The Ladies from the Lislea Centre joined Omeath Ladies on a historical and cultural trip of the Oriel area of South Armagh and Omeath recently as part of our Oriel Connects Us Programme funded by the #internationfundforireland.
Local historian Una Walsh presented the historical overview of South Armagh commencing with a site visit to Ballykeel Scutch Mill and nearby burial chamber.
Next site of historical interest was Killeavy Castle, the story of St Monica’s well and the ruins of Killeavy Church and it’s cemetery.
We then enjoyed the beauty of Camlough Lake and it’s environs and then learned the history of Derrymore House in Bess brook.
The South Armagh guided tour concluded with an overview of Newry and it’s social history.
As we crossed into Co Louth Roisin Mulligan from Omeath Historical Society guided us through Omeaths 10 Town Lands and presented the history of the Ferry Hill Monastery, Ardaghy Old School, the site of the First Recorded Gaelic Match in the townland of Bavan, The Cadgers Pad and Long Woman’s Grave as we drove alone the Famine Relief Road now the New Line.
We learned the history of Colliste Brid OMeith (the first Gaelteach and it’s Association with Pádraig Pearse.
After lunch the tour concluded with a visit to St Judes Shrine and the crypt of the Rosminian Missionary Fr Luigi Gentile both in Calvery Omeath.
We concluded our tour following the route of the former GNR Railway back to Newry.
