Not far away from, but high over, the romantic town of Rostrevor rises the great hill of Clough-mor, one of the Mourne range of mountains. Upon a projecting cliff, nearly midway up the ascent, is to be seen a huge mass of granite, weighing over thirty tons, as has been estimated.

Naturalists and geologists have wasted their speculations in vain, to account for its present isolated position; for it rests only on a pivot, and it seems ready to roll off at any moment to a lower station. It has been noticed, that it can hardly be a contribution from any of the neighbouring heights, for the greater elevations are at a considerable distance, while a valley of some depth and space intervenes.

What forms a mystery for the geologist and natural philosopher, however, is a matter easy of solution to the people who live near.

The renowned giant Fin-mac-Cool—the strongest man then living—had been visited at a time remote by a Scotch giant of great size and strength. A controversy arose between them, as to their relative prowess, when it was resolved that two great fragments of rock, which lay near Carlingford, on the opposite side of the bay, and which were of nearly equal size, should be lifted from their places, and cast over the sea beneath.

A large bet was pending on the result. They threw up a halfpenny for the choice of stone, and the Scotch giant won the toss. Of course, he selected that one he deemed to be lighter of the two. Poising it on his right hand and swaying his body, he put forth all his strength; but he was unable to send the fragment of rock to the opposite shore, and it fell into the sea.

Now came Finn’s turn. He took up the remaining and larger fragment, and then with great ease, he was not only able to clear the strait, but to land it high and dry on the cliffs beyond, where, as the Clough-mor, it still remains an evidence of his superior strength.