Carnfree: Inauguration Mound of Connacht Kings

Carnfree (Carn Fraoich, Fráech's cairn) is a historical site south of Tulsk in County Roscommon, near the Rathcroghan complex. The main feature is a Bronze Age mound, thought to be the cairn of Connacht warrior Fráech, used for royal inaugurations until the late medieval period. The site also includes Selc, with Duma Selga (mound) and an ecclesiastical site where St. Patrick baptized the Uí Briúin princes.The mound is about 1.5 meters high, with a slight depression at the top and stone on one side. Until the mid-19th century, a proclamation stone with footprints stood nearby; it's now at Clonalis House near Castlerea. Carnfree's importance is noted in the Annals of Connacht, which mentions kingship ceremonies, including Felim O'Connor's inauguration in 1310. Kings from across Connacht and twelve bishops attended the ceremony. The elected king would take a clockwise ceremonial turn from the summit.Carnfree is linked to mythology, especially Fráech, said to reside in the mound. The Dindshenchas poem credits two figures named Fráech. One was a warrior who fought and died; his comrades buried him in the mound, previously called Cnoc na Dala. The other wooed Queen Medb's daughter and was killed by Cuchulain.Other significant sites include Duma Selga, possibly the royal site of the Uí Briúin, and Cloch Fada na gCarn, a ring barrow with a nearly 3-meter-high standing stone.