Clonmany

Clonmany (Irish: Cluain Maine) is a village in north-west Inishowen, in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. This lovely village lies beside a river overlooked and sheltered by mountains. The Urris area to the west of Clonmany village was the last bastion of the Irish language in Inishowen. In the 19th century, the area was a frequent location of poitín distillation (a strong Irish spirit).

 

Views of Clonmany

 

 

 

 

 

 

Points of Interest

 

» The name of the town in Irish - Cluain Maine has been translated as both "The Meadow of St. Maine" and "The Meadow of the Monks", with the former being the more widely recognised translation.

 

» Although the village itself is the youngest in Inishowen, the Clonmany area is steeped in history, and dolmens, forts and standing stones dot the landscape. The parish was home to a monastery, closely associated with the Morrison family, who provided the role of erenagh. The monastery was home to the Míosach a copper and silver shrine, now located in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. Details of local history and traditions were recorded in "The Last of the Name", recorded by schoolteacher Patrick Kavanagh from stories by Clonmany local, Charles McGlinchey.

 

» Clonmany is host to the annual McGlinchey summer school, which attracts many visitors to its exhibitions and lectures on local history. Another attraction is the Clonmany festival, held annually during the week of the Irish August public holiday. The Clonmany Agricultural Show and Sheepdog Trials takes place on the Tuesday of festival week, with visitors from all over Inishowen and the Northwest of Ireland. Tourism to Clonmany consists of Irish and international visitors, but mostly of visitors from Northern Ireland. The area is home to a caravan park at Tullagh.

 

» Clonmany has two beaches, including those at Tullagh and Roxtown. You can swin at Binion Strand, walk on the cliffs at Dunaff Head. At Roxtown, there is a fine example of a raised beach and geologist will find many interesting features in the landscape.

 

» Clonmany railway station opened on 1 July 1901, but finally closed on 2 December 1935.

 

» The spectacular Glenevin Waterfall is located between Straid and Crossconnel, 2KM from the village of Clonmany. The roadside entrance to the waterfall and picnic area is beside the Glen House, which in turn leads the intrepid adventurer along Glenevin valley. This waterfall, wedge in shape, cascades fresh mountain water descending over black rock from an astounding height of 30 feet. The expanse at the top measures 15 yards which curls gracefully over a pitch black rock to 1.5 yards at the bottom into a foaming pool. The basin below called Pohl–an-eas, derives its meaning from the foam which lies on the surface of the pool. Pohl-an-eas translates into English as the ‘ferment pool’.

 

» Mamore gap, one of the finest passes in Ireland, lie south of Clonmany It is a mountain pass that offers spectacular view point with a car park where you can picnic admist beautiful surroundings. Nearby are information signs and a holy well. Also on the hill of Magheramore overlloking the valley formed by Clonmany river is a massive dolmen. This dolmen probably dates to about 1500 B.C.

 

» Leenan Bay just outside Clonmany in Urris, was the site of a WW1 battery. There is a beautiful beach and a harbour used by local fishermen and anglers. The coast road passes through rugged scenery including Roxtown Harbour and Tullagh Bay. Dunaff Head is a noted scenic highpoint.

 

» Clonmany is famous for its annual summer festival usually held at the start of august. The village has a lively and friendly character. The festival has sheepdog trails, horse-shoe throwing, tug-o-war and entertainment.