THE PLAIN OF THE BOYNE I. original: BRUG I. Brug, or Brú na Bóinne, refers to the famous prehistoric ritual landscape in County Meath, Ireland, including Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth.

25 The grave of the Mata original: Matha. The Mata was a legendary multi-legged monster or dragon of the Boyne Valley said to have been slain at the "Stone of the Mata" near Newgrange. after it was slain
is clearly visible upon you, O Brug, where horses graze;
the sea rotted its bone,
from which pleasant Inber Colptha original: Inber Colptha. The estuary of the River Boyne at modern-day Drogheda. Legend says it was named after Colptha, son of Míl, or from the "colptha" (shin-bone) of the slain Mata monster. is named.

30 The hide of Boadan’s Boadan was a legendary figure from Irish myth; his "cow" often refers to a specific landscape feature or relic. immortal cow
lies over the slope of his yellow-white stone;
the sanctuary of the steadfast, fierce warriors original: fian-warriors. These are the Fíana, semi-independent bands of warriors in Irish mythology, most famously led by Finn mac Cumaill.
surrounds the eastern plain of noble Nemed. Nemed was a mythical leader of an early group of settlers in Ireland according to the Book of Invasions.

At the Trench of the gentle Seagulls, original: Fertai na Fáilenn. A specific landmark within the Boyne complex.
it was there the great exploit was achieved—
35 a mighty feat of the spear—
the slaying of Finn whom the bold Luagne The Luagne were a warrior tribe of ancient Meath often portrayed as enemies of Finn mac Cumaill. warriors struck down.

Within you, a charming boy was born,
Cellach, Cellach was a son of the High King Cormac mac Airt; he was killed after violating the sanctuary of the site. who plundered the plains along his path;
he was strong enough to face a whole tribe, and he captured you,
40 yet he died a proud death within your borders.

O prow-shaped fortress original: brainech. Literally "beaked" or "having a prow," likely comparing the shape of the burial mound or the hill to a ship. of the strong towers,
the sea-tide visits your site;
from the days of Crimthand Nia Crimthand Nia Náir, a legendary High King of Ireland. to Niall, Niall of the Nine Hostages, a historical/legendary High King from the 4th or 5th century.
you were the burial place of the fair-haired warriors.

45 Fintan Feradach A legendary figure often associated with early Irish history and the preservation of ancient lore. of the bloody battles,
that powerful prince, possessed your lands;
Tuathal Techtmar, A legendary High King who is credited with the consolidation of the Irish provinces. the lord of our clans,
is held within your bare sepulchral soil.

seagulls LU The manuscript Lebor na hUidre (The Book of the Dun Cow), c. 1100.: see Notes.       36. Luagne] Luagni LU.       38. plain] plain LU.
41. prowed] rain-drenched? RB The manuscript Rawlinson B.502..       42. sea-tide] sea-tide B The Book of Ballymote..       wave] heavy LU.
at your site] LU; at your pool S₂: under the pool BH; under your pool, etc. RMS₃V.       43. from] LU; from (all other manuscripts).       of the hero] LUB; Nia the noble, etc. RS₃V; Nia the noble, etc. MH; Nia of the four (provinces?) S₂.
to Niall] to Niall S₂.       44. was] LU; is, etc. (all other manuscripts).       45–48. these lines appear in LU only.
46. earth] earth LU.