By Heidi Woods- Tourism Development Officer
Highlights of the last few weeks
have focused on areas of special
interest here in Inishowen; in terms of modern film making, celebrating our
spectacular coastal scenery, natural phenoneoms like the Northern Lights, and
our deep and rich historical links to a land of an undiscovered kingdom.
The Lands of Éogain group returned
to the Peninsula to continue their work uncovering yet more exciting finds at
several locations in Inishowen. The Peninsula’s archeological research into its
fascinating historical past is now being revealed through the collaboration of
heritage groups throughout Inishowen. The Colgan Hall provided a venue to hear
speakers from Ireland, England, and Scotland giving factual information to the
community about the connections with Iona, Lindisfarne and Pictish Portahomack.
It was an opportunity to share their exciting discoveries from the dig at
Cooley Graveyard and the Geophysics survey at Carndonagh; the results of which
were eagerly awaited by the audience at the Carndonagh Library on Thursday 24th of August. As a
non euthuasist to be perfectly honest in archaeology I was sat amongst the well informed experts
of this field, however immediately became gripped in the subject area from
beginning to end in the talk that ensued that evening. I found myself excited
to see that Carndonagh was in fact to be revealed as having the distinct
hallmarks of an early monastic site. One of the two geophysics specialists Jack
Pennie stated “Although there’s nothing to be seen on the ground, we can
clearly see the outlines on the computer images, and if you trace the curve
around the Marigold Cross it is bang in the middle of it”. This type of outline
is associated with what was explained as a double circular precinct that
confirms the origins of an early monastic site.
In the opening speech Max Adams
explained why they came to Inishowen as a group in the beginning; to explore
the Early Christian period, certain connections, and to make comparisons with
other places with their findings. He highlighted that Inishowen was a truly
special place for them to work, not just for the great Guinness we get here
(everyone laughing) but it was the kind of place that “we archaeologists get
really excited about” . Both Max Adams and Colm O’Brien are experts in their
subject area but they were able to clearly express to a mixed audience in
laymans terms the essential signifcance of how privileged we are to have now
four monastic sites in Inishowen dating back in some areas to 500AD. Members of
the community are invited to contribute to this development in the future and
become actively involved, further meetings will be publicised. To keep up to
date and learn more www.facebook.com/landsofeogain
On Sunday 21st of August, Failte
Ireland’s publicity representative Jane Stokes met up with me at Malin Head to
walk the spectacular coastal trail that was associated with the theme they were
covering in the Northwest of Ireland; T.V & Film locations in Ireland. The
group from Dubai took a bike ride with Blaise Harvey (Cycle Inishowen) from Farren’s
Bar, and then the Dubai Media team of journalists were given an opportunity to
meet some of the locals. A huge thank you to Hugh Farren of Farren’s Bar for taking
time out on a Sunday to give an overview of the hype that accompanied the
experiential experiences associated with the filming of Star Wars here in Malin
Head. What I feel we do best in Inishowen is that we go above and beyond to
meet the visitors/tourism industry needs and that this is a clear
representative of all our tourism providers in the Peninsula. It continues to
be why people tell us they will return.
Coming soon is another rich cultural
event centred in the area of Culdaff. The weekend of Saturday 10th
of September sees the First Nations Event come to Ireland. The Inaugural event is
centred on adventure sport/health and wellbeing with music and keynote speakers.
Themed speeches include: “Duchas- Mapping Our Minds” and “Invasions- Irish
Histories & Her Stories”.
This event is based around the shared
values of the indigenous people and how these values connect with the culture
and origins here in Ireland. There are a group of Maori visitors expected to
take part from New Zealand and other various locations. Events are organised in
conjunction with Far and Wild (NorthWest’s leading Eco-tourism company) based
in Derry and supported by local representatives from Inishowen. Full details
are on www.firstnationsireland.wordpress.com alternatively on events www.visitinishowen.com
or www.facebook.com/visitinishowen. I would encourage anyone with an
intrinsic interest in the shared values of our Irish culture to come along and
avail of a unique opportunity to learn and connect with our visitors from
faraway lands.
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