Category Archives: TRAVEL

MONAGHAN SUNSET

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Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                                Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

Travelling back from Dublin to Monaghan late on Saturday afternoon, there was a most colourful sunset. I was driving along the N2 past the GAA county training ground at Cloghan near Castleblayney so I could not stop to capture the beautiful colours on camera.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                        Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

The leafless tress were black shapes silhouetted against an orange background. A great scene for any landscape artist. Luckily my wife who was also driving to Monaghan had stopped her car and taken out her camera.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                            Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

She managed to get these photos of the countryside close to Tydavnet. All photos © copyright Evelyn Fisher.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                             Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

BOUDICCA CRUISE SHIP FIRE

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MV Boudicca in Norway Photo: © Michael Fisher

MV Boudicca in Norway Photo: © Michael Fisher

Having cruised to the Norwegian fjords and the Shetland Islands for eight nights on board the Fred Olsen ship Boudicca at the end of August and start of September, I am pleased to see that the crew dealt swiftly with what could potentially have been a very serious incident on board early this morning. One of the first concerns on boarding the liner at Belfast port on August 29th 2014 was for passenger safety. There was a demonstration of the evacuation procedure and use of life jackets before the ship sailed. I felt assured that the crew were all trained in safety measures in the event of an emergency.

Dinner time on board Boudicca Photo: © E. Fisher

Dinner time on board Boudicca Photo: © E. Fisher

During the cruise there were several opportunities to meet the master and other officers and members of the engine room staff took part in one of the in-house shows that were a feature of the trip. Some passengers on that cruise were so satisfied with the way Olsen staff looked after them that they booked on other cruises, perhaps even this particular one (Cape Verde and Canaries) as they enjoyed the on-board atmosphere and cuisine so much.

It was therefore good to see that it was business as usual for the rest of today for Boudicca, albeit at a slower rate of knots. The vessel was built in Helsinki in 1973 and was acquired by Fred Olsen in 2005. The company will, I hope, be making satisfactory arrangements for the rest of the journey for the nearly 800 passengers on board. Boudicca, incidentally, was in Dublin port overnight on December 20th, on a cruise from Liverpool.

MV Boudicca Photo: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

MV Boudicca Photo: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

The statement from the company was as follows:-

“Following a fire in the Engine Room on board Boudicca at around 4am on Sunday 25th January 2015, sailing off the coast of Casablanca, Morocco, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can confirm that the ship is now proceeding towards the Canary Islands, at a slower speed than planned. Guests are being kept informed of the situation at all times. There have been no injuries to any of Boudicca’s 784 guests and 356 crew members, and there is reported to be a good atmosphere on board. The ship’s Master has confirmed that at no point were guests asked to don their lifejackets and gather at the muster stations, as the situation was contained within the Engine Room by our crew members. Services are operating normally, and guests are enjoying the usual activities on board, both inside and out on deck (as is evident from the photographs on the ‘Home’ page of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ website at http://www.fredolsencruises.com). We are reviewing the itinerary and assessing the extent of the damage to the two main engines and electrical cables, and will make any repairs necessary at the next port of call. A revised itinerary will be advised in due course. The safety and well-being of all guests and crew on board Boudicca is Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s utmost priority, and we continue to liaise with the relevant maritime authorities. Boudicca is on an 18-night D1502 ‘Cape Verde & the Canaries’ cruise, which departed from Southampton on 20th January 2015. The ship sailed from Cadiz, Spain on Saturday 24thJanuary 2015, and was scheduled to arrive in Arrecife, Lanzarote tomorrow morning, Monday 26th January.”

ENNISKILLEN CASTLE

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Enniskillen Castle (facebook page photo)

Enniskillen Castle (facebook page photo)

Thanks to my colleague in the William Carleton Society Frank McHugh (Fermanagh Family History Society) for alerting me to the new project at Enniskillen Castle. It involves the demolition of a former health centre, now derelict, at the entrance to the Castle. This also featured in a recent report by Julian Fowler on BBC Northern Ireland.

Exciting plans for the refurbishment of Enniskillen Castle Museums were unveiled at a recent series of information sessions. The project has received generous funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), the European Regional Development Fund, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Fermanagh District Council. Speaking about the plans, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Bert Johnston said:

“This is an exciting time for Enniskillen Castle Museums. Plans include a new visitor centre, improved amenities and a café as well as tourism, genealogy and heritage services. Four new galleries will interpret Fermanagh’s rich heritage, enhancing the Castle as the main introduction and gateway attraction for the region.”

Aine Kearney, Director of Product Development at NITB said:

“The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is delighted to announce part funding towards the development of this world class visitor centre within the historic grounds of Enniskillen Castle. Upon completion this project will provide the visitor with a unique and exciting experience.”

Enniskillen Castle was built in the 15th century by the Gaelic Maguires who ruled Fermanagh. Situated next to the River Erne and guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important throughout its history.  The Castle is within easy walking distance of the town centre and contributes greatly to the unique character of the area.

The new project will involve the restoration and refurbishment of many of the historic buildings contained within the Castle complex for reuse as exhibition space.  New visitor welcome and orientation spaces will be created to provide a more cohesive experience, hosting services such as a heritage, tourism and genealogy information point.  A digital film archive and history hub will also be created to provide access to the museum’s archives, photographic records and library.  Four new galleries will create additional space to showcase the Museum’s collections which consist of thousands of objects, images and oral histories relating to the region.

Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “Museums have an invaluable role to play in helping us to learn more about our past by using their collections to engage and inspire local communities, which is why HLF has already invested £31million in establishing and transforming our network of local and national museums.

“We are delighted to make this latest announcement of support for the museum sector which will see this hugely important heritage asset become the heritage gateway to the area.  Having been awarded a first-round pass, Fermanagh District Council can now further develop the project to achieve its full potential and go forward to secure the full £2.47million grant.”

Mark Knight, of Kriterion Conservation Architects commented:

“We are delighted to be involved in sensitively transforming this significant heritage asset into a world-class visitor facility which will protect and enrich our built and cultural heritage. Conservation of the iconic buildings and integration of the new visitor centre will give new long-term sustainable uses to the Enniskillen Castle Museums and enhance the region’s rich heritage and tourism offering.”

Sarah McHugh, Enniskillen Castle and Cllr Bert Johnston, Cahir, Fermanagh District Council Photo: Impartial Reporter

Sarah McHugh, Fermanagh County Museum and Cllr Bert Johnston, Cahir, Fermanagh District Council Photo: Impartial Reporter

Speaking about the long term plans of Fermanagh County Museum, Sarah McHugh, Manager of Museum Services said:
“This is a real boon to Fermanagh and will enable the museum service to be even more ambitious. My hope is that we are building an inspirational space where locals and visitors can explore the unique heritage of the region, gain more access to our museum collections and enjoy bigger and better events and activities. During refurbishment, which has now begun and is due for completion in 2016, visitors will still be able to enjoy Fermanagh County Museum’s Medieval Maguires display and The Inniskillings Museum.”

A5 AUGHNACLOY

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A5 Western Transit Corridor Photo: Mouchel

A5 Western Transit Corridor Photo: Mouchel

The A5 dualling scheme from the border at Aughnacloy to Derry (described as a ‘motorway’ by Sinn Féin) is like a STOP/GO/STOP board for traffic. One minute it’s on, then it’s held up, now it seems to be on again. It’s reported tonight by the Ulster Herald that Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has announced that the Irish government has agreed to review its decision to withdraw a £400million funding pledge for the A5 dual carriageway. Speaking in the Stormont Assembly Mr McGuinness said the development emerged at last week’s North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Armagh.

“We had a very constructive discussion at the NSMC and the Taoiseach gave a clear commitment to seek additional structural funds to restore their contribution to this essential North-South project,” said Mr McGuinness. The Irish government had originally pledged in the region of £400m towards the construction of a new £850m 55-mile dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy, which would link in with Dublin bound traffic via the N2 towards Emyvale and Monaghan. However the funding pledge was withdrawn in November 2011.

Welcoming the announcement, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said, “A restoration of the funds from Dublin will reignite this entire project. At the same time, Sinn Féin will continue to engage with the North’s Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to ensure the legal issues which have delayed the northern end of the project are expedited without delay.”

 

FIVEMILETOWN ROUND LAKE

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Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

Whilst visiting Fivemiletown in County Tyrone recently I took the opportunity to visit the Round Lake amenity area for the first time. It used to be part of the Blessingbourne estate but since 1990 has been run by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council.

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

There is a caravan park there with twelve fully serviced hard standing pitches. But this time of year there are no customers. The site has a pavilion, which looks underused, on the side of the lake, where angling is permitted and if you are lucky, bream and roach can be found.

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

There is a tarmac path around the lake and it provides a pleasant walk of about fifteen minutes. On the other side of the Fintona Road you will find the entrance to Blessingbourne self-catering accommodation and the Mountain Bike Trails. Please note that the manor house built in the 1870s and owned by the Lowrys is private.

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

Round Lake Fivemiletown Photo: © Michael Fisher

FIVEMILETOWN CLOCK

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Fivemiletown Clock Photo: Heritage Lottery Fund

Fivemiletown Clock Photo: Heritage Lottery Fund

Fivemiletown’s historic clock which has been a distinctive local landmark on Main Street for over 100 years has been restored. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a grant of £18,400 earlier this year for the repair of the timepiece . It was erected in 1903 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII and is one of the remaining physical links to the history of the village.

The refurbished Village Clock will be unveiled tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd December. To mark the occasion a celebratory event will take place in the Valley Hotel starting at 11am. This will consist of music song and dance by local artists. At 12.30pm the refurbished clock will be unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant for County Tyrone, Mr Robert Scott OBE. Everyone is very welcome to attend.

The intricately-wrought copper casing was made in Fivemiletown itself, making it a unique part of the local heritage. The funding enabled the clock to be returned to its former glory. A leaflet and education resource pack have also been produced.

It was one of five grants awarded by the HLF to smaller or more modest projects. The head of the HLF in Northern Ireland Paul Mullan said: “these grants really help local people to dig into their past to explore, record, or share their heritage. We are delighted to support this project in Tyrone which will preserve such an iconic local landmark. With HLF’s investment in Northern Ireland reaching a huge £184million for over 1000 projects, we are proud of our role in helping to protect and celebrate our heritage over the last 19 years and look forward to supporting many more local projects.”

Fivemiletown Clock before restoration Photo: Fivemiletown Chamber of Commerce facebook

Fivemiletown Clock before restoration Photo: Fivemiletown Chamber of Commerce facebook

Michael Callaghan from Fivemiletown Chamber of Commerce added: “We are absolutely delighted at the news of this award. There is already a great deal of interest and enthusiasm among the people of Fivemiletown and we see it as a legacy project which will be a source of civic pride for future generations”.

A century ago, before everyone had a watch to synchronise or a mobile phone to swipe, the time piece above the old Petty Sessions building was a focal point in village life and a way of making sure you were on time. Its finely-wrought copper casing developed that distinctive patina, or verdigris, that comes from weathering, and its hands turned the hours faithfully, driven by the mechanism that was wound from inside the Petty Sessions building. As the years ticked by, it gradually fell into disrepair and eventually stopped working altogether.

Blessingbourne, Fivemiletown, Co.Tyrone Photo: © Michael Fisher

Blessingbourne, Fivemiletown, Co.Tyrone Photo: © Michael Fisher

The Impartial Reporter describes how, at the time of the clock’s initial installation, a local copper-working class was thriving in the area. Mrs Mary Montgomery of the local Blessingbourne Estate

Copper Firescreen in Blessingbourne: Fivemiletown Arts & Crafts School

Copper Firescreen in Blessingbourne: Fivemiletown Arts & Crafts School

set up the class in 1891 through the Home Arts and Industries Association and initially taught the class herself in the Petty Sessions building. To begin with, they made items such as candlesticks, tea trays, fenders for fireplaces and newspaper racks.

These artisans became so successful that their work was shown at exhibitions in London, Dublin and St Louis.  in 1893, at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904 and at the Dublin International Fair in 1907. It was these skilled craftsmen who made the copper casing of the clock, which was erected in 1903 to commemorate the coronation in 1902 of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.

Clogher Valley Railway train in Main Street Fivemiletown: from painting by Viktor Welch

Clogher Valley Railway train in Main Street Fivemiletown: from painting by Victor Welch

The mechanical works of the clock were made by Sharman D. Neill of Belfast and it is thought that the iron scroll-work was completed by Harland and Wolff. Another iconic feature of the era, the Clogher Valley Railway, was used to transport the raw materials and the finished artefacts. One of the best-known photos of the old railway is of the train in the Main Street, with the clock in the background.

For an update on the official unveiling of the restored clock see Julian Fowler’s report ‘Changing Chimes’ on BBC Newsline.

EMY LOUGH, EMYVALE

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Emy Lough, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher 2014

Emy Lough, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher 2014

My walk around Emy Lough, Emyvale, last weekend provided a great opportunity to take some new pictures of this wonderful natural asset in North Monaghan. I have put them together in a short video using the Sony Xperia programme. I hope you like the views, showing the lake on a bright, sunny afternoon. I also hope that the table quiz in the Red Boys pub was successful in raising funds for the upkeep and maintenance of the walkway by the Donagh Development Association.

EMY LOUGH WALKWAY: TABLE QUIZ

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Emy Lough, Emyvale (view from car park) Photo: © Michael Fisher

Emy Lough, Emyvale (view from car park) Photo: © Michael Fisher

It’s one of the most beautiful parts of North Monaghan: Emy Lough. In recent years a hard-working committee from Donagh Development Association has developed a walkway around two-thirds of the lake.

Enjoying the view of Emy Lough Photo: © Michael Fisher

Enjoying the view of Emy Lough Photo: © Michael Fisher

Using the nearby public roads a loop walk has been created, which is proving very popular as a place for exercise and relaxation. A number of seats have been provided along the way where you can stop for a breather and admire the view across the lake. Part of the lake is used by the local angling club and permits must be obtained from them for fishing.

It is a very peaceful spot and the 4km looped walk can be completed at a leisurely pace within 45 minutes or less. Keep an eye out for ducks and swans on the lake. Please remember to keep the path and the lake area free from litter: take your rubbish home with you.

When you come to the end of the trail (or entrance if you prefer to start your ramble on the walkway rather than the public road) you will find a red box for donations. This is cleared regularly and has been provided by Oliver McCarron Engineering from Knockronaghan.

Emy Lough Walkway, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

Emy Lough Walkway, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

Donation box made by McCarron Engineering at Emy Lough Walkway, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

Donation box made by McCarron Engineering at Emy Lough Walkway, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

Ad for Table Quiz in aid of Emy Lough Walkway Photo: © Michael Fisher

Ad for Table Quiz in aid of Emy Lough Walkway Photo: © Michael Fisher

Tonight (Friday 28th November) a Table Quiz will be held at the Red Boys pub, Main Street, Emyvale in order to raise funds for the maintenance and upgrading of the walkway. Prizes to be won and a good night’s entertainment. More details can be found at emyvale.net.

Emy Lough, Emyvale (view from car park) Photo: © Michael Fisher

Emy Lough, Emyvale (view from car park) Photo: © Michael Fisher

Emy Lough, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

Emy Lough, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

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Emy Lough, Emyvale Photo: © Michael Fisher

**ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE © COPYRIGHT MICHAEL FISHER AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR REPUBLISHED WITHOUT PERMISSION**

RABBIE BURNS

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Robbie Burns

Robbie Burns

ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796

Celebrations are already underway for Burns night, which is technically tomorrow, January 25th, the date of the bard of Ayrshire’s birthday in 1759. This version of one of his songs was performed by the well-known journalist Hugh Jordan two years ago on the Frank Mitchell programme on U105. It will hopefully serve to provide the right mood for the weekend.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!  And gie’s a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll tak’ a right guid-willie waught,  For auld lang syne.

The Robert Burns website tells us that the celebrations are on, or around the time of the Bard’s birthday, January 25th. You will also find more details there of the poems and songs of Burns.

Burns Suppers range from formal gatherings of aesthetes and scholars to uproariously informal gatherings.  Most Burns Suppers fall in the middle of this range, and adhere, more or less, to some sort of time-honoured form. This includes the eating of a traditional Scottish meal, such as haggis, the drinking of Scotch whisky, and the recitation of works by, about, and in the spirit of the Bard.

Every Burns Supper has its own special form and flavour, though there are probably more similarities than differences among these gastro-literary affairs. Some celebrants may contribute the composition of original songs or poems; some may excel at giving toasts or reciting verse; while others may be captivating storytellers. A particular group of celebrants will, over time, develop a unique group character which will distinguish their Burns Supper celebration from every other.

 

 

TULIPS FROM AMSTERDAM

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The Belfast Telegraph Holiday World show is on this weekend at the King’s Hall in Belfast. But this time it is not in the main building. It is in the Pavilions at the rear of the main hall. Usually I would come across a number of exhibitors from County Monaghan such as Castle Leslie but there was no sign of them. The Nuremore Hotel in Carrickmacross was listed in the map of stands but when I visited the stall there was another group of hotels (Maldron) there instead. I did come across Flavour of Tyrone and the Clogher Valley Caravan Park, both of which have been of assistance to the William Carleton international summer school.

The show runs at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin next weekend January 24th-26th.