Images of Famine Walk in Ballyshannon on Heritage Week 2015

Script and photographs courtesy of Discover Ballyshannon whose site can be viewed on line at  discoverballyshannon.ie also on their facebook site.

Meeting point at the "Famine Orphan Girls' Memorial" at  Ballyshannon Workhouse. The only one of its type in Ireland. Anthony Begley (red jacket) welcomes part of gathering on behalf of Ballyshannon Regeneration Group and Afri who jointly organised the event. Ballyshannon workhouse is the  only complete workhouse in County Donegal.

The walk route on Sunday went up the Main Street, as would have been the "final journey" route of the Famine victims. Initially by wheelbarrow and later by horse and cart the bodies were taken via Main Street to Bishop Street where the burial site was accessed via the Stone steps still visible there. Map drawn by Barry Sweeny of the Regeneration Group.

Historian, Anthony Begley gave a great insight into the history of the graveyard. Though there are very few records relating to the times, Anthony had some amazing stories of a few individuals buried here. 

Waylon Gary White Deer (in centre of photo) of the Choctaw Indian Tribe and member of AFRI (Action from Ireland) said a few words here in the Famine graveyard. We had a poignant moments silence and laid a floral tribute at the memorial in the Famine graveyard.  St. Anne's clock and tower in the background.

 Aine and Paul of the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group kept a close eye on things... and made sure everyone was well looked after.

Here you can see the memorial placed here in 1995... and you can get a glimpse of the fantastic view over the Erne Estuary behind. The memorial was erected by the Donegal Association in New York  in conjunction with County Donegal Historical Society.

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Invitation to Famine walk in Ballyshannon Sunday 30th August

The Paupers' graveyard was located in the field behind the tower at St. Anne's church

Remembering our Famine dead in Ballyshannon

On Sunday 30^th August at 2.15 p.m. a local history walk will make the journey from Ballyshannon Workhouse to the Pauper’s Graveyard in the town. This workhouse served large areas in County Fermanagh extending from Belleek to Churchill. It also served areas in Kinlough and Tullaghan in County Leitrim and areas in County Donegal extending to

Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Rossnowlagh, Cashelard and Clyhore. Guides for the walk will be Anthony Begley, local historian, and Waylon Gary White Deer and Máire Nic Fhearraigh of the Afri-Choctaw Landscape project. This Heritage week event has been organised by Ballyshannon Regeneration Group and all are welcome to meet at the Orphan Girls’ Memorial at the Workhouse.

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

"10 Interesting things to see in Ballyshannon on the Wild Atlantic Way" Friday 7th August

Forthcoming Events about Ballyshannon please pass on

Well done to the 75 brave souls who ventured out in all weather on the historical walk on  Monday 3^rd August 2015.  “Famous people in Ballyshannon on the Wild Atlantic Way” with Anthony Begley and Conor Carney. Hope to see you at the free indoor illustrated talk on 10 interesting things to see in Ballyshannon on Friday night in Dorrian's Hotel at 8 p.m. 
 

Friday 7^th August: A local history talk for all the family. “Ten Interesting things to see in Ballyshannon on the Wild Atlantic Way”. An illustrated talk by Anthony Begley in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel at 8 p.m. All welcome to this free event. The walk and talk are part of a week of events called “Discover Ballyshannon” organised by Erne Enterprise Arts, Culture and Tourism and Ballyshannon Regeneration Group. Check programme.

Short Film on Orphan Girls’ Memorial: Ballyshannon Orphan Girls memorial the only one of its type in Ireland is featured on Irish TV programme Donegal Matters Number 50. You can watch it on the internet. Go to Sky191, click on Ireland, click on Ulster, click on Donegal Number 50 to view.

Ballyshannon Musings: This is a local history blog on Ballyshannon and surrounding areas which is being viewed worldwide. There is a wide archive of stories to read. ballyshannonmusings.blogspot.com is being viewed by thousands of hits worldwide. 

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Forthcoming events about Ballyshannon August 2015.

Forthcoming Events about Ballyshannon please pass on

Monday 3^rd August 2015: A local history walk for all the family. Meet at Market Yard at 2.30 p.m. Guide Anthony Begley. “Famous people in Ballyshannon on the Wild Atlantic Way”. All welcome to free event.

Friday 7^th August: A local history talk for all the family. “Ten Interesting things to see in Ballyshannon on the Wild Atlantic Way”. An illustrated talk by Anthony Begley in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel at 8 p.m. All welcome to this free event. The walk and talk are part of a week of events called “Discover Ballyshannon” organised by Erne Enterprise Arts, Culture and Tourism and Ballyshannon Regeneration Group. Check programme.

Short Film on Orphan Girls’ Memorial: Ballyshannon Orphan Girls memorial the only one of its type in Ireland is featured on Irish TV programme Donegal Matters Number 50. You can watch it on the internet. Go to Sky191, click on Ireland, click on Ulster, click on Donegal Number 50 to view.

Ballyshannon Musings: This is a local history blog on Ballyshannon and surrounding areas which is being viewed worldwide. There is a wide archive of stories to read. ballyshannonmusings.blogspot.com is being viewed by thousands of hits worldwide. 

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Ballyshannon Orphan Girls Memorial

On Sunday 5th July 2015 at 11 a.m. Irish T.V. features the Orphan Girls memorial in Ballyshannon. Tune in to Donegal County matters on SKY 191 to view. If visiting the area the memorial is well worth a visit and is open at all times beside Ballyshannon Workhouse in the town.

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Views of St.Patrick's Well and Catsby Cave at Ballyshannon Co Donegal

Check out two of Ballyshannon's  ancient sites in beautiful and accessible locations close to town. Well worth a visit.


 Grotto at St. Patrick's Well

One of the stations that pilgrims prayed at

Tying rags  in an ancient custom

Catsby Cave at Ballyshannon

Listening to the history of the Abbey Well

Holy water font at St. Patrick's Well

Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well Ballyshannon

Rag Tree with the Abbey bay in the background

The photographs above were taken by Pauline Kilfeather Coláiste Cholmcille on a tour I gave to students  from the local community school on 12th May 2015.

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away
"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was recently performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. Available in Novel Idea, Museum and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Lady Gregory in Ballyshannon tomorrow night - not to be missed

Mother, socialite, folklorist, traveller, landlady, lover, writer, patron ,activist and Gaelic speaker, Lady Augusta Isabella Gregory is well known for her role as a founding member of the The Abbey Theatre, Dublin, and as close friend of WB Yeats. Less public is her life as a London socialite, her interest in European architecture, the politics of her day and the fact that she spoke with a charming lisp…Tale of the Gael tells a carefully researched tale of a woman who influenced the social and literary currents of her time, and was equally influenced by them…
Often defined in terms of others, this well researched evening with Tale of the Gael presents Lady Gregory as herself. Their trademark blend of traditional music with classical overtones provide the perfect backdrop for a woman whose story is synonomous with Irish culture, but whose early experiences were colonially British and European.