Rosguill
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Rosguill (official name: Ros Goill)[1] is a peninsula situated in north-north-west County Donegal, Ireland. Lying between the peninsulae of Fanad to the east and Horn Head to the west, Rosguill is a dichotomy of heathland and ocean. With the great Sheephaven Bay with its mellow waters and pure-white strands on the one hand , and the treacherous sand banks of Mulroy bay on the other. Between, a mixture of bog, hill and pastureland, the ancient walls, remnants of cattle enclosures, and the various evidences of fortification are proof of the area's antiquity. The Parish of Rosguill is an alternative name for the Parish of Mevagh, which covers the peninsula and an equally sized hinterland.
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[edit] History and folklore
The area is heavy with legend, the name itself is supposed to have originated, when Fionn mac Cumhaill finally obtained justice by killing Goll mac Morna, the slayer of his father. This act is traditionally said to have taken place at a rock called Carraic Ghoill English: Carrickguill lying off the townland of Dooey. The entire area became known as the "Headland of Goll" or Rosgoill.
Deirdre and Naoise, are thought to have camped on the strand of Tramore, when fleeing from Conchobar mac Nessa King of Ulster and his Knights of the Red Branch.
The highest point on the peninsula is Gainne Mhor and it's sister peak Gainne Bheag. The name derives from Gráinne, betrothed of Fionn mac Cumhaill and lover of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. Whilst fleeing Fionn's Fianna warriors en route to Scotland, legend has it that they rested on the hill. Considerable damage to the south western face of Gainne has been the result of unrestrained excavation in recent years. It was also used as a dump for a period. Nach mór a' náire (What a shame).
In the late 4th century the son of Niall Noigíallach and the eponym of County Donegal (Tír Conaill),Conall Gulban , defeated the warriors of Ulaid, at Ballyshannon and Barnesmore. Conall's army chased the fleeing Ulstermen through Goll (Rosguill), Crích Chloinne Rosa, Crích Ua nDuach, Caim-Fhersaid Mhór, to the shores of Lough Foyle. Conalll Gulban and his brother Eógan, became the ancestors of the Kings of Tír Conaill and Tír Eógain (County Tyrone) respectively.
[edit] Colm Cille
In common with many other areas of Donegal and Ulster, Rosguill has its share of legends relating to St. Colm Cille. Colm Cille was a nobleman born at Gartan, a great-grandson of Conall Gulban, he took holy orders and began proselytising throughout Ireland. Prior to his exile in Dál Riata and the Kingdom of the Picts, Colm Cille founded monasteries at Derry and Kells, and is accredited with the founding of many more smaller establishments. Of these the Old church at Mevagh, in Clontallagh townland is said to one. Colm Cille also is said to have erected the High cross in the churchyard, on which allegedly he left the track of his fingers in the stone. Furthermore he spread curses and blessings on various townlands in the parish in equal measure to the hospitality he received: Dundoan Upper was cursed to always have a fool amongst its community, after they mocked him, whereas he prophesied that no-one from Dooey or Island Roy would ever drown. His supposed footprints are to be found on a rock in Downings.
[edit] Today
There is a wealth of activities available locally: Angling, Hiking, Golf and Watersports. One of the most eastern of all Gaeltachtaí, the area has a vibrant cultural tradition, with many artists and musicians residing in the area
Rosguill has been victim to some extent to, the short sighted planning of the 1990s, and to the almost absence of applied legislation previously and, like a great deal of the west coast of the country, has suffered from unchecked ribbon development. However, one can easily escape this, except in the main settlements, to find an Ireland of centuries past.
Downings Harbor in Sheephaven Bay is fast becoming a world class big game fishing destination. Each autumn, sport fishing charter boats use Downings as the launching point for giant bluefin tuna fishing charters. See [1] for additional information.
[edit] Townlands
The penisula of Rosguill consists of nineteen Townlands:
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There are a further thirty one townlands in the parish of Rosguill (Mevagh):
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[edit] References
[edit] Notes
Lucas, Leslie W. More about Mevagh 2nd ed. ( Appletree Press,1982)
