Purple Mountain (Kerry) Purple Mountain (Kerry) Purple Mountain () at high, is the 21st–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 28th–highest according to the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Purple mountain is the highest peak of the Purple Mountain Group, and is located in County Kerry, Ireland. Purple Mountain is composed of sandstone particles of various sizes which are collectively known as "Old Red Sandstone". Old Red Sandstone has a purple-reddish colour, and has virtually no fossils. The colour gave its name to the mountain group. The composition of "Old Red Sandstone" is variable and contains quartz stones, mudstones, siltstones, and sandstone particles
Palatinate (colour) of the County of Durham. The name 'Palatinate' in both instances alludes to the historic status of Durham as a County Palatine. It is likely that the choice of purple as the University's colour relates to the key role played by the Bishop of Durham in the foundation of the University (purple being an episcopal colour), as well as to the unique historical status of Bishops of Durham as Palatine Earls. It was the first 'university colour' adopted by a British university for its academic dress. C.E. Whiting's history of the university records the following story as being told to