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Ireland-Donegal, the wild North-West

125 images Created 17 Apr 2009

The northernmost and wildest Ireland. A moving landscape of bog and skies that never stop, where clouds, water and land can not be split. The best kept secret of Ireland, with his Gaelic culture, folk music, lighthouses perched on cliffs sharp as knives, kings without a kingdom and islanders toughest than the granite of their islands. The Donegal begins after the old castle of the O'Donnell chieftains in the town of Donegal, and after Killibeg, the fishing harbour of a country of farmers and shepherds. The fish is still there but the fishermen have become owners of B&B and the true Donegal begins few kilometers north, with the breathtaking cliffs of Slieve League, the highest of Europe. In the village of Kilcar the latest weavers still weave the traditional tweed. The World’s End here begins at the end of each strip of land but another lighthouse and another promontory are caught farther north, where the Gaelic past materialises from the sliding fog above a field of yellow flowers with the dark stone of Grianan Ailigh ring fort.
The last lighthouse is Malin Head, the northernmost tip of Ireland, but the real Irish World’s End world is Tory island, a Island-myth where Gaelic language is still spoken by the two hundred souls living there, with a hundred sheep, often isolated by storms of the rugged Tory Sound. In 1974 the Irish authorities, after the island had been cut off for two months, proposed to the inhabitants to move to the near mainland, but many remained on the island. Every evening in the People's Pub His Majesty Patsy Rodgers, Patsaí Dan Mac Ruaidhri for his subjects, plays a wild accordeon. It is the last chieftain of Ireland, heir of those who, when not engaged in bloody feuds between clans, resolved long-standing disputes over pasture and miserable inheritances. Patsy, one of the best known painters of the island, every morning materializes on the pier with his accordion, waiting for everybody coming with the small ferry from Bunbeg. Storms and windy sea, but in the island the only thing that never fails is the Guinness, along with the time to talk, especially when the lighthouse’s yellow light glides over the dark expanse of the bog.

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  • Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille), where St Columba founded a important monastery. Here a traditional Irish village's reconstruction.
    em7210061.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
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  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille).
    em7210064.jpg
  • Dongal coast. near Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille).
    em7210072.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7210082.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7210084.jpg
  • VBloody Foreland seashore.
    em7210087.jpg
  • Donegal pubs in Ardara.
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  • Traditional farm of the Blody Foreland.
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  • Burtonport, the “bog” (peat) is still important for small communities like this lobsters fishermen village.
    em7210097.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210400.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210401.jpg
  • Sean Doherty, a old lighthouse keeper, every 6 weeks came from the mainland to check the automatic lighthouse, one of the most important along Irish Atlantic coast. Tory sound, a narrow strait between the island and Donegal coast, is one of the most dangerous seas around all Ireland. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210403.jpg
  • Sean Doherty, a old lighthouse keeper, every 6 weeks came from the mainland to check the automatic lighthouse, one of the most important along Irish Atlantic coast. Tory sound, a narrow strait between the island and Donegal coast, is one of the most dangerous seas around all Ireland. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210406.jpg
  • Tory Island harbour. The Tau Cross, one of the two survived in all Ireland, is what remains of the monastery founded by St Columba.
    em7210413.jpg
  • Patsy Dan Rodgers (“Patsaí Dan Mac Ruairí”) is the "Rí Thoraí", the King of Tory. Tory is the last of the small and many times isolated Irish island where survives this sort of "chieftain" that local people choose to resolve local problems without "official" authorities. Patsy is also one of the most important painters of the famous "Tory's naive school".
    em7210414.jpg
  • The island pub. Patsy Dan Rodgers (“Patsaí Dan Mac Ruairí”) is the "Rí Thoraí", the King of Tory. Tory is the last of the small and many times isolated Irish island where survives this sort of "chieftain" that local people choose to resolve local problems without "official" authorities. Patsy is also one of the most important painters of the famous "Tory's naive school".
    em7210416.jpg
  • Sunday afternon in the Tory's island pub.
    em7210420.jpg
  • Paul Rodgers with the portrait of his father, one of the most popular "Kings of Tory". Tory is the last of the small and isolated Irish island where survives this Celtic heritaget of "chieftain" choosen by local people to resolve local problems.
    em7210422.jpg
  • Paul Rodgers, here with his wife, is one of the most famous musicians of the island. Tory is famous for his Gaelic musical tradition.
    em7210425.jpg
  • Paul Rodgers is one of the most famous musicians of the island. Tory is famous for his Gaelic musical tradition.
    em7210429.jpg
  • The high Western cliffs of Tory Island are the first European land between Canada and Ireland.
    em7210432.jpg
  • The cliffs of Tory Island are the first European land between Canada and Ireland.
    em7210437.jpg
  • Antoin Meean, one of the best naifs painters of Tory Island.
    em7210440.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210442.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210443.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210444.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210448.jpg
  • Patsy Dan Rodgers (“Patsaí Dan Mac Ruairí”) is the "Rí Thoraí", the King of Tory. Tory is the last of the small and many times isolated Irish island where survives this sort of "chieftain" that local people choose to resolve local problems without "official" authorities. Patsy is also one of the most important painters of the famous "Tory's naive school".
    em7210452.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210455.jpg
  • The graveyard of the small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210459.jpg
  • The small western village, the most important of the 2 hamlets of the island, where the populartion is not more than 120 people. After 1981.1982 heawy storms that isolated the island for many weeks the Irish governement offered houses to the mainland but only half of the population accepted. Now Tory is still a center of Gaelic culture.
    em7210464.jpg
  • Magheroarty. From this small fishermen harbour of the Bloody Foreland coast (Donegal) sails the ferry to Tory Island.
    em7210466.jpg
  • Glengesh Scenic rd. near Ardara.
    em7211571.jpg
  • Glengesh Scenic rd. near Ardara.
    em7211576.jpg
  • Peat in the countryside near Ardara.
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  • One of the last countrymen collecting peat in the countryside near Ardara.
    em7211579.jpg
  • One of the last countrymen collecting peat in the countryside near Ardara.
    em7211584.jpg
  • Slieve League, the highest cliff of Europe (700 m.high)
    em7211591.jpg
  • Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille), where St Columba founded a important monastery. Here a traditional Irish village's reconstruction.
    em7211615.jpg
  • Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille), where St Columba founded a important monastery. Here a traditional Irish village's reconstruction.
    em7211629.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
    em7211637.jpg
  • Donegal. The castle of O'Donnell chieftains.
    em7211644.jpg
  • Donegal. The castle of O'Donnell chieftains.
    em7211646.jpg
  • Donegal city.
    em7211647.jpg
  • Glengesh Scenic rd. near Ardara.
    em7211651.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7211652.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7211673.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7211676.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7211683.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland. A Spanish fishing boat with Morocco's crew.
    em7211687.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland. A Spanish fishing boat with Morocco's crew.
    em7211688.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May. Jenna Reid, one of the most famous Shetland Islands fiddlers.
    em7211694.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May.
    em7211707.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May.
    em7211710.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May. Beehive traditional pub.
    em7211718.jpg
  • Ardara, Learning traditional Irish music in the village's school. The Donegal's fiddle singers are famous in all Ireland.
    em7211726.jpg
  • Ardara, Learning traditional Irish music in the village's school. The Donegal's fiddle singers are famous in all Ireland.
    em7211756.jpg
  • Ardara, Learning traditional Irish music in the village's school. The Donegal's fiddle singers are famous in all Ireland.
    em7211783.jpg
  • Ardara,. a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May.
    em7211860.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts many folk music festivals.
    em7211873.jpg
  • Kilclooney dolmen.
    em7211902.jpg
  • A staue of Liberty copy near the cottage of a Irish-American.
    em7211909.jpg
  • Bunbeg Bay. Fishermen boat wreck at low tide.
    em7211915.jpg
  • Bunbeg Bay. Fishermen boat wreck at low tide.
    em7211917.jpg
  • Fanad Peninsula, Fanad Head lighthouse.
    em7211960.jpg
  • Kilclooney, country landscape.
    em7212013.jpg
  • Doe Castle near Dunfanaghy
    em7212059.jpg
  • Dunfanaghy
    em7212061.jpg
  • Burton port, the Irish most well-known harbour for lobster fishing.
    em7212073.jpg
  • Errigal Mt, the highest of all the Donegal.
    em7212110.jpg
  • Fanad Peninsula, Fanad Head lighthouse.
    em7212192-2.jpg
  • Fanad Peninsula, Fanad Head lighthouse.
    em7212192.jpg
  • Fanad Peninsula, Fanad Head lighthouse.
    em7212197.jpg
  • Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland.
    em7212199.jpg
  • Malin beach near Malin Head, the Northern point of Ireland.
    em7212202.jpg
  • Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland.
    em7212212.jpg
  • Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland.
    em7212217.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May.
    em7212751.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May. Beehive traditional pub.
    em7212765.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May. Beehive traditional pub.
    em7212766.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, Beehive pub.
    em7212769.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, Beehive pub.
    em7212770.jpg
  • Bloody Foreland, fishing pier.
    em7212778.jpg
  • Buncrana, the scenic Grianan of Aileach fortress on the top of a hill. In the oldest times was Dagda's god sanctuary, after a O'Neill chieftains stronghold.
    em7212781.jpg
  • Ardara, a popular destination in Ireland, hosts the annual Cup of Tae Festival, a traditional music festival, each May. Beehive traditional pub.
    em7212786.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
    em7216008.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
    em7216013.jpg
  • Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille), The Turas - menhir with christian crosses translated as the journey - are part of a strong Christian pilgrimage tradition in Ireland. The turas links a number of ancient standing stones some of which date back to 3000BC. Here St Columba founded a important monastery. The village  is famous for the Turas, a pilgrimage and round of stations (places on a route used for prayer and devotion). Historically the Turas was performed by barefoot pilgrims at midnight on the eve of June the 9th.
    em7216070.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7216091.jpg
  • Killybegs is the most important fishing harbour of the Ireland.
    em7216093.jpg
  • Narin beach near Portnoo
    em7216104.jpg
  • Slieve League, the highest cliff of Europe (700 m.high)
    em7230017.jpg
  • Slieve League, the highest cliff of Europe (700 m.high)
    em7230026.jpg
  • Slieve League, the highest cliff of Europe (700 m.high)
    em7230050.jpg
  • Landscape near Glencolmcille.
    em7230058.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
    em7230064.jpg
  • Malinbeg bay near Glencolumbcille (or Glemcolcille)..
    em7230070.jpg
  • Glencolmcille (or Glemcolcille), The Turas - menhir with christian crosses translated as the journey - are part of a strong Christian pilgrimage tradition in Ireland. The turas links a number of ancient standing stones some of which date back to 3000BC. Here St Columba founded a important monastery. The village is famous for the Turas, a pilgrimage and round of stations (places on a route used for prayer and devotion). Historically the Turas was performed by barefoot pilgrims at midnight on the eve of June the 9th.
    em7230072.jpg
  • em7230079.jpg
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