More about Mourne Road
Drimnagh derives its name from the old Irish word druimneach which means ridged lands. Evidence of Neolithic settlement was uncovered with the discovery of a funerary bowl which was found in a burial site. The site was demolished but the bowl is currently on view in the National Museum. The lands of Drimnagh were taken from the natives by Strongbow who gave them to the Barnwell family. The Barnwells had arrived in Ireland with Strongbow in 1167 and had settled in Berehaven in Munster. The natives of that province promptly attacked their home and killed off the family except a youth called Hugh de Barnwell. The youth was then given the lands of Drimnagh as compensation. The lands and castle were considered safe as they were far enough away from the Dublin mountains which held native strongholds.
