The hill was at the centre of the ancient territory known as Cairbre Uí Chiardha(which may still be seen on signposts in the area) of the Ó Ciardha sept of the Southern Uí Néill (anglicised Carey , Carry and Keary) who were Lords of Carbury, first mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters in 952. It was also a camping site used by the Irish during the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.