Posts filed under 'Donegal'
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
It was a moment no one in Ireland will ever forget. With the quarter finals of the 1990 World Cup within touching distance, legendary goalkeeper Packie Bonner faced off against Romanian striker Daniel Timofte.
The save by Bonner won the penalty shoot-out, and sent Ireland into the World Cup quarter finals.
For that, and the many other achievements during his football career, Packie Bonner was honoured with the Freedom of the County in Donegal, the area’s highest accolade.
He became only the second person to receive the honour, after fellow goalkeeper Shay Given was awarded it last year.
An emotional Packie Bonner paid tribute to his family, friends, coaches and fellow players who influenced him.
He said: “Without them I would not be where I am today. As you go through this, you need special people and I had it in my family. They are the people that helped me get where I am.”
Mayor of Donegal Enda Bonner thanked his cousin Packie for the great memories he had given every Irishman.
He said: “This award will adequately reflect the great esteem in which Packie is held by the people of the counties for the wonderful memories he has given us and the work he continues to do.”
Packie Bonner came from very humble beginnings. Aged 10, he and his twin brother Denis were able to get their pair of football boots after a good herring season in Donegal.
He became Jock Stein’s last signing for Celtic, when he moved to Glasgow in 1978.
His Ireland debut came in May 1981, on his 21st birthday. He went on to play 642 times for Celtic, and won 80 caps for Ireland.
But it was that famous save and Ireland’s run during the 1990 World Cup that turned Bonner into a national hero.
He said: “Everybody, young and old enjoyed it. I was privileged to be part of such a great team.”
He can also now enjoy the privilege of walking his cattle through Dungloe.
June 26th, 2007
If you are close to Errigal Mountain in Donegal County, be sure to check out the comfortable accommodations of Errigal Youth Hostel. It’s been providing its sheltering services for over forty years. Ghost hunters will also find this hostel interesting due to it being in close proximity to the Poisoned Glen. This glen is infamous due to its ghost called the Green Lady. This hostel is perfect for those wanting to visit the Glenveagh national park. The castle and Italian gardens of this park will surely entice the fancy of many. The hostel has a common room and a kitchen. Breakfast is not offered free. It does have a bar where one can mingle with the other inmates.
March 20th, 2007
Blueberry Tearoom and Restaurant is located opposite to the castle in Donegal Town. This restaurant is famous for its deliciously cooked lunches, sandwiches, snacks and desserts. The restaurant has a Mediterranean feel to it. One can always relax here with a steaming hot cup of coffee. Breakfast and evening meals can be had for reasonable prices. A cyber café is also available for the internet needs of the customers. Smuggler’s Inn is a nice place to enjoy the view of the beautiful beach of Rosnowlagh. The inn is made of stone walls and has a seafaring theme. The food and drinks of this restaurant have won many awards.
January 22nd, 2007
Weaver’s restaurant is a nice place for eating out. It opens every evening during the summer. Off season, it is open only on weekends. Fresh fish dishes are the forte of this restaurant. It also serves mouth watering steaks that will have you wanting more. McGrory’s is a fine restaurant where they claim the quality of their service is second only to their excellent cuisine. Customers can look forward to the culinary delights of traditional and modern Irish dishes in this restaurant. Seafood, steaks and vegetarian dishes are also proudly served. Yellow Pepper Restaurant enjoys great customer approval. It is always busy and humming with activity. The restaurant caters to all tastes with an extensive selection of dishes. The meat and fish dishes are especially recommended. A special menu is also prepared for children, making this a great family restaurant.
December 26th, 2006
The beautiful village of Glencolmcille in County Donegal is a quiet, peaceful place to embark on your walking adventures. Located close to this village is a coastline stretching almost 35km between Slieve League and Slieve Tooey. Cliffs and rocks on this enchanting coast enhance the whole scenery visually and make strolling here an enjoyable experience. Tourists will come across many wonderful Megalithic tombs in Glencolmcille village that provide a profound insight into this area’s history and heritage. St Columba’s Church is worth visiting here. Many walks start and end at this church. The two most notable of these walks are the Drum Loop and the Tower Loop.
December 15th, 2006
