Following the Siege of Drogheda in 1649, it is believed that during his conquest of Ireland, Oliver Cromwell surveyed the view over the nearby townland of Clonabreany from Crossakiel Hill, when he gave 2,000 acres of land that was previously owned by the Plunkett family to the Wade family, which resulted in the construction of a Norman castle and settlement. This was later demolished to facilitate the construction of Clonabreany House, which is now a wedding venue.