| Geographically in the north - politically in the south- | | | | 'the wake'. Many of our common sayings today |
| this is rugged country. | | | | have their in these old customs. Find out where |
| Wild coastlines, deserted beeches, looming | | | | the term 'dead ringer' comes from and many |
| mountains and expanses of bleak bog land make | | | | more interesting facts. |
| this one of the most magical places in this | | | | Doon Rock |
| 'Emerald Isle'. | | | | Situated near Lough Gartan Doon Rock, this is the |
| Its beauty is startling. The beeches here are for | | | | place where the O'Donnell Kings were crowned. |
| the most part deserted - no sunbathers here! | | | | The stone has the imprint of the feet of the |
| Although the climate is officially described as | | | | original chieftain cut into it. The elected ruler would |
| 'temperate' a good warm jumper and waterproof | | | | remove his footwear and stand in the imprint. |
| windcheaters are essential luggage items! | | | | Here he would swear an ancient oath to the clan |
| Donegal Town | | | | and be presented with an 'An Slat Bhan', a |
| Donegal town provides a good starting point for | | | | straight white rod to symbolise kingship and the |
| any traveller to these parts. It consists of a | | | | idea that the sword was no longer needed to rule |
| diamond shaped centre (appropriately called 'The | | | | his people. |
| Diamond') crammed full of hotels, shops, galleries | | | | Also on this site you will find one of the many |
| and restaurants. Here you can buy anything from | | | | 'holy wells' which are popular places of pilgrimage. |
| an original piece of artwork created by a local | | | | Beside the well is a tree from which hang tokens |
| artist, to a piece of turf complete with burner. | | | | ranging from babies teethers to rosary beads left |
| The evocative smell is what reminds exiles of | | | | by hopeful visitors. The holy waters are said to |
| home! | | | | have healing powers made more powerful if you |
| There are many comfortable hotels to choose | | | | circle the tree seven times saying prayers. These |
| from each providing entertainment to accompany | | | | sacred wells and trees demonstrate how pagan |
| your pint of creamy Guinness after a days | | | | practices were not simply abandoned but |
| touring. | | | | absorbed into the Christian religion. |
| When touring Donegal be sure to have a guide | | | | Walking up the little wooded track to the rock |
| book and map - it is easy to get lost and some | | | | you will also find a little shrine to Our Lady, |
| interesting historical sites are devoid of | | | | adorned with candles and prayers of the faithful. |
| information! | | | | This is a magical little place that makes you pause |
| The Irish Famine | | | | for thought. |
| Evidence of this tragic period in Irish History can | | | | On the right of the well there is a hidden priests |
| be found about the countryside with abandoned | | | | stone - a simple stone alter where mass was said |
| shells of cottages dotted about. There are a few | | | | during the days of catholic persecution. Again you |
| centres where you can discover the historical | | | | will find prayers and candles showing that these |
| facts and consequences of this devastating event | | | | places are regularly visited by believers - although |
| and the impact it had on the area from which it | | | | when I went there was not a soul to be seen |
| has never fully recovered. | | | | anywhere which added to the natural, spiritual |
| The most comprehensive of this is the Doagh | | | | atmosphere. |
| Visitor Centre. | | | | There are so many other places to visit in this |
| After a good cup of Irish tea and a slice of soda | | | | area but it is the little places like this that offer |
| bread you can take a tour of the many displays | | | | you the most touching insight into the mix of |
| of life during the 'Great Famine' of 1845. Also you | | | | magic, paganism and Christianity that makes |
| can find out about many Irish customs such as | | | | Ireland and its people so unique. |