Book Description

'Maghtochair' was the pseudonym of 'Derry Journal' journalist Michael Harkin who compiled a series of articles on Inishowen and published them in 1867. His aim was to record and preserve the fast vanishing traditions of this well loved peninsula before the old social order and the Gaelic language disappeared. The book sweeps through Inishowen's ancient, medieval and modern history. We hear of its mythical past as well as its topography and archaeology. After the coming of St. Patrick and the conversion of the Gaelic chieftains, the archaeology is of ancient round towers, chapels, churches and monasteries including ancient Abbey at Fahan. The Viking and English invasions are chronicles as well as the final dismantling of Gaelic Ireland. Harkin describes the demand for tenants' rights and the abolition of tithes. To this story he adds descriptions of each parish. To this he adds colourful stories of rebels, murders, legends and folklore, along with superstitions which once abounded about them.