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#10 Inishowen, Brown Bread and the Wild Rover

October 23, 2006

We visit the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, make Irish brown bread and Liam sings the Wild Rover.

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Episode Notes

Inishowen

Located at the northern tip of County Donegal, the Inishowen peninsula remains as one of Ireland’s “undiscovered” regions. Spectacular scenery, great beaches and charming towns provide the backdrop for this friendly and history-rich community.

http://www.visitinishowen.com/about/about.html

 

Scenic 100

This 100 mile driving or cycling route around Inishowen visits the peninsula’s most scenic destinations and major towns. The route can be done as a daytrip, but to truly experience all the area has to offer one or two days should be given to the Scenic 100. 

http://www.donegaldirect.com/Site_Article.aspx?item_id=147

 

Grianan Aileach

The origins of the site are unclear. However, a clue may remain in the site’s name, which means “Stone Palace of the Sun.” Remnants of an early structure have been discovered and date back to at least 1200 BC. Meanwhile, the stone fort at the top of this hill is younger and was restored in the 1870s by Dr. Walter Bernard of Derry.  

The architecture of nearby Burt Church and visitor centre where inspired by the the fort.

http://www.megalithics.com/ireland/grianan/granmain.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grianan_of_Aileach

 

Buncrana

Located on the west shores of Inishowen, Buncrana is the largest town on the peninsula and has a long history in the textile industry. The town’s river walk includes a butterfly garden, castle, manor house and historic bridge. The town is accessible by road and carferry.

http://www.buncrana.com/

 

Dunree Fort Military Museum

http://www.dunree.pro.ie/

 

A view of the Gap of MamoreGap of Mamore

This pass between the Hill of Mamore and Craogh Carragh, the Gap of Mamore provides a spectacular view…especially for those traveling in a northwesterly direction. A holy well marks the western side of the gap and is the site of mass commemorating St. Eigne.

http://www.clonmany.com/scenery/mamore.shtml

Glanavon Waterfall (Clonmany, Glen House)

This beautiful waterfall can be reached by a well-groomed riverside path in about 20 minutes. There is a smaller waterfall along the route, as well as picnic areas and a few side trails that take hikers to scenic lookouts.

http://www.clonmany.com/scenery/glenevin.shtml

http://www.glenhouse.ie/ (note this site does not seem to be Mac-friendly…but it works fine in Windows)

Doagh Famine VillageDoagh Famine Village (Carrickbrackey Castle)

This homespun folk village celebrates Ireland's "old ways' from historic tools, customs and even diet. But what sets Doagh (pronounced "Doe") from other folk parks is its perspective of looking at famine in a global and modern light. Visitors walk away better understanding the famine era in Ireland by looking at famine conditions in today's world. Many of the same economic and political conditions exist in the world today.

http://www.doaghvisitorscenter.com (note: dropdown menus on this site may not be accessible for visitors using Safari as their internet browser…it works fine using Explorer and Mozilla Firefox)

 

Doagh Famine VillageMalin Head (Lloyd’s radio Tower, Hell’s Hole)

Ireland's northernmost point provides spectacular cliffs and ocean views. A hike to Hell's Hole (a large ravine in the cliffside) is worth the trip.

 

Wee House of Malin

The site of a seaside hermit's cave and ruined church. The locals say the cave "holds all that goes into it, and the more goes into it, it holds the more."

 

Clonca Church and CrossCloncha Church and High Cross

The church is home to an unusual tombstone that features a hurley and slither (the stick and ball used in the gaelic sport of hurling). The cross features interesting geometric designs and scenes from the Bible.

 

Food From the Fireside

·   Brown Bread

Irish Fireside Song

Wild Rover