the back of the ridge

The evidence for this anglicised placename supports derivation from Cúl na Dromann. It is interesting to note that the subdivisions Íochtarach “Lower” and Uachtarach “Upper” are reflected even in the early evidence, which demonstrates that they were in existence during the Gaelic period itself, e.g. ‘Culladrammaneghter’ and ‘Cooledormanoutragh’, respectively. (It is often the case that subdivisions of townlands such as upper and lower were created at a much later date.)

It is sometimes opined that Cúl na Dromann refers to the same place as Cúil Dreimhne, a historical placename referring to a location in the barony of Carbury, County Sligo, where a famous battle was fought in the year 560. Unfortunately, however, there is no certain evidence to confirm this identification. Not only that, but there is evidence that would lead to the opposite conclusion. For example, a reference to saint Seanbhearach of Cúil Dreimhne in Félire na Naomh nÉrennach, states that Cúil Dreimhne was situated between Drumcliff and Sligo:

SENBEARACH, Cuile Drephne. Eter Druim Cliabh agus Sligeach i cConnachtaibh atá Cúil Dreimne… “Seanbhearach of Cúil Dreimhne. Cúil Dreimhne is between Drumcliff and Sligo in Connaught” (Félire na Naomh nÉrennach)

But Cúl na Dromann is actually situated north of Drumcliff — not south of it (i.e. ‘between Drumcliff and Sligo’). Therefore, not only is there no evidence to explain a putative linguistic development from Cúil Dreimhne to Cúl na Dromann, but there is clearly stated evidence that places Cúil Dreimhne south of both Cooldrumman and Drumcliff.