The Kings of Uisneach were of the Uí Néill clan, the name meaning ‘descendants of Niall’. From what we understand from accounts recorded, it was time of incessant quarriling sometimes between rival clans and other times it was inter-clan. As it’s a rather long list of 16 Kings and many names are mentioned, we’ve separated it into two posts. The … Read More

A little bit of Irish Folklore on these cold and windy March days… “Days of the Brindle Cow”, in Irish “Laethantha na Bó Riabhaí” In our Irish Calendar, The Days of the Brindle Cow or The Old Cows Days are the final days in the month of March and the first three days in April. This expression comes from an … Read More

The gracious Beech is considered to be the Queen of the woodlands as the mighty Oak is considered to be the King. Looking up from under the common Beech Tree (Irish: Fábhile / Latin: Fagus sylvatica), one is drawn to its graceful movement in the wind and upon looking down, its dappling of the ground beneath your feet. The common … Read More

Dotted around the Hill we have some of the most beautiful, untouched native and non-natives trees. Left alone to provide shelter and feed the ground, we truly love what they all bring to the landscape. . . The Holm Oak Many of you who have visited us may have noticed the huge Oak at the entrance. . . and perhaps … Read More

It’s National Tree Week this week, and what better than to start the week with our beautiful Faery Tree. . . Let’s learn about what makes these and other species so special and why without them… well, we all know we can’t be without trees !

Happy Vernal Equinox ! There is an abundance of new growth on the Hill. . . from small-leaved bittercress sitting neatly in the dewy grass to new buds unfolding at the end of branches like miniature bouquets ! Spring is here and it has brought with it an excitement of growth. The chirping of birds was almost deafening – one … Read More

St. Patrick came to the Hill of Uisneach in the 5th Century, with the intention of establishing a church on the Hill. However, due to opposition from the ruling O’Neill clan, he was unsuccessful in his mission which led the Saint to put a curse on the stones of Uisneach: That they would not be of any use for building, … Read More