Where is the Barnesmore gap?

Where is the Barnesmore gap?

Barnesmore Gap is that big opening between Croaghconnelagh (Conall Cullban of Tirchonaill’s mountain) and Croaghonagh (Owen’s mountain), it is the most outstanding feature of the Blue Stack landscape.

Is Donegal in northern Ireland?

County Donegal (/ˌdʌnɪˈɡɔːl, ˌdɒn-/ DUN-i-GAWL, DON-; Irish: Contae Dhún na nGall) is a county of Ireland in the province of Ulster and in the Northern and Western Region. It is named after the town of Donegal (Dún na nGall, meaning ‘fort of the foreigners’) in the south of the county.

Is Donegal the poorest county in Ireland?

People living in Donegal have the lowest level of disposable income in Ireland, according to CSO figures. Based on 2016 data, the average Donegal person has after-tax income of €15,892, which is 29% lower than the nationwide figure of €20,638.

Why is Donegal fort of the foreigners?

(The name “Donegal”, meaning “fort of the foreigners”, is thought to derive from a Viking settlement on the site of present-day Donegal Town.) During the Middle Ages Tyrconnell was the principality of the O’Donnells, one of the two major branches of the Uí Neill dynasty that ruled Ulster for more than a thousand years.

What is the most boring place in Ireland?

Despite only having a population of 2,700 people, Ballinrobe appears to have left its mark on some of those who have visited. One passer-by nominated it for the most-depressing town in Ireland, writing: “Ballinrobe lads.

What does Barnesmore Gap mean?

Barnesmore Gap (Irish: An Bearnas Mór, meaning “the big gap”) is a mountain pass or gap situated in the Bluestack Mountains, County Donegal, Ireland. The main Donegal to Ballybofey road, the N15, and former County Donegal Railway run through Barnesmore gap, acting as the main route between south and north Donegal.

What was Barnesmore like in the 1800s?

For centuries the Gap has been a strategic gateway between the Northern and Southern parts of County Donegal. But Barnesmore was also, in other days, a place of sinister repute. Up to about 1800, it was the notorious haunt of brigands, highwaymen and rapparees who waylaid, robbed and murdered travellers.

Why is Barnesmore such a dangerous place?

But Barnesmore was also, in other days, a place of sinister repute. Up to about 1800, it was the notorious haunt of brigands, highwaymen and rapparees who waylaid, robbed and murdered travellers. It became so perilous that from the mid 1700’s a garrison of Red Coats was stationed at the Ballybofey end of the Gap to ensure the safety of travellers.

What happened at Barnesmore in 1773?

“On the 29th of June 1773 a young gentleman who was on his way from Sligo to Derry was attacked in the Barnesmore mountains by two ruffians armed with hangers. Endeavouring to defend himself his whip was cut right through with one stroke and his horse deeply wounded.