Sons of Milidh cruised in Ireland
Accordingly a host was assembled at the tower of Breoghan ; and the sons of Milidh embarked for Ireland in thirty ships having thirty warriors each besides women and camp-folk. They were accompanied by the queen-mother Scota—Milidh being by this time dead—and forty leaders whose names are commemorated to this day in our place names.x En-deavouring to land at Inbhear Slainghe, now Wexford harbour, they were driven off by the Tuatha De Danann, who are said to have spread a magic mist over the invaders, so that the island in front of them resembled a hog’s back. Hence the name Muicinis by which Ireland is known.
They next sailed around the south coast of Ireland, and effected a landing at Inbhear Sceine. Proceeding thence to Tara, they encountered the queens of the three reigning kings. Banba, her women and her druids they met at Sliabh Mis, Eodla at Sliabh Eibhlinne, Eire at Uisneach, and finally at Tara the three royal sons of Cearmad—Eathur, Ceathur and Teathur. A challenge to battle ensued. This the sons of Cearmad submitted to the poet Aimheirgin, whose judgment was that the Milesian host should return to Inbhear Sceine and go back to sea a distance of nine waves. If they succeeded in landing again, they were to have sway over the country. So the sons of Milidh again embarked, but had no sooner put to sea than a terrific storm arose, caused, we are told, by the magic-working druids of the Tuatha De Danann. Arannan, son of Milidh, was swept from the masthead of his ship and dashed to death against the deck. Donn, born in Scythia, was drowned with five other leaders and a numerous host at the Dumhacha or Teach Dhuinn. Ir, born at Irena, was buried at Sceilg Mhichil.
