The earliest known name of the area in which the town now stands was Dun-so-barky, taken from “Dun” - (meaning rock or hill) - “Sohar” - (meaning strong). Thus it was the ‘strong rock’. In the 6th century Fergus the son of Eric of Armoy left Ulster to found a kingdom in Scotland, but on his return was drowned on the rock. Reputedly buried at Monkstown, Fergus Mor was to be forever associated with the town. Carraig Fhearghus, the Rock of Fergus was thus born and variously the place was called, Carriag na Ferg, Krag, Carriag, Knock and Krag Fergus.