Rathlin, Co Antrim
From the collection of
Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone
- Omagh
- 2007-09-11
Rathlin, Co Antrim
Visit the area of Rathlin in County Antrim and explore the history and people.
Presenter Joe Mahon visits Rathlin Island off the coast of County Antrim. Joe sails across from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island recountig some of the violent history of the island's historical battles. Onshore he meets RSPB warden Liam McFaul, as they gaze upon the flocks of seabirds on the island's cliffs and discuss how the eggs were once a staple part of the islanders' diet.
Joe talks of the history of Rathlin during the Middle Ages and Tudor times and shows the remains of Bruce's Castle. Marine archeologist, Wes Forsythe, shows Joe evidence of ruined kilns for a kelp industry on the shore. This in turn was used in the linen industry and, once iodine was discovered in it, by medicinal and photographic industries.
Joe stands beside a memorial to the famine and tells how Rathlin lost half its population to emigration in its aftermath. Peggy McFaul sits in her garden and tells Joe of her life on the island since the 1940s and of the hardships she remembers growing up there. Her grandson, Benji McFaul, is the last full-time fisherman on the island and talks to Joe from his boat. Julie-Ann McMullan tells Joe of how she left a good job on the mainland to live on the island and shows her collection of animals including donkeys and a Shetland pony.
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