Nestled amidst the serene waves and picturesque landscapes of County Mayo, Achill Island is a symbol of the rich history of Ireland. Its rugged terrain is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people and the tales that have been passed down through the generations. The island is covered in vast expanses of peat bog, which holds within it the essence of a bygone era, where ancient settlers worked hard under the shadow of the imposing Slievemore. Their lives are etched into the megalithic tombs and forts that can still be seen today, telling stories of ancient warfare and reverence.
The historic Michael Davitt Bridge is the lifeline of the island, connecting the mainland to the quaint villages of Achill, each with its own unique story to tell. From Keel to Dooega, every village whispers its own tale, reflecting the soulful chronicle of the island.
The legacy of the O'Malley Clan is still pervasive in the sea air, with the memory of Granuaile, the pirate queen, whose reign over the 15th-century Carrickkildavnet Castle still evokes the tempestuous nature of the ocean. Her fierce and unyielding spirit is said to wander the island, intertwined with the very fabric of its history.
There is a shadow of grief that hangs over Achill, with the memory of the Clew Bay Drowning, a calamity that saw the railway's first and last journey bear the bodies of the fallen, sealing the fate of a prophecy that murmurs through the valleys and hills. The Deserted Village, with its desolate ruins and haunting 'lazy beds,' stands as a mournful tribute to the resilience of those who faced the Great Famine's cruel grasp.
But it is the Valley House that harbours a story of such violence and betrayal that it has transcended time. Here, Agnes MacDonnell, veiled for life, is said to roam the corridors, her spectral presence a testament to her unyielding fortitude. And yet, she is not alone; Lynchehaun, her assailant, is rumoured to stalk the very grounds where his wrath once raged, his legacy as indelible as the attack that scarred both the land and its lady.
This legacy fuels the imagination, inspiring tales like Synge's 'Playboy of the Western World,' where the distinction between hero and villain is as misty as the Achill air. Though the Valley House now welcomes wanderers from distant shores, it is the spirits of Agnes and Lynchehaun who truly claim dominion over its stone walls, forever etching their story into the mystical history of the island.
We invite you to delve deeper into the mysteries of Achill Island through "Spooked Ireland." Join us as we uncover the hidden narratives that lie within the heart of Achill, where every whisper of the wind and every wave against the shore tells a story waiting to be heard. What will we uncover?
Friday 17th November 2023 on Really and available to stream on Discovery+
Hugely looking forward to this one as my uncle was an O'Malley and had a house on the island.