Famine’ of 1845. Also you can find out about many Irish customs such as ‘the wake’. Many of our common sayings today have their in these old customs. Find out where the term ‘dead ringer’ comes from and many more interesting facts.
Doon Rock
Situated near Lough Gartan Doon Rock, this is the place where the O’Donnell Kings were crowned.
The stone has the imprint of the feet of the original chieftain cut into it. The elected ruler would remove his footwear and stand in the imprint. Here he would swear an ancient oath to the clan and be presented with an ‘An Slat Bhan’, a straight white rod to symbolise kingship and the idea that the sword was no longer needed to rule his people.
Also on this site you will find one of the many ‘holy wells’ which are popular places of pilgrimage. Beside the well is a tree from which hang tokens ranging from babies teethers to rosary beads left by hopeful visitors. The holy waters are said to have healing powers made more powerful if you circle the tree seven times saying prayers. These sacred wells and trees demonstrate how pagan practices were not simply abandoned but absorbed into the Christian religion.
Walking up the little wooded track to the rock you will also find a little shrine to Our Lady, adorned with candles and prayers of the faithful. This is a magical little place that makes you pause for thought.
On the right of the well there is a hidden priests stone – a simple stone alter where mass was said during the days of catholic persecution. Again you will find prayers and candles showing that these places are regularly visited by believers – although when I went there was not a soul to be seen anywhere which added to the natural, spiritual atmosphere.
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