History, Heritage, Folklore, information and News from County Sligo, Ireland

For the devotee of Irish history, heritage, mythology or folklore, Co. Sligo in the west coast province of Connacht, has everything. For those who take time to read the landscape, every stone and hill has its own unique, often bloody, story to tell. Here one can literally trace the dramatic tendrils of our nation, from mythological origins through a turbulent history to a modern nation. In its lofty mountains, its winding rivers, its jagged coastline, God has created here a land blessed by time and unspoiled by time or man.

The mighty prow of 'bare Benbulbens head,' made famous by the poet W.B. Yeats, defines the Sligo landscape. This is the 'Yeats' country', a countryside rich in history, folklore and mythology. In Drumcliffe churchyard the poet himself lies at peace in the Sligo soil that inspired much of his work.

My name is Joe Mc Gowan, host of this, Sligo's only heritage site. Having lived the life of an emigrant for many years I now, once again, live and work in Co. Sligo, Ireland. My interest in heritage, folklore and history has led to the writing and publishing of several books on the subject. These pages have been created to give the visitor an understanding, not just of Sligo's history, and heritage, but also a taste of current events.

Unfolded here are the beliefs of ordinary people, their superstitions, customs and way of life. Our journey revealing the character of Ireland and County Sligo in particular, is a microcosm, not just of Sligo, but of a romantic Ireland on the verge of extinction. In a series of articles the lives of historical figures and events will be told. The warp and weft of everyday people, their existence mostly uncelebrated and unsung, will be discovered here too.

This Week in Irish History

Courtesy of TheWildGeese

IN IRELAND: Bobby Sands dies on hunger strike at Long Kesh prison. The Lusitania is sunk near Old Head, off the southern Irish coast. James Shields, who would have one of the most remarkable careers in American history, is born in County Tyrone. IN SOUTH AMERICA: William Brown, of Foxford, Co. Mayo, an Admiral in the Argentine navy, dies in Buenos Aires. IN EUROPE: the Irish Brigade of France, whose soldiers are most identified in Irish history as The Wild Geese, achieves its most glorious victory at the Battle of Fontenoy.

surf report © magicseaweed.com

Some articles inside:

"Countess Markievicz: The People's Countess"

"Inishmurray: Land of Gale, Stone and Fire"

"Profile of an Irish Village"

"Classiebawn and the Assassination of Lord Mountbatten at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo"

"Lissadell House, Coffin Ships, the Pomano and Sir Robert Gore-Booth" A saga of famine and coffin ships in Sligo... and on the same page: "The Story of the Voyage of Patrick and Margaret Burns..." New 26/12/'06: What the British PM said.

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