Ancient History

On Thursday, it was off on another high adventure, as I piled into a tiny bus (the perfect size for two-a-seat kindergartners!) with my fellow students of the Irish language. The bus trundled away as we ventured to Mid-Ulster, the historic lands of the O'Neill clan. Our instructor, Malachy (coincidentally, I'm sure, an O'Neill himself), was more than happy to elaborate on the historical importance of our several stops.

After meeting with Malachy, our first stop led us to Coyle's Cottage, the only remaining authentic fisherman's cottage in the area. This unassuming place boasts of three hundred years of history, and once held families of six or so people. Now, owned and maintained by two different societies, the cottage hosts regular meetings and visiting tourists. We were greeted by several elderly ladies who were nothing but hospitable, warm, and friendly, and intent on stuffing us with delicious baked goods!  

Because you can't have Ireland without a graveyard or two, we next visited Ardboe High Cross and Abbey:

The Ardboe High Cross remains the oldest surviving high cross in Ireland, although the upper arms of the circle have sustained serious damage. Although difficult to see, the cross depicts twenty-two panels of Biblical scenes.

The view of Lough Neagh from Ardboe. No, my friends of the Western US, that is not the ocean, that is just a lake. But can you see the shore on the other side? Neither could I.

Creeve Lough, a man-made island where Hugh O'Neill, essentially the last of the powerful kings in Ireland, stored arms as he fought the English. 

Mountjoy Castle:

Desertcreet church and graveyard:

The sandstone keystone of this arch is rumored to be an original stone from the inauguration stone of the O'Neill. 

Tulach Og: This hill, with its magnificent view of the surrounding area, became the center of the lands of the O'Neill clan and the inauguration site of the O'Neill. The air surrounding this forsaken hill nearly crackles with  an aura of mystery; ancient scenes and ancient faces.