The Heritage Centre at Moneagh

CARROWMENAGH FIELD DAY (July 10th 2011)

Carrowmenagh, near Culdaff, on the Inishowen peninsula, is a townland abundant in heritage, steeped in history and with a very strong community spirit. Local historian, John A. McLaughlin was our guide for the occasion.

The Community Centre, for example where our day began, is a former National School erected 90 years ago; most of the original building is still intact, even the old wall maps! Nevertheless, it is a well-maintained structure with all mod cons, as they say, and in use every night of the week.

This small part of Inishowen knew the pain of evictions. Our first stop was the Garden of Remembrance where in December 1881 stood a house whose tenants were the victims of that awful deed. The gable and chimney brace are still there - a sad and poignant reminder of what was once a vibrant homestead. Twelve other families in the locality suffered the same fate.

Two strands featured on our programme. Tremone strand has a plaque to the memory of Thomas D'Arcy McGee (1825-1868), the Young Irelander who escaped at Tremone Bay and went to Canada, where he played a leading role in that country's Confederation history. The stone was unveiled by the Canadian Ambassador, Mr. Michael Philips, in August 1998.

Kinnagoe Bay, spectacular from our elevated viewpoint, was the landing place in 1688 of La Trinidad Valencera. The wreck of this magnificent ship and many of her contents were discovered in 1971 by the City of Derry sub-aqua club. Amazingly, 350 Spaniards survived the shipwreck and reached shore.

One of the final stops was the old threshing mill with its working machinery and we had a most enjoyable demonstration of it in action. Also shown was the skill of making straw ropes. What a joy it is to see these skills being kept alive and promoted in their original location.

The above is a selection of the many stops made on our itinerary. The occasion ended back in at the Centre with lashins of tea, sandwiches and buns followed with some musical entertainment from the younger generation. In conclusion, our President, Col. Declan O'Carroll thanked everyone who made us so welcome and organised our visit.

Coach Outing (18/6/2011)

Kilcar Field Day (12/6/2011)

Members Honoured

2010 Events

Emerson Lecture

Wed. Nov. 10th - 

A large and representative crowd attended the Annual Emerson lecture in Coláiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon recently. Mr. Anthony Begley, Museum Curator, welcomed the attendance to the fourth annual lecture organised by County Donegal Historical Society, in memory of Kathleen and Louis Emerson who had contributed so much to the development of local studies in County Donegal. The guest lecturer was Mr. Michael MacDonagh, Senior Archaeologist with the National Roads Authority (NRA), who had been in charge of the Ballyhanna excavations before the construction of the Ballyshannon-Bundoran By-Pass. The title of his lecture was: “Ballyhanna- The Story of a Lost Church and its People.” Thanking the Society for the invitation, Mr MacDonagh expressed his honour at delivering a talk dedicated to the memory of the Emersons, reminiscing on Lucius’ delight upon the discovery of the site back in 2003. Setting the important archaeological discovery within its landscape setting, Michael explained the importance of Ballyhanna townland in the life of medieval Ballyshannon. The townland had been at the strategic fording point across the Erne River and Ballyshannon would have been a bustling town throughout the medieval centuries, its port facilities and salmon fisheries being of huge economic importance. The fording point of Ath Seanaigh was the only safe crossing point on the western reaches of the Erne into the kingdom of Tyrconnell.

The discovery of a medieval church and graveyard at Ballyhanna, one of the largest such sites ever excavated in Ireland, was remarkable, explained Michael, and it was somewhat surprising that its existence had fallen out of folk memory. It was explained that this may have been due to it having been walled off behind the estate walls of Rockville House in the 17^th century. Once out of sight, it became out of mind, and over time memory of it faded. Historical documents from the 17^th century refer to a chapel of ease at Ballyhanna under the administration of the diocese of Clogher and Michael explained that it is now believed that this is the site that was discovered

Mairéad Ní Mhaoinigh launches this year's "Donegal Annual."

Donegal Person of the year, Mairéad Ní Mhaoinigh, launched this year's "Donegal Annual", the Journal of the County Donegal Historical Society,  in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey on 2nd of November last. It was a lovely evening crowned by Mairéad ending the launch by playing a few of Johnnie Doherty's reels.

Once again edited by Sean Beattie, this edition contains 20 main articles and a wealth of other material, including book reviews, books about Donegal published in 2010, and a detailed account of the proceedings of the Society. The scope of the articles is wide and varied, ranging from the Donegal Militia and the 1798 Rebellion, the history of Freemasonry in Donegal to a contemporary article about Donegal and the N.I. conflict.

November 1947 was the date the first Annual appeared and it has been in print ever since, a truly remarkable achievement. From small beginnings at the inaugural meeting in the County House, Lifford in December 1946, today the Society has over 900 members across the world. Many of them plan a visit to Donegal each Summer in order to take part in at least one of the four Field Days. A very poignant and emotional Field Day this year was our very first one and we went out to Arranmore Island to remember the Arranmore disaster which happened 75 years ago. Keeping in touch with all the members these days is so much easier than it was back in the 1940's as the Society has a website at www.donegalhistory.com. Every event of the Society is featured there. (This website will be revamped over the next few months).

The Donegal Historical Society also works in conjunction with local historical and heritage groups throughout the county, something that can only be of mutual benefit to us all. The invitation is always there to any newly formed group to contact us. Our aims and objectives are similar; our Constitution sums it up as follows, "the study and preservation of the historical antiquities of County Donegal."

President of the Society, Col. Declan O'Carroll says, "If you are considering a Christmas gift for relatives and friends in Ireland or overseas, then this is the perfect choice." The Annual is available from the Secretary and in bookshops across the county.

2010 Coach Outing

Members of the Donegal Historical Society in Glendalough during the 2010 coach outing.

Members of the Donegal Historical Society at Cavan County Museum during the 2010 coach outing.

Members of the Donegal Historical Society at grave of some of the victims of the 1935 boat tragedy during the Arannmore Island Field Day.

Our first Field Day of 2010 was one of poignant and sad remembrance as we recalled the Arranmore disaster in this the 75th anniversary of that awful tragedy. For any emigrant, homecoming is the most joyful emotion, an experience shared by the entire family at home waiting with anticipation and excitement. What presents from Glasgow would be in their suitcases? What football matches had they been to and would relate to their their younger siblings? What films did they enjoy seeing in Scotland?

On Saturday evening, November 9th 1935, 19 islanders perished in the sea just off Arranmore on the last leg of their homeward journey, having spent the previous months tattie-hoking (harvesting potatoes) in Scotland. There was just one survivor, Patrick Gallagher. "The whole island was weeping," wrote Barney Gallagher in his book, 'Arranmore Links' . Barney was an islander and was there at the time.

Our Field Day began in the Ionad Culturlann, part of the island co-operative's holiday village, with an illustrated talk by Seán Boner about the disaster. We then walked the short distance to the graveyard to visit the mass grave in which 17 of the victims lie buried. Its location is close to the Chapel strand, the mainland in the distance and numerous islands in between. Sadly, not all the bodies were recovered.

We strolled from there along a path close to the shore, past the old graveyard they call 'the Caiseal' which brought us to St. Crone's, the beautiful island church and inside Seán gave us a brief history of the church. It was built in 1825 as a barn style church but extended into a cruciform structure in 1917. We were then bussed to the lighthouse, originally built in 1798, and we were fortunate to be able to enter and climb up the narrow spiral staircase to experience a truly magnificent view. Some of the more intrepid of the group went down a few of the cliff steps, certainly not an experience for the faint-hearted.

Finally, on to the Glen Hotel for another very welcome view - copious amounts of tea and sandwiches! The hotel itself is steeped in history; it was once the home or 'The Big House' of the island landlord, John Stoupe Charley and the building, on a slight rise overlooking the sea, still retains its old-world atmosphere.

The highest degree of thanks is extended to everyone on Arranmore who made the Field Day so memorable: the staff we met at the Coop, on the Siob buses, up at the lighthouse, at the Glen Hotel and on the fast ferry. And of course, a special word of thanks to Seán Boner, our guide and seanchai for the occasion, himself a native of Arranmore and whose father Packie taught for many years at Aphort school..

The house on the Mall where Allingham was born.

Anthony addressing the group at St. Anne's.

The plaque on the bridge.

2009 Events

Unique historical meeting in Ballybofey...

The County Donegal Historical Society has organised a unique meeting of local historical societies/groups throughout the county in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey on November 24th at 8 pm.

The President of the Society, Col. Declan O'Carroll says that the purpose of this special meeting is to examine all the ways the various historical groups can be of mutual benefit to each other in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the county. Declan adds:

To date, we have identified and notified 20 such groups, but there may may others unknown to the Society and this is an invitation to them. If you are a member of any history group within the county, feel invited to this meeting.

Two representatives of each group are welcome to attend and each group will have the chance to introduce themselves and say a few words to the assembled audience about their work. Any group not yet contacted and who would like to attend this meeting should notify the Hon. Secretary, Una Mc Garrigle, Parkhill, Ballyshannon. Telephone 087 2261378, or via the Contacts part of this website.

Donegal Historical Society - 4th Field Day

The fourth and last Field Day of 2009 was across the border in Derry. This city, of course, has many links with Donegal, perhaps the best-known being the site of a monastery founded by St. Colmcille in 546 AD. The monastery in the oak grove led to the settlement being called Doire Colmcille, perhaps the only city in the world named after a Donegal native.

On the walls above Bishop's Gate, our President, Col. Declan O'Carroll introduced us to our guide, Dr. Billy Kelly, Research Projects Co-ordinator at the Institute of Ulster Scots Studies, University of Ulster, Magee.

On the walls at the Guildhall, Dr. Kelly our guide on left along with our President, Col. Declan O'Carroll

Over the next few hours, Dr. Kelly took us through the history of the city, especially the times of the Plantation and the Siege. Apart from the "academic" he also regaled us with numerous anecdotes regarding day to day matters of life in the city. One of these concerned a request to the crown to send a full supply of salted fish to the city during the Plantation, as food was running low. The reply from England pointed out that the Foyle was one of the best salmon rivers anywhere and nets would be sent from England instead.

Dr. Kelly also explained the London connection with the city. In 1613, Derry was renamed Londonderry, having been granted a Royal Charter by James 1 and the involvement of the London companies.

The walls of the city are the most important surviving 17th century fortifications in the British Isles and we walked about half way around them. Their full length is just over one mile. On the way we stopped at St. Augustine's Church (1872, C of I) and the nearby St. Columb's Cathedral (C of I).

In front of St. Columb's Cathedral

The next stop on the walls was facing the Guildhall (1812) among the row of cannon. There was also a reminder at this point that Derry is a city proud of its past but also looking to the present and the future, with a multi-million pound urban renewal project ongoing in front of the Guildhall over to Waterloo Place.

The weather was rather inclement during most of the afternoon but it did not spoil a most enjoyable Field Day. In thanking Dr. Kelly, Declan described him as a magnificent raconteur and with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Derry's history.

Donegal Historical Society - 3rd Field Day

Our third Field Day of 2009 was to Kilclooney, near Portnoo. A large attendance filled the hall of the very fine Dolmen Centre. The President of the Society, Col. Declan O'Carroll welcomed everyone and introduced our Guide, Ms. Paula Harvey, Lecturer in UCD and who, as a former curator of the Donegal County Museum and Field Monument Officer with Donegal County Council, is a well known and highly regarded authority on Donegal's ancient heritage.

Paula began with an informative, illustrated talk on the various types of megalithic tombs, their purpose and current states of preservation, particularly those in Donegal. This whetted the appetite of the audience, eager now to set out and view the local examples of these awe-inspiring structures.

A short walk brought us to the first monument, the large portal tomb of Kilclooney, the one seen in many tourist guide books and archaeological journals. This funerary monument has dominated the local landscape for more than 5,000 years. We could only marvel at the engineering skills that enabled its construction in the Neolithic Age. This site is unique in that, within the same mound, there is a second portal tomb, an exact replica of the larger tomb and only about nine metres from it.

Portal Dolmen (Capstone ~ 13 tons)

Our next stop was the court tomb of Kilclooney. The massive entrance-jambs lead into a larger chamber, the place of burial. The knowledge and enthusiasm of our Guide opened our minds and stirred all our imaginations as we considered the effort required in the construction of these massive monuments and their possible uses in funeral rituals and community ceremonies.

The Field Day concluded with some very interesting questions and creative speculation, making for a most enjoyable experience. Declan then thanked Paula for acting as our Guide for the occasion and enlightening all present about the significance of the Kilclooney monuments.

Some of the group at the Kilclooney Field Day

The final Field Day of 2009 will be in Derry on August 30th, with Dr. William Kelly as Guide. We will visit the historical areas of the plantation city. See Field Days for more information.

Donegal Historical Society - 2nd Field Day

Our second Field Day of 2009 was in Carrigart and well over 100 people turned up for this event. The first venue was Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Parish of Mevagh, a very fine building dating back to 1895. The President of the Society, Mr. Declan O'Carroll, welcomed all present and extended a particular cead mile failte to some fellow historical society members from Armagh - Seanchas Ard Mhacha. Also welcomed were those from other countries, e.g. the USA and Austria.

Declan then introduced our guide for the day, Mr. P.J. Boyce. Mr. Boyce began by extending a very cordial greeting to everyone, adding that it would be his pleasure as a native of the area to act as our guide and he hoped that the weather would be in our favour for the afternoon. He went on to give us a summary of the history of the church and informed us that it was built on the same site as a previous one which had been built in 1675.

From there it was on to Manorvaughan House, home of the Hon. Hedley Strutt, who is also a member of the Historical Society. Now in his 94th year, he began by expressing his delight at seeing members and guests of the Society at Manorvaughan, adding that as a member of the Society, it was an occasion that meant so much to him, having the Society in attendance. He gave us some of his own biographical information and how he came to live in the house, his formative years had been in England.

Driving from there around Rosguill peninsula, we parked the cars and made a short dander down a narrow lane to Mevagh graveyard to see the old cross there. This cross fascinated the early Victorian photographers, such as R.J. Welch. Sadly, the wishing stone that used to be close to the cross in those old photos has disappeared.

Old Mevagh Cross

There is no rule saying that something new cannot be on the itinerary, and that came next. We were taken to see the Harry Blaney bridge over scenic Mulroy Bay, and it's hard not to sing John Kerr's song lauding the magnificence of Mulroy. No doubt about it, this new bridge is a landmark in the locality; there are footpaths on the bridge allowing visitors the chance to view the splendour of the bay and surrounding countryside.

The new Harry Blaney bridge at Mulroy Bay

And to finish the day, some levity. On second thoughts, that's not quite accurate, because we were taken to see a 13 ton glacial lump of granite. The joy of a Field Day is the opportunity to see some of the hidden gems of Donegal and there it was near Lackagh bridge, on its own, a complete unknown...a rolling stone. This is the shuggling stone of Lackagh, which can only be described as being like a rocking chair. Its unique feature was discovered in 1834 by Ltnt. Lancey during the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland. He noted that it could be rocked back and forth with one finger. On Sunday's field day, there was a queue to verify his observation, thus ending the occasion on a note of mirth.

The Shuggling Stone near Lackagh bridge

Even better, the weather did indeed stay dry for us. A wonderful day and thanks to all involved. Next Field day is in Portnoo on August 9th.

Donegal Historical Society - Coach Outing

Visiting Clonmacnoise during the 2009 coach outing

60 Years of the Donegal Annual

The launch of this year's edition of the Donegal Annual, the publication of the County Donegal Historical Society, marks a superb achievement, i.e. its Diamond Jubilee. From the first print run of 250 copies 60 years ago, the recent editions are well into 4 figures, such is the status of and demand for it.

Sean Beattie and his editorial team have spent the winter months bringing to fruition this first-class publication. The full-colour cover is very eye catching, featuring a very classy watercolour of Lifford in the year 1815. This rare painting of the county town is a real gem in itself, showing how the area looked all those years ago.

One constant feature of the Annual is the geographical spread of the articles - there is hardly any part of the county omitted among the 344 pages. A quick skim through these pages shows the range and diversity therein. The Royal and Prior School, Raphoe; the GAA and Association Football, 1884-1914; the monastery in Fahan; the Drumboe martyrs; Donegal's farming heritage; the Lough Swilly Railway; the lost tombs of Finner; cottage industries in the county, 1880-1920. That is just a small selection of the 20+ articles.

A full account of the work of the Society and the Field Days for 2009 are also included.

2008 Events

Coach Outing

Art Ó Dálaigh (guide) speaking to members of the DHS

First 2008 Field Outing

The Society visited Brown Hall (near Ballintra)

Members enjoying a talk in the local Drumholm Church

Another Field Outing

Tony O'Callaghan conducting the Killybegs Field Day

2007 Events

Emerson Memorial Lecture

The first Emerson Memorial Lecture was held in Ballyshannon on the 7th November 2007.

The committee had secured a room in Scoil Cholmcille and had set out about 30 chairs but it soon became evident that it would be too few. More and more chairs had to be brought in until the room was packed to capacity with people standing along the walls.

The lecture, The Flight of the Earls and its effects on Ballyshannon, illustrated and delivered by Anthony Begley, a past president of the Society, was excellent (as is everything done by Anthony!). Anthony was ably assisted by Conor Carney who sang and read extracts from various texts.

It was a fitting tribute to Lucius and his passion for history.

Back: Matt McNulty, Declan O'Carroll, Conor Carney

Front: Anthony Begly, Helen Meehan (President), Vincent O'Donnell

2007 Coach Outing

Our annual coach outing took place on 22-24 June 2007. 36 people in all travelled. En route to Westport we made 3 stops - Foxford Woollen Mills, Straide Abbey & Michael Davitt Museum and Ballintubber Abbey. After dinner on Friday night we were entertained by local Church of Ireland Rector, Garry Hastings and his feadóg mhór.

On Saturday morning we met our guide, Brona Joyce who took us out to Murrisk where we saw the remains of the abbey where Gráinne Mhaol was baptised and married (1st time), famine memorial and some of us climbed (part of) Croach Patrick. From there we journeyed to Achill Island where we got a grand tour and as much history as we could absorb, not to mind the beautiful scenery. After dinner we sang and danced till bedtime.

On Sunday morning we went to 9.30 Mass in the Catholic Church. Afterwards some went on a walking tour of Westport led again by Brona Joyce while a dozen or more attended Garry Hastings' Anglican Mass in the Church of the Holy Trinity. Afterwards both the walkers and those coming out from Garry's service had to shelter from a heavy shower. Then it was onto the coach and off to Newport for lunch. After lunch we had a slide show by Peter Mullowney depicting the rise and fall of the Newport O'Donnells. We then visited the local Catholic Church to admire a Harry Clarke window.

From there we travelled to Burrisule Abbey where lies the remains of Rory O'Donnell of Lifford who along with 2000 of his kinsmen was banished to Connacht sometime around 1660 by Oliver Cromwell. Peter Mullowney filled us in on the history of the Abbey. There also we saw the grave of Fr. Sweeney who was hanged in Newport for acting as translator for the French in 1798. We then made our way to Bundoran where we dined and agreed we had had a wonderful weekend. A huge thanks is due to our secretary Una McGarrigle for all the planning and organising. The one big question on everybody's lips as we said goodbye to one another was, "Where are we going next year?"

Outside Newport Church

The tall grey-haired man at the back is Peter Mullowney

Photo taken by Una McGarrigle who, alas, is not in the picture

50 Years of Minutes

On the 17th April 2007 the Donegal Historical Society handed over the minutes books for the first 50 years of the Society to the County Donegal Archives.

Back: Eamonn McEntire, Helen Meehan (current President), Una McGarrigle (Secretary), Eddie O'Kane, Patrick Perry

Front: Arthur Spears, Vincent O'Donnell (then President), Niamh Brennan (Archivist), Kiera Joyce (Assistant Archivist)

Liam MacMenamin (Falcarrach), the Society's first secretary was replaced in 1960 by Kathleen Emerson who served in that role until 2004. Both kept accurate and copious minutes of meetings and proceedings. Along with the minutes were many press clippings of the Society's activities. All are now part of the County Archives and are available to anyone, especially members of the Historical Society.

2007 AGM

Helen Meehan, Frosses was elected to the high office of President of the Donegal Historical Society.

Seen here with previous president, Vincent O'Donnell after the 'handing over' of the presidential chain