The Trail Map:- OSI Series 25
Dogs allowed but only on a lead.
The Route
At the trailhead sign, follow the anti-clockwise route. This brings you along a minor road which rises steeply, giving way to a grass path, used in times past for cattle herding. Walking along with this path, a spur appears to your right through a kissing gate. Take this path, which brings you to the highest part of the walk and where a park bench awaits. offering unrivalled views over the surrounding countryside, with the Hill of Knocknashee prominent.
Passing back through the kissing gate, turn right to continue the walk. The grass path meanders through the countryside until it meets a minor road where you turn right and then right again. Passing Chaffpool House, take the turn immediately to the right, where the road begins to rise as you return to the starting point. Note the remains of the stable walls to the rear of the house as you pass by. This road leads to the trailhead and you have now completed this 5km looped trail.
Bóithrín Dearg
Bóithrín Dearg (Red Path in Irish) is the ancient path which takes you to the summit of Dohern Hill and its ancient hilltop enclosure and nearby Ordinance Survey Trig Point. Take this path by day or under the night sky, whatever season and you will experience a pure landscape with a natural unspoiled beauty and 360o views of the of the entire North West of the Island.
Dohern Hill (summit 145 m OD: NGR 556520 811466) is a domed, steep sided hill located some 4.2 km east of Tubbercurry and consists of carboniferous limestone, which outcrops close to the surface across the hill. The lower slopes consist of glacially derived limestone sands and gravels. The summit of the hill is dominated by the remains of an enclosure (SL038-050), which is located in pasture and consists of a raised circular area some 14 m in diameter, defined on its western side by an earthen 4 m wide bank which stands 0.6 m above the interior and 1.1 m above the surrounding ground and on the east by a scarp. Traces of an upright stone revetment are visible in places along the internal bank face. A ramped gap at southwest is possibly recent. A number of large stones are visible in the interior which is crossed on a northwest to southeast axis, by a field boundary.
History
Bóithrín Dearg is significant in a historical context, the path which neighbours Chaffpool Estate was christened Boithrin Dearg around 1864 as it led to the place of execution of a tenant of Chaffpool Estate according to local history. The estate house formally Dougherne House was renamed Chaffpool House around this time.
Irelands most renowned Celtic bardic poet Tadhg Dall Ó hUiginn was born in Dohern (c.1550–c.1591). Tadhg Dall’s professional status as a master bardic poet is reflected in the range of Gaelic lords in north Connacht and south-west Ulster whose patronage he enjoyed. He was born into a family of gifted poets in a direct line of descent from Tadhg Óg Ó hUiginn (qv) (d. 1448).
Aside from a period in fosterage among the O’Donnells of Tír Chonaill, Tadhg Dall received his bardic training within his family, also at a bardic school in Ceall Cluaine (in modern Co. Galway) which has been associated with the Ó hUiginn bardic family. The nickname Dall suggests that he was visually impaired. Following a satire he penned on exploits of the O Hara family, he was slain by that clan at Cowlrecoyll, Kilmactigue as testified in an inquisition at Ballymote in 1593. His son Tadhg Óg continued in the family profession of poets and became one of the largest native and influential landowners in Sligo by 1630s. He was appointed sheriff of Sligo in 1634.
Think Safety!
A section of this route is shared with vehicles – be aware!
Keep Children under close supervision
Take adequate clothing, food and fluid
If you encounter any difficulties, contact emergency services on 999 or 112
- Plan ahead and Prepare
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Respect wildlife and farm stock
- Be considerate of others
- Minimise the effects of fire