Belle Isle, Co Fermanagh
From the collection of
Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone
- Omagh
- 2007-09-11
Belle Isle, Co Fermanagh
Visit the island of Belle Isle in County Fermanagh and explore the history and people.
Joe visits the island of Belle Isle on Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. He gives a history of the island and how it passed to the Gore family after the Flight of the Earls. Local historian Joe Crawford tours the grounds of the island stately home and talks about its builder John Grey Vesey Porter. Joe looks through old books recording the island's hunting with dogs and visits a dog graveyard on the island. Maureen Magee and John McManus share their memories of growing up on Belle Isle as their father worked the estate for the Porter family.
Joe visits the grave of Cathal Og McManus, author of 'The Annals of Ulster'. He speaks to Brian McManus about the clan gathering which was organised for the 500th anniversary of his Cathal Og's death. Joe takes to the water on a cruiser with Charles Plunkett, estate manager of Belle Isle who explains how lower water levels on the lough have altered the coastline of the islands and complicated their ownership. Joe walks under an arch on the island made from the huge jawbone of a whale. Joe observes an eel farmer, Bob Phair, at work on the lough. Joe then visits Liz Moore at her cookery school to see the eels being cooked with stinging nettles and Guinness.
Lesser Spotted Ulster is a long-running and popular programme that visits the places many of us have heard of but never been to. Presenter Joe Mahon gently explores what makes a place what it is.
Tags
Lesser Spotted Ulster
Exploring the townlands and hinterlands of Ulster through landscape, history and local traditions as a torch is shone upon the roads less travelled.
Joe Mahon is an engaging host as he catalogues his journeys around towns and villages rarely mentioned in the news but rich in their own stories, legends, and tales of past industries and events. Using local people as his guides, Joe delves into the heritage and customs from yesteryear, documenting many before they pass from human memory.
Starting in 1995, Lesser Spotted Ulster chronicled the regional variances of life around the six counties of Northern Ireland which, together with Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, make up the historic boundaries of Ulster. With gentle panoramas of beautiful Irish countryside, played out under a lilting soundtrack, the series was a staple of the Ulster Television schedules for nearly 20 years.
This selection of programmes from the series serves as a testimony to the rural culture of Ulster and a resource for anyone with an interest in the past and disappearing traditions.
38 videos in this collection
1
Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone
2
Drumquin, Co Tyrone
3
Belle Isle, Co Fermanagh
4
Loughguile, Co Antrim
5
Beragh, Co Tyrone
6
Ballywalter, Co Down
7
Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone
8
Lough Swilly, Co Donegal
9
Rathlin, Co Antrim
10
Bailieborough, Co Cavan
11
Ardkeen, Co Down
12
Mullaghbawn, Co Armagh
13
Ardara, Co Donegal
14
Ballygawley, Co Tyrone
15
Galloon, Co Fermanagh
16
Kircubbin, Co Down
17
Arranmore, Co Donegal
18
Virginia, Co Cavan
19
Virginia, Co Cavan
20
Warrenpoint, Co Down
21
Ballybay, Co Monaghan
22
Killeeshil, Co Tyrone
23
Rostrevor, Co Down
24
Park, Co Derry
25
Hilltown, Co Down
26
Glenavy, Co Antrim
27
Urney, Co Tyrone
28
Ballykelly, Co Derry
29
Ballykelly, Co Derry
30
Ramelton, Co Donegal
31
Annaclone, Co Down
32
Donaghmore, Co Tyrone
33
Belturbet, Co Cavan
34
Monea, Co Fermanagh
35
Dromintee, Co Armagh
36
Kingscourt, Co Cavan
37
Muff Fair, Co Cavan
38