THE annual historical Tullach Beaglaoich Walking Weekend, organised by Cumann Staire agus Seanchais Chloich Cheannfhaola, takes place this Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4.
The first Tullaghbegley Walk, from Gaoth Dobhair to Tullaghbegley in the parish of Cloughaneely, took place in 1992 and has been held every year since. In 2013, the event expanded into a full weekend of heritage walks.
Saturday’s walk will be a guided tour along a segment of the Caiseal na gCorr railway line, passing the old railway station.
The station opened on March 9, 1903 and the line once ran between Letterkenny and Burtonport until its closure in 1940. This scenic and enjoyable walk will take approximately 2.5 hours.
A bowl of soup will be served in An tSean Bheairic at the end of the walk. Participation is just €10. Registration begins at 10.30am in An tSean Bheairic, and the bus will depart at 11am.
Historically, Gaoth Dobhair was part of the Tullaghbegley Parish until 1834. The cemetery at Ballintemple, outside Falcarragh, served the entire area.
In those days, remains were carried across Taobh a’ Leitheid to the consecrated ground in Tullaghbegley by four teams of four men.
On Sunday, this tradition will be commemorated by retracing the path once taken by our ancestors who carried coffins from the parishes of Gaoth Dobhair and The Rosses to the Tullach Beaglaoich graveyard. This is a more challenging walk, lasting around five hours.
Afterward, participants will gather at the Shamrock Lodge for stew and bruitíní (mashed potatoes). The cost is €20. Registration is from 11.00am in An tSean Bheairic, with the bus leaving at 12 noon.
If anyone has any questions or is looking for more information, feel free to contact committee members, Helena on 086 600 9072 or Mary on 086 332 2267.
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