The Legend of St. Patrick's Cow
The legend goes that the Ancient Highway was created by St. Patrick's cow in a fit of rage. One day, this special cow and her calf were grazing peacefully in Tipperary. As they were relaxing, a wily cattle thief from Waterford abducted the calf and sped off for home.
When she found out, Patrick's cow was furious! She picked up the robber's scent and pursued him in a rage, tearing up the earth and dragging her horn as she went. When she found him, she dealt with him unmercifully before returning to Tipperary with her calf. In her fury, she had created the roadway known as Rian Bó Phádraig.