The Emigrant's Walk

01/07/2025

Last week I was joined by a US media group from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
It was fantastic to share the Emigrants Walk experience with an absolutely lovely group of people.

The group also enjoyed a delicious lunch in Friels bar and restaurant and a tour of Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story .

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Mid Ulster as much as we enjoyed having you 🤍

Thanks to Tourism NI for organising.

14/05/2025

This lovely group joined me on the The Emigrant's Walk on Saturday. Sun and stunning blue skies all morning ☀️

Followed by a delicious lunch at Friels Bar and Restaurant 😊

Huge thanks to Melvin, Rebecca and the team at ATS Travel.

25/04/2025

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking another lovely group from the USA on The Emigrant's Walk.

After a well deserved lunch by the fire at Friels Bar and Restaurant we visited Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story to finish of a great day.

Thanks to Wilderness Ireland for organising.

24/04/2025

Such a lovely day spent with this group from EI Travel on Carntogher Mountain.
The group experienced The Emigrant's Walk followed by a delicious lunch Friels Bar and Restaurant and visit to Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story.

Always lovely to connect with new people and share the stories of our past. 🤍

Thanks to Esther Verbueken and team for organising.


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24/04/2025

South Armagh Stories & The Hannah Shipwreck. Talk by Armagh Historian & Author Úna Walsh Free Admission to Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story

01/04/2025

Yesterday I had the pleasure of guiding renowned National Geographic travel writer Sergi Ramis and Maria on the Emigrants Walk up the Carntogher Mountain. Great to explore the stunning landscape and share the stories of resilience that connect us all.

After our wonderful hike Sergi and Maria visited Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story to delve further into the effects of An Gorta Mór in Swatragh, Mid Ulster and the remarkable legacy of Dr Mooney and his unwavering commitment to the local community.

A warm welcome and delicious lunch at Friels bar and restaurant topped off a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Thank you Sergi for joining me and helping to shine an international light on our rich heritage.

Thanks to Tourism Northern Ireland for organising.

28/03/2025

What a pleasure to meet historian and author David Broderick and join him on The Emigrant's Walk up Carntogher Mountain. The strong connection to the poignant history we share made for a truly unforgettable experience.
David also visited Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story and Friels bar and restaurant.
Gorta brings to life the heroic efforts of Dr. Mooney and his wife Sarah during the Great Hunger. Their private soup kitchen, which operated from the site of Friel's Bar, fed hundreds daily, embodying resilience and compassion amidst immense suffering.

David's book, "Finding Ogle," the story of Henry Ogle, the absconding master of Portumna Workhouse sheds light on the cruelty of workhouses during the same era. Both stories offer powerful insights into the lives of those who endured incredible challenges, preserving vital historical narratives and deepening our understanding of this period in history.

Looking forward to reading David's book and exploring future collaborations!

17/03/2025

Fantastic day yesterday on Benbradagh Mountain, following the footsteps of Shane Crossagh!

Huge thanks to Far and Wild for organising as part of Cause Coast and Glen's Walking Festival. It was a pleasure to be involved and share stories and craic with such a lovely group

26/02/2025

19/11/2024

It was a pleasure to guide Carrie and Mike Anders from California up to the Emigrants Cairn. Carrie had done some extensive research on her ancestors who emigrated to the USA in the 1840s and it was an honours to share the stories of those who walked this path to emigrate. They finished their day with dinner in Friels bar and restaurant and a visit to Gorta.

19/11/2024

Great morning on Saturday with this lovely walking group!🥾 Thanks to Joan McQuillian for organising. Memorable day with great company❤️

31/10/2024

Oíche Shamhna!

Have you ever explored the fascinating transformation of a figure known as Stingy Jack into the cherished Jack O'Lantern of today? We invite you to embark on an enlightening journey through Irish folklore, the waves of mass emigration, and the rich tapestry of traditions that have brought pumpkins to our doorsteps. Discover the cultural significance behind this Halloween icon and the profound contributions of Irish immigrants to American heritage.

The Tale of Stingy Jack and the Evolution of Jack O'Lanterns. The spooky tradition of carving Jack O'Lanterns has a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. At its core lies the Irish folktale of Stingy Jack and a journey of cultural adaptation through mass emigration.The Legend of S...