|
|
A Cruising Guide and Anthology of the Ballinamore
- Ballyconnell Canal
Published by the Erne-Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Rally Committee
1994
for the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland
Erne Region Belleek
Belleek,gateway to Fermanagh and Donegal,is in a strategic position from
early days when Neolithic settlers appeared around the village where Fionn MacCumhaill's men sharpened their swords
on the big limestone rock on Belleek falls. This is where the vast Erne system overflowed at Belleek down violet
falls and rapids 141ft to the sea at Ballyshannon. The only safe crossing point for 24 miles on water,it had a
Norman castle in 1212,and was a stronghold of Hugh maguire,Chieftan of Fermanagh,when he was beaten here by the
English arrival in 1594 during the nine years war. Then the Ulster plantation by English/Scots settlers led Edward
Blennerhasset to build the village in 1610. Later the landlords, the Caldwell-Bloomfields,founded the Belleek pottery.
Belleek pottery has existed here for almost 150 years proudly watching over the Erne. Generations of craftsmen
and women in this area have produced the finest range of ceramicwork in Ireland,most of it unique in the world.
Its prescence has guided the development of the village and even the waterway.
The River Erne has undergone many changes.Its unique character was first upset in 1866 when 1,200,000 tons of rock
was blasted out of the Belleek falls just above river from the pottery. New sluice gates were built to control
the level of the Erne and to to provide power to the pottery.Cargo and passenger vessels like the "countess
of Milan" could now travel all summer from Belleek to Cavan. Goods shipped through from Ballyshannon were
brought by horse to Belleek port for Erne river and lake transport. Its "youthful beauty and playfulness"
was damned by two hydro-electric dams,below Belleek and at Ballyshannon. Its nature was lost forever. It is sluggish
old age everywhere except when the turbines open. The salmon have also disappeared.Great efforts by Governments
have given new hope as the salmon numbers entering the Erne has doubled every year to hopefully 8,000 fish this
year.
The countryside around has been enriched by family farmers for many generations breeding cattle,sheep,milking,cutting
turf and timber and digging drains(there is a lot of wet land!!!). Wild woodland takes over very quickly on unused
land. Bushes multiply into beautiful golden yellow vistas in February/March:then through the woods carpets of Bluebells
and wood anemone in April/May:then the brilliant haze of rhododendrons along the roads and over the hills. Hundreds
of species of wild trees,shrubs and meadow flowers,hide as many birds and insects-the corncrake still survive here.
The otter and heron,cormorant join the kingfisher,kestrel,sparrowhawk.peregrine and many other protected species
in this natural unpolluted environment.
Tour of village traditional Crafts
The Belleek area has a long tradition of high standards of craftmanship
in ceramics.The fine brilliance and beaty of the pieces is seen in the patience of the craftsmen and women working;and
is only understood in the appreciation of the natural charm of the countryside and its people.
Belleek Pottery
Fine stone buildings on the River Erne established in 1857.The
home parian china,famous worlwide;beautiful pearly lustre to original and new designs,inspired by nature,and handcrafted
with care .Guided tours to the workshops,museum,auditorium,shop,restaurant,daily.
Heron Ceramics
Handcrafted figurines delicately finished with 24 carat gold relief.Commissions
accepted.Open daily except Sunday.Opposite chapel in Daly Park.
Melvin Crafts
Very fine miniature precision handcrafted flowers,jewellry and handwoven ceramics.just over the bridge.Open daily
9-5 except Sundays.
Celtic Weave
A third generation specialist workshop in the tradition of basket and flower making.Workshop on Belleek-Ballyshannon
Road.open daily 9-6 except Sunday.
Rathmore Crafts
Beautiful handmade crochet baskets,collars,centrepieces. Handknit Aran and designer jumpers.
Top of Belleek street. Ring the doorbell at the house. Open daily 9-12 and 3pm - 6:30 pm.
Many other shops on the street have a fine range of quality Irish crafts,goods and services.Do visit them and have
a chat.
Places of Interest,Historic,Scenic
(W=Walk;D=Drive)
Belleek Fort:
Hill opposite the pottery.verlooking Belleek(Beal na Leice- mouth of the flagstone),gauring the old ford.Dates
from from the 8th century or earlier.Pentagonal fort in Cromwellian times. Walk over the bridge up the hill between
Border Inn and Melvin craft.Scenic view.
Castle Caldwell:
Home of the Landlords of Belleek,the Caldwells,for three centuries.Finally sold in 1886.They lived and lefta tradition
of generosity,our village and Belleek pottery. At the entrance is magnificant stone ralway brodge with a famous
stone fiddle to the right.(take note of the inscription). On the left as you turn into the car park is the private
Caldwell church. The visitors centre has an exhibition of local birds,insects,flora and fauna and a very early
dug out canoe. Fine marina and forest walks.All this area is a bird sanctuary under R.S.P.B. The castle is a ruin.
D,6km on A47.
Rath Mor:
Hill fort above the village.Dates from the 5th century, St Patricks time. (W) up the land at top of street. Scenic
view.
Boa Island Figures:
Strange pagan early christian figures unparalled in Ireland,probably Iron age,generate an eerie feeling when you
touch them. (D) 14km on A47.Small road sign "Caldragh Burial Ground".
Tievalough:
An early christian settlement and old graveyard and ruins of medieval church. (D), 2km on A47,left at "Keenaghan";
park at bridge. By boat 5 minutes.
Teetunney:
Early christian settlement and old graveyard. From Carlton cottages down river on left.
Camlin Castle and Tower:
Ruined residence of the tredennick family. Well preserved tower at entrance. Earthen ring barrow beside tower.
(D), 4km on R230 to Ballyshannon on right.
Devenish Island:
Augustinian abbey and 12th century tower. (D), A47, then B82 to Trory ferry baot.
White Island:
Seven pagan statutues probably early christian. (D),A47,B82 into Castle Archdale and ferry.
Knather wood:
Country walk 25 minutes. Road between Chemists and Rooneys;700 m.,then into field,along road 1.5Km,left at at T
junction; picnic area and magnificent views to Sligo mountains and Donegal bay(W).
Navar Mountain:
Tarred one way drive up the mountains with picnic parks,especially at the top overlooking Lough Erne,17Km on B52
then follow "Forest Drive" signpost,(D).
Breezy Mountain:
Drive R230 Ballyshannon,then N15 to Cashelard,straight on:15
mins climb from raod to top.Fine views all round,or walk from Belleek. 1 hour.
InishMurray:
This island 14 Km off Mullaghmore has the "most ancient eccesiastical building in such good original state,
in Ireland. The earliest altar, "Clocha-breaca" for sun worshippers is over 2000 years old. An original
"Romanische-Irische Bad" (Roman-Irish Bath) is still here - a tiny stone beehive which was used as asteam
bath. Christianity came in the 6th century with St. Molaise.
The last abbot of the Island was killed ny Norsemen in 802 AD. Tours by baot from Mullaghmore.(D), through Bundoran,towards
Sligo, Mullaghmore.
Ballyshannon:
7Km. Prosperous port and trading centre in 18th and 19th century. Poet William Allingham was born here in 1824-inscription
on the bridge.Very fine old churches.Active town with many good shops,restaurants,pubs and music. Home of Donegal
Irish Parian China- a delicate translucent hand crafted china. Workshop on Bundoran raod,except Sunday. Rogan's
hand tied fishing flies,brooches,-left at roundabout.Open daily,closed Sunday.
Garrison:
8Km, village on the shores of Lough Melvin,famous for its salmon,grilse,brown trout,the sonaghan and gillaroo.
The Melvin holiday centre also organises sailing,windsurfing,canoeing,caving and hill walking. Caravan and camping
facility.Tel:8142
Entertainment:
Hotels and pubs are open evry day for your relaxation. They each provide at night,good live music,singing and even
a bit of dancing to traditional and Irish country music.
Border Inn:
snooker table,video,music and dancing Sundays.
Clearys Corner Bar:snacks,music,dancing.
Traditional-Wednesdays,Country Irish-Fridays.
McMorrow's Bar:Traditional
bar with music Saturdays
Rooneys Bar and Restaurant:
Restaurant daily. Music on occasions
Tavern Bar:
With music and dancing on Saturdays.
Hotel Carlton:Bars,restaurant
daily,music/disco dancing on Friday nights.
If you play a musical instrument you will be very welcome in any pub-you'll
soon have a crowd to help.
Belleek Festival Committee has organised events for evry weekend in June
and July with July 1st the big traditional fair day. See their programme for details.
Fishing:
Belleek is the centre of freshwater and sea fishing of exceptional quality. In the River Erne at Belleek are trout,perch,roach,breem,eels
and some salmon. Around us are wild trout lakes,pike lakes,world record coarse fishing waters,spring salmon and
grisle in rivers and lakes, estuary sea trout,pier and beach fishing,inshore boat charter and off shore shark.
In fact there are a very few areas anywhere with such an abundance and variety of fishing. From this'you may think
they will jump out of the water to you". They will not. With a patient understanding of nature you can enjoy
the persuit. Please return as many as you can for someone else's enjoyment. Belleek fishing centre will help with
information,licences,tackle,boats,gillies and charters for all fishing.
Other Sports:
Recreation and sports centre at "The Acres",Finner,Belleek, adjacent to the playing fields are tennis
courts and a children's play area. Foe use of playing fields contact the Secretary Erne Gaels G.A.C. For use of
the sports centre and recreational facilities contact the Secretary of recreation and sports centre.
Pitch and Putt:
On a beautiful green the other side of Ballyshannon on the Donegal Road.
Golf:
18 hole golf coursea at Bundoran and Murvagh. A 9 hole at Balcklion.
Swimming Pool:
Indoor heated swimming pool at the bridge in Ballyshannon.
Beach Activities:
Bundoran, Creevy and Rossnowlagh and many other beautiful beaches offer all the amenities a person could wish for.
Swimming, surfing,windsurfing,water skiing,scuba diving and canoeing. Bundoran has a lively holiday atmosphere.
Services:
Health Centre:
Doctors by appointment and in case of emergency. Phone Belleek 58382, 24 hours.
Pharmacy:
9am to 6pm except Sunday, 48 hour photo service.
Veterinary Service:
Mr. J Ross tel Belleek 58220
Post Office:
Belleek or Clyhore 9am to 5 pm except 1.30 pm -2.30pm Thursday and Saturday, closed Sunday.
Language Translations:
French, German,Italian,Irish,English- carlton Cottages Tel: 58181.
Foreign Exchange:
Most shops take Eurocheques and credit cards
Banks:
Opening hours- 10am to 3 pm, Mon-Fri
Building Societies:
Daily except Sundays, Mc Gorty's
Boat and Engine Repairs:
Belleek Charter Cruising Co. Tel 58027
Police (NI)
Tel,58212, Garda
(ROI) 0017-5102
Church Services:
Parochial House: Fr.Lynch Tel: 58229. St Patricks Church has a unique belleek china waterfont. Mass 8:30 am and
12 noon Sundays.
Rectory: Rev V. Irwin Tel: 58372, services, first Sunday 11.30am, others 10am.
Robert Armstrong, first manager and art director is buried at the rear of the church.
Fishing Boat Hire
Belleek Fishing Centre: Tel: 58181
Erne Lake: Tel: 58553
Melvin: Tel: 58380
Assarae: Tel: (0017) 51305
Fishing Tackle
Belleek Fishing Centre. Mr.Michael Loughlin, Main Street, Belleek.
Bus Connections:
Regular services to various towns and villages ask at Freeburn's
Main Street Belleek.
Taxi Service: Tel 58620 or 58000. Minibus 58480.
Nature and Wildlife
Castle Caulfield and Forest Nature Reserve: 6 km east of Belleek
on the A47 has avast range of habitats for many different species of plant and animal life. The offshore island
are bird sanctuaries. The forest service and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, have ensured that the
wealth of wildlife and indigenous plants, are preserved for those interested in learning about natural history,
and are of supreme importance to the dedicated naturalist. Guided tours are available: phone Kesh: 31253. RSPB warden phone 58328.
Submitted by the Belleek Tourist and Development Association
|
