Island Folklore
Tradition has it that the Dun at Portdoon was built by pirates who harboured their galleys in the creek below, screened by the rocks from the observation of those sailing past. The pirate crew were the last Danes in Ireland who knew how to make bier lochlannach, a priceless drink made from the heather-bloom. The fort was surprised and taken by the Irish who slaughtered the inmates except for one old Dane and his son, offering to spare the captives if they told the secret of the bier, or as others said, the hiding place of their vast treasures, the plunder of many years. The old pirate, fearing the boy might be tempted of tortured into betrayal offered to tell if his son was put to death first, so none of his kin might see his treachery. This done, the pirate captain tore himself from his captors, and ran to the deep chasm of Portdoon. He sprang over the cliff carrying his secret to Odin.