There must be something in the water of the Ring of Gullion as the area has a long history of being home to legends, bards and poets. Not to mention the many other creative types such as artists and musicians that have and do, call Gullion home. If you're looking for lively traditional music or Sean-nós singing (a highly ornamented style of unaccompanied Irish singing) you should treat your ears to a live session from the Traditional Arts Partnership.
During the 18th Century the Ring of Gullion was particularly famous for it's bards and poets. Art Mac C ooey (1715-1773), Peadar Ó Doirin (1704-1769), Pádraig Mac A Loindain (1665-1733) and Séamus Mor Mac Murphy (1720-1750) were a few of the most famous. The area abounds with tales of their exploits and inspirations. Join our guide on a lyrically historical two-hour ramble around the Forkhill area. You can even play 'spot the border' as you pop across from N. Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to visit Urnaí graveyard; the last resting place of Peadar Ó Doirin.
Immerse yourself in a different time, as you leave the modern world behind and wander along unspoiled country tracks and riverside. Hear tales of how the poets lived and in particular about Peadar Ó Doirin who was a poet, teacher and scribe. Many of his poems/songs are still sung in traditional music today, such as his poem, Mná na hÉireann. It was set to an air composed by Seán Ó Riada and recorded by a number of 20th century artists including Kate Bush and Sinéad O'Connor. One of the things Peadar was particularly well known for was being a teacher in a hedge school. To find out why there were hedge schools, you'll have to come along on the tour and ask your guide. I imagine on a sunny day taking your lessons under the shelter of a hedge, surrounded by bird song, the odd edible treat and colourful butterflies would have been rather pleasant. Though Ireland isn't called the Emerald Isle for nothing, it takes a lot of rain to maintain such a variety of green, so chances are you would be hoping to sit under a very, very, thick bit of hedge! (If you're visiting Ireland from non-UK shores, be sure and bring a brolly (umbrella) or a good waterproof coat - you'll not regret it.)
Urnaí graveyard itself is a very peaceful, ancient site; resting place of poets, priests and soldiers. Many locals from the surrounding counties of Louth, Monaghan and Armagh also rest here with dignity, and a memorial ceremony is held annually for all who are interred there. One of the more unique features of the graveyard is a granite holy water font.
Most of the other famous poets are buried in Creggan grave yard, a short drive from Forkhill, but that is another story for another day; or something else you can ask your guide, should you join us on this Poets' Footsteps tour.
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