[6][7] Archeologist Frank Coyne suggested that the mountains were seen as sacred and said "There is little doubt that the mountaintops of both The Paps…were utilized for ritual in prehistory".

To the northeast of the peaks is an ancient circular stone enclosure called Cahercrovdarrig (Cathair Crobh Dearg, 'Red Claw Fort/City') or 'The City'.

[11] It is believed that the site is named after the saint Crobh Dearg and was originally used for Beltane rituals[12] and festivities.

According to local folklorist Dan Cronin, the festival involved music, dancing, drinking, and "champions…performing feats of valour".

In 1983, a local affiliate of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Irish cultural organization, working with the parish priest, reintroduced music and dance to the May Day festival at Cahercrovdarrig.