abbey, there was also a holy well (in Cian Lea Estate). Under the rule of St
Cronan, Glassmore Abbey flourished sufficiently to attract the attention of the
Northmen (Danes) of Inbher Domhnainn (Malahide). They raided the abbey,
destroyed it, and killed St Cronan and his followers on 10 February.