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Welcome to Irish Traditions, Heritage and Folklore at SligoHeritage!
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For the devotee of Irish history, heritage, mythology or folklore, County 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 County 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.
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My name is Joe Mc Gowan, host of this, County Sligo's only heritage site. Having lived the life of an emigrant for many years I now, once again, live and work in County 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.
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Knocknarea, final resting place of Maeve, Iron Age Queen of Connacht |
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 HistoryCourtesy of TheWildGeese IN ITALY: Elements of the Irish Brigade of France fight Prince Eugene's Austrian army at the battle of Chiari in northern Italy during the War of the Spanish Succession. IN IRELAND: Irish patriot Roger Casement |
Some articles inside:
"Countess Markievicz: The People's Countess"
"Inishmurray: Land of Gale, Stone and Fire"
"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.
For previous 'History', 'Heritage' and 'Newsround' articles click HERE
Find previous'Index' proverbs and quotations HERE
"In all countries, more or less, paupers may be discovered; but an entire nation of paupers is what was never seen until it was shown in Ireland": For Gustave de Beaumont's view of Ireland in the mid 1800's go here and scroll down. See also what Prime Minister Tony Blair said about the Great Irish Famine. |
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"How many, ignorant of their own country, run eagerly into foreign regions to search out and admire whatever curiosities are to be found, many of which are much inferior to those which offer themselves to our eyes at home": Linnaeus
Saturday August 28th 2010
HERITAGE: Continuing this week: a short story: Twisting of the Ropes
Continuing in HISTORY this week: Captain Bowen Colthurst, Constance Markievicz and the Easter Rising.
NEWSROUND
Cromwells disciples return; Sligo Jail opens for the first time in 200 years; Cruelty to animals: Hare coursing; Antiseptic properties of cowdung and mad bulls; Sligo gaol to open to the public; Fat cat politicians; Festival of Lughnasa on August 7th; Leonard Cohen performs in Sligo; Half -price bargain houses in Cliffoney village; Dirty Rosses Point: Cohen and Westlife concerts at Lissadell; Does Donegal get preferential treatment over Sligo? Perry wins out in Fine Gael Cabinet re-shuffle; Humour in the courts and more... Bonefire Night; Do you know your bulls from your bullocks?: Sligo's blue flag beaches; Michael Flatley visits ancestral home in Culfadda; Sligo T.D. John Perry backs a winner;
Go HERE for Francisco de Cuellar's own account of The Spanish Armada in Sligo: " Captain Cuellar's Adventures in Connacht and Ulster"
Now SligoHeritage readers can leave a comment, or become a friend, on Facebook!  |
Seeking information on ancestor John Gilmartin born ~ 1801, Co. Sligo or Leitrim but not certain. Married Mary Murray, Co. Roscommon in Eagle Township, Wyoming Cty, NY. Lived there & had 5 children. John had a younger brother (bachelor) Patrick living nearby. Contact HERE |
In Heritage archives:: Go HERE for text and pictures of the MUMMERS PLAY. Also: Fake Mummers. What are they?
For an explanation of the STRAWBOY tradition, scroll to bottom of page.
Youtube:
Go HERE for a Youtube clip of the STRAWBOYS.
For an explanation of WRENBOYS go HERE
Go HERE for Civil War footage of Arthur Griffith's visit to Sligo Easter 1922 (with thanks to Alan Finan) |
This project is funded by Sligo Leader Partnership with support from the Irish Government and the EU Structural Funds under the National Development Plan 2000-2006
is born at Sandycove, County Dublin.