About Carrick
Donegal is often described as being “wild”, referring to its natural, largely unspoilt beauty. In South-Donegal we use the word "wild" very much as an adverb. A common use would be to say “its wild cold outside” or “she was wild beautiful”.
Both uses can apply equally to the area, fondly known as “in-thru”. The majestic beauty of Sliabh League or the tranquil splendour of Teelin Bay can be accurately described as “wild beautiful”, while the rugged, sparse and untouched panoramic view while you wander through the heather on Bunglas, complies with the naturalist's understanding of “wild”
Growing up in Carrick, one felt very much part of a community where respect for the land and sea was as important as respect for each other. When you grow up in an area of such natural beauty, you nurture your environs and through a form of osmosis it becomes a deep part of who you are.
Carrick was and still is a small but busy village, to the south-west of the village lies the fishing village of Teelin, once the main fishing port in Ireland, a place where beauty erupts from the clash of land and sea. A place where the people are so much part of the beauty, interlinked with the sea and land through the language of our fathers. Cast in the shadow of Sliabh a’Liag, Teelin is a relaxing haven for both traveller and local alike.
Carrick and Teelin form part of the parish made famous by Fr. James McDyre. The other main centre of population in the parish of Glencolmcille is the town of Cashel and its surrounds. Cashel looks on, as the ferocious North Atlantic Sea, fights a losing battle with the splendid Glen Head. The mesmerising sound of the waves crashing on the rock around this coast, will keep you coming back for more.
There are many areas of splendor within a short drive from Cashel, the 152 steps to the marvelous Silver Strand at Mailnbeg, the unusual beauty formed from the thousands of round white stones which make up the coast at Port, or the many significant historical monuments which mark the land and reinforce the importance of this land to our descendants over thousands of years, are but a few.
In the neighbouring parish of Kilcar, there are many more sights which will make you stop and spend time in awe. None more so than the remarkable Muckross Head. To stop and view this site from the road, which many have done, does not do this wonder justice. Take a walk around the head, on the rocky shore, and you will be presented with what can only be described as a pre-historic plateau. This large expanse of flat rock, walled by the low lying cliffs will leave you questioning how you had not read about this is the standard tourist guides and I suppose more than anything that sums up the area in general. You wont have read about this beauty in the tourist guide, so when you stumble across them you will feel like you are the first to discover them, and that will stay with you.
By Ciaran Cunningham taken from carrickonline.com 2011
