Carrick

Old Carrick

Carrick today

Carrick is the largest village in the Parish of Glencolmcille. A single street, its growth owes much to an early nineteenth century landlord's desire to keep a 'highland' summer house in the area. Carrick developed into an important commercial centre particularly for the knitting industry. Merchants issued yarn to women to knit into socks. At its peak in the early twentieth century, women of all ages knitted socks and their income was a central part of most domestic budgets. Donegal knitted garments still remain popular today as both fashion items and casual-wear.

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Local Archeology

Tradition tells us that no less than five saints and six pilgrimages, (four in Glen - Visit Gleann Cholm Cille website and two in Teelin) are associated with the Parish of Glencolmcille. There are few areas of similar size in Ireland that can claim to have such intimate and enduring association with five saints who incidentally were aodh macbricne, athnaid, conall, and asicus, and of course colmcille. Surviving remains from that period are to be seen on the top of Sliabh Liag and Rhannakilla.

Aodh MacBricne's monastery on Sliabh Liag is the earlier of the two. He lived in the sixth century and was famous for his ability to cure headaches. On the mountain top are the remains of his church, holy well and cairns of stones connected with his station. The holy well Tobar na mBan Naofa in Rhannakilla with its surrounding structures is probably slightly later and later still is the ruined church on the pier at Teelin Point. The church is built partly of water rolled boulders similar to the round tower on Tory island.

A turas or pilgrimage is still made to it on bonfire night (the eve of the Feast of St. John). In bygone days the pilgrims sat up until daylight praying all night at the well and keeping a bonfire alight. Fishing fleets sailing out of Teelin bay traditionally lowered their sails in salute on passing tobar na mban naofa. Tobar na corrach or well of the fair winds is nearby and during a storm at sea it was believed that by cleaning and respecting this holy water, favourable winds would speed the fishing fleets home safely.

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Sightseeing by land

Glengesh Pass, the Maghera Caves and waterfall on the shores of Loughross Bay are just a short 35 mile round trip.

The Gatehouse Tea Rooms & Craft Shop (Teach an Gheafta), at Carrick Lodge.

Visit the tea rooms housed at the Gate house, one mile from Carrick Town on the Glencolmcille road, facing Sliabh Liag (Slieve League). Open May to the end of September, 10 am to 6.30 pm. Telephone: 074 9739366. The Gate House was built in 1865 by the Musgrave Family who were the local landlords at the time and were in residence at Carrick Lodge. The Gate House was built from hand cut stone and occupied by the farm manager and his family.

For spectacular scenery take a walk, a drive or even a boat trip to the highest sea cliff in Europe or view from Loch Unna on the Glen road from Carrick the horse, rabbit, mouse, and bird silhouettes carved out on the north face of Sliabh Liag.

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If you have an interest in local GAA Football visit CLG Naomh Columba

Teelin / Teileann

The village of Teelin (Teileann) nestles under the majestic Sliabh Liag / Slieve League sea cliffs..

Teelin is famous for its unspoiled beauty, fishing and tradition of Irish language and music.

It lies in the shadows of Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, standing almost 600 metres. It is a haven for anglers, be they river, lake or sea they will be treated to a real surprise while the nearby beach at Port a' Chabhlaigh offers safe waters for bathing and water sports. Enjoy fishing for mackerel off the pier or take a cruise and see Teelin and the magnificant seaf cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) from the sea. Walk the Bunglass area and enjoy the spectacular views.

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Bird life

Coastal species - all species of gull common to Ireland are found here. There is an abundance of black guillemot and the curlew is very common. In wintertime plentiful supplies of gannets can be found out at sea and there are breeding colonies further north. The peregrine falcon is now a rarity, but can be found on occasion.

Moor land species - typical moor land species include the extremely common meadow pipits, golden plover, ravens, hooded crows and the occasional red grouse.

Lowland species - it is in this category that the sparse vegetation has the greatest effect. There are very limited hedgerows to give cover, but, where these exist a wide variety of species can be found. The most common are the blackbird, thrush, willow warblers, robin, etc.

Seasonal migrants: perhaps the most interesting aspect of bird life in the area is the variety of seasonal migrants. The most popular is the cuckoo, arriving in mid-April. Wheatears arrive a month earlier and the swallows also in April.

Winter migrants: these include the whooper swans that decorate our lakes from October to April. The white fronted goose is less common but not a rarity.

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Sightseeing by Sea

Visit Teelin nuala star website.

Teelin is famous for its unspoiled beauty and lies in the shadows of Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, standing almost 600 metres. Sightseeing trips to Bunglas cliffs last from one and a half to two hours and take in the beautiful Atlantic coast.

Passengers can try a spot of fishing at no extra cost and perhaps catch their supper!

In the warmer late Summer months you may wish to swim in the crystal clear water and explore the many coves and beaches, that are inaccessible from land. Full day trips are also provided to the ancient monastic Island of Inismurray off the Sligo coast.

Visit beautiful Malinbeg and Malinmore by sea, view Rathlin O'Beirne Island. Rathlin O'Birne island is around 34 hectares in extent, and lies nearly 2 km off the coast at Malinbeg. The remains of a hermitage lie in a hollow close to the north east coast of the island. The view of the mainland from the island extends from Rossan Point to the spectacular cliffs of Sliabh Liag.

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Whilst in Glencolmcille visit the Folk Museum, the cross inscribed stones of early Christianity, or the cultural institute may interest you.