South of the central plain, the whole of the southern part of the island consists of rocky elevations separating small grassy ravines, and terminates in the bay called _Port-a-churich_, where tradition places the arrival of Columba in his curach; and at its south-west corner the island rises into the very perfection of bold rocky scenery. Here the rocky heights which bound the central plain on the south-west are termed _Uchdachan_, or breasts; and on the highest point overlooking the expanse of the western sea is the cairn called _Cul ri Erin_, which marks the spot where he is said to have ascended for the purpose of ascertaining if he could discern from it the distant shores of his beloved Erin. Among the several poems attributed to Columba, there is one which so remarkably describes the scene from this spot and the emotions it was calculated to excite in one of his temperament, that it is hardly possible to avoid the conclusion that it contains the genuine expression of his feelings. It bears the title _Columcille fecit_, and has been thus translated:— Delightful would it be to me to be in _Uchd Ailiun_ On the pinnacle of a rock, That I might often see The face of the ocean; That I might see its heaving waves Over the wide ocean, When they chant music to their Father Upon the world’s course; That I might see its level sparkling strand, It would be no cause of sorrow; That I might hear the song of the wonderful birds, Source of happiness; That I might hear the thunder of the crowding waves Upon the rocks; That I might hear the roar by the side of the church Of the surrounding sea; That I might see its noble flocks Over the watery ocean; That I might see the sea monsters, The greatest of all wonders; That I might see its ebb and flood In their career; That my mystical name might be, I say, _Cul ri Erin_ (Back turned to Ireland); That contrition might come upon my heart Upon looking at her; That I might bewail my evils all, Though it were difficult to compute them; That I might bless the Lord Who conserves all, Heaven with its countless bright orders, Land, strand, and flood; That I might search the books all, That would be good for any soul; At times kneeling to beloved heaven; At times at psalm-singing; At times contemplating the King of Heaven, Holy the chief; At times at work without compulsion; This would be delightful. At times plucking _duilisc_ from the rocks; At times at fishing; At times giving food to the poor; At times in a _carcair_ (solitary cell).