It is ten years since my last visit to Inishowen Peninsula. Last summer I was close, and you can read about that trip in my Dark Hedges, Giant Causeway and Rope bridge blogs. This time I had different plans, none of which worked out. Well, except for the main reason why I went to Inishowen, so let’s call it a business trip then – a magic business trip, to be precise 🙂 I will share the details next week after going through my photographs galore, but in this blog I just want to share a sad song that mentions Inishowen, because yes, I am very sad, and I want to go back.
The lyrics:
You maidens of beauty, I’m a swain that’s forlorning,
I carelessly wandered away from my home,
I am off by the moonlight and day break of morning,
I am found in the mountains of dark Inishowen.
I strayed a place that they called sweet Clonmany
In search of a fair maid who I might adore,
But a maiden for to love me I could not find any
From Meendoran bridge to the Gap at Mamore.
Adieu to the place where I once had a sweetheart,
But now she has left me no wonder I mourn,
When I think of that sweet spot the haunt of that fair one
I pine for her absence in dark Inishowen.
Oh it’s distance divides us in dreams I caress her
For I was as happy as if I was at home,
When I speak to that vision that it bids me compress her
To a bosom that’s pining in dark Inishowen.
I am now sad and lonely since I left her dear dwelling
To repine on that sweet spot I shall never see more,
For I’m off by the wild beach where the salt seas are swelling
From Tullagh’s black rocks to the gap at Mamore.
And now I am stationed in the county Fermanagh,
And I left my wee darling with her parents at home,
If I ever return it will be to marry,
And to wed my wee darling in dark Inishowen.
Inishowen is not actually dark. The opening image is the view from my hotel window in Ballyliffin, Co Donegal, taken at the sunrise, and this one is another early morning view I captured when driving along the shores of Trawbreaga Bay, not far away from Malin. I drove through ” sweet Clonmany” too, but took no photographs ( failed plans as I already said…).
The last image is of water. Not just ordinary water, but the water of Pollan Bay…
This is all for now. More to follow…
Have a wonderful weekend!
Making memories 
The music and video is just beautiful, a great feel for this area – and then your photos and writing make it as though I am there…there is nothing quite like the feel and smell of the sea and land.
Thank you for reading and listening! I was so sad that the magic weekend was over! The opening image is the view from my hotel room – you can tell I am missing that view 🙂
Wow, what a weekend that must have been. Makes me crave for such a weekend right now 🙂
Beautiful photos Inese, and I really love the song. Both the melody and lyrics are very moving
Thank you so much for commenting. Before I left Ballyliffin, I went to the sea shore and shed a tear or two 🙂 I thought of that song and knew I would share it.
The song is one that does stir emotion – especially to anyone who loves the area so well. It has a hauntingly beautiful quality.
Thank you for loving it. You can google Songs of Donegal – they have a huge project there involving local musicians.
Thank you. I’ll do that!
You pull at my heartstrings with your images and words Inese- love
Thank you sunshine! I too love this simple song. People are not writing such songs anymore…
No they aren’t! But we can put the classic ones on repeat ;))
It looks a beautiful place. My favorite photo was the sheep summoning up all its resources of guile and cunning to hide behind a blade of grass. I liked the song too. I picked up the melody quite quickly and wanted to sing along, but unfortunately I sing like a hippo, so I didn’t bother.
Oh thank you for your interest! Keep singing, practice is the key word. I will write another two or three posts about this trip. There were more sheep.
I’ll keep at the singing. My neighbors will be glad I stuck at it… eventually.
Yes, plant the seeds of art in you neighborhood!
Haha! I’ll certainly do my best. Day 1 begins in my shower tomorrow. 🙂
If you keep going like that, property values in your neighborhood will increase dramatically 😉
I can sense my neighbors are going to be just thrilled. 🙂
Just take care of your voice cords. Don’t walk after the dark in your neighborhood 🙂
I think that’s very good advice. If I do get serious about singing practice, I may not leave the house at all without a large dog or a body guard.
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
A amazing poem by a talented writer. Please read and enjoy.
Thank you so much for sharing!
You are welcome.
I enjoyed this tale. Had the feel of places and thoughts. My favorite place.
Thank you so much John, it is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland indeed. I plan another two blogs covering this trip. It was magic.
Ireland is a place of history, beauty and mystery. Perfect place to create a story.
True!
It’s easy to see why your soul remains there. Such beauty! Your photos drew me in and I felt protected in this space you love so much.
Sheri, in my next blogs I will share some photographs of people – they are as lovely as their land is.
Looking forward to it.
Thanks for taking me down a road full of peace with your video and pictures today. Beautiful…..
Thank you so much! A land of peace, it is exactly what I thought when leaving.
I really enjoyed this moody visit to Inishowen, Inese — thank you. Your photos and the video share those gorgeous cliffs and sea beautifully, and the tune also captures it well. Looking forward to hearing about the magic business trip.
Thank you so much for commenting! The business was truly magic – I had
enrolled for a photography workshop that turned out to be a magic one 🙂
A fantastic post with stunning images. Have a great day.
Thank you Karin, you too!
Your blog is very intriguing! Can’t wait until next week!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Sad, but beautiful – and it matches you photos. Looking forward to more from this lovely spot! I had to check out you wiki link and it looks like an interesting location full is history.
Thank you for stopping by, Inger! If you plan to visit Ireland, put Inishowen peninsula on your list. All this area – the northern coast of Ireland – is beautiful and historically rich. In the beginning of my post I mentioned three blogs – the places I wrote about are located within 2 hours from Inishowen, and can all be visited within a day ( in summer).