These famous stone circles are
situated to the west of Lough Fea beside Davagh Forest.
There are seven of these stone circles and alignments along
with several cairns which date from the early Bronze Age.
It has been suggested that the circles and alignments have
some connection with astronomy but a
more popular theory is that they may well have served some
function in fertility rites. |
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Set in Altadavin Forest, this
magnificent chair and well is carved from stone. Reputedly
built for St Patrick on his journey through the Clogher Valley,
the site attracts visitors throughout the year. The attraction
is reputed to have mystical powers.
Directions: Outside Augher on the Aughnacloy Road. |
| This was an area of regal importance
in Ulster before the 16th Century because it was here that
the O’Neills were inaugurated as Chieftains of Ulster.
Hugh O’Neill’s inauguration on 1595 was the last
to take place at this historical site. |
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Here are the ruins of St Kierans
Church, Ballygawley with its very early cross. The church
is said to date from 1489 and was a Franciscan foundation.
Signposted off A4 Ballygawley to Augher Road.
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A 10th century cross situated on a rocky height
on the shores of Lough Neagh. It is a national monument, which
is believed to be the first high cross of Ulster. The cross
stands 18. feet high and . feet wide. Its 22 panels depict
various biblical scenes. Local legend has it that the cross
was built with the help of a 'magic cow' which stepped out
of the lough and provided the workmen with lashings of cream,
milk and butter for as long as they needed it. |
|
Just north of Augher, off the B8 , is the
Knockmany Forest, a government run forestry plantation on
Knockmany Hill. At the top, look for the Knockmany Chambered
Cairn said to be the burial place of Queen Aine, Queen of
Oriel, a 6thcentury kingdom whose centre was Clogher. The
cairn is a passage grave dating from Neolithic times. This
type of monument consists of a stone-built passage leading
to a
terminal chamber, often cruciform in shape, and covered by
a mound or cairn of stones. The remarkable thing about this
grave is its incised decoration, in patterns of concentric
circles, zig zags and other designs, which are
similar in style to the great earthworks in the Boyne Valley,
County Meath. This country, besides being a fisherman’s
haunt, is well forested. The 19th century landlords who once
owned vast tracts of land have disappeared, but their old
estates, such as Favour Royal and Fardross, gave their names
to public parkland and forests where it is possible to camp
and have picnics. Cairn open by appointment.
Contact Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre on (028) 8776
7259 for directions to all of the above. |
