Things to do in Maghery!

LOCAL HISTORY MAGHERY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Although much of the Rosses was for the most part unpopulated during the Middle Ages, the coastal regions such as Maghery, Termon and Crohy were already established as residential areas. During that time these areas were much more accessible because of their location. In fact Tearmainn and Crohy were places of prominence from the Middle Ages. Crohy was one of the original Ballybetaghs of the Rosses as stated at an inquisition in Lifford in 1609. It was known then as Cruach an Tearmainn and also Carrow-na-Farraige. Later when the Ballybetaghs were sub divided into half Ballybetaghs, Machaire an Tearmainn (Maghery) became one as well. It was not until 1762 (when five houses were built on each side of the road) that Dungloe began to emerge as a town. The Main Street was a bog before that time.

St. Crone's Monastery

Tá baint speisiúlta leis an áit seo le Naomh Cróine mar bhunaigh sí mainistir i dTearmainn.

Seo (thíos) an méid atá fágtha inniu.

Here is a photograph of what remains today.

Crohy Tower

Local folklore says it was "built for Napoleon (but he never came)."

A report dating back to 1798 refers to Crohy Tower as a Signal Tower.

Crohy Tower with views of Iniskeeragh and Aranmore

 

The Famine Walls

Tógadh na ballaí seo in aimsir an Ghorta le fostaíocht a thabhairt do mhuintir na háite.

They are stark reminders of a tragedy suffered not all that long ago by our ancestors.

Ard An Aifrinn

The Mass Rock at Cleendra is high on the hill overlooking the school and indeed holds spectacular views over much of The Rosses.

During Penal Times when the local people saw a white cloth covering this rock, they knew a priest intended to say Mass.

The people gathered, always vigilant, but reasonably safe in the knowledge that they had an eagle eye view of the surrounding countryside. The approach of soldiers would be spotted long before they could get close. 

Fr. Patrick Mc Ateer (deceased) former Parish Priest of Dungloe celebrating Mass on Ard An Aifrinn.

The Gallagher Family (The Cope)

Roshine School has had a major link with the Gallagher or "The Cope" family as they are better known locally. Paddy The Cope (Gallagher) was the founder of the Co-Op in Donegal. He was born in Cleendra in 1871 and went to Roshine School. The Cope in Dungloe remains one of the bigger employers in the area today.

When the new Roshine School opened in 1942 Mrs. Gallagher, who was the wife of Paddy The Cope's son, Packie, ( hence she was known as Mrs. Packie ) was the first Principal. She remained there until 1976. She brought her children to school in Roshine including Pat The Cope who is currently a serving MEP.