A Year In Redwood

It is 20 years since I last visited this large island in the Rosses, West Donegal

Situated next door to Owey Island it has about 500 full-time residents, serviced by two car ferries in regular daily crossings

What remains of the old wall system are the bouldery granite kind

But the uninhabited northern shore is treachery itself – with cliffs of 120 meters   

A harsh outpost, the lighthouse dates from 1798 – only gulls and sheep left here.

Here we find a pristine bog – worked with exactitude and respect – with sods carefully replaced after turf has been extracted.

Upon enquiry, we are told that the man responsible is known as ‘Donnelly’

A rigorous man who, we are told, has also built a mysterious structure high upon a hill above his bog. 

We set to investigate & after a steep climb reach a beautifully crafted road.

Then…