The beautiful village of Dunlewey Dun Luiche lies at the foot of Errigal Mountain, the highest peak in Donegal.
During last summer’s Feile an Earagail, I joined a guided walk from Dunlewey into The Poisoned Glen Gleann Nemhe, a U-shaped glen believed to have been formed in The Ice Age.
The pleasant weather attracted a large group, that included local families, tourists, walking enthusiasts and curious locals like myself.
After crossing an ancient bridge, we admired the beauty of the area.
It is the site of a mythical battle between Lugh – king of the Tuatha De Danaan, and his grandfather Balor of the Evil Eye.
The Legend of Lugh and Balor of the Evil Eye
A Druid prophecy foretold that Balor would be killed by his grandson. Balor’s only child Eithne, was thus imprisoned in a stone tower on Tor Mor, on the island of Tory. Twelve women kept Eithne company, and were warned that they should never speak of a man and Eithne should never see a man.
Balor’s demise unfolds with the stealing of a cow belonging to a swordsman called Gaibhidin from the mainland tribe, the Tuatha De Danaan.
Cian, a Tuatha De Danaan chieftain was sent to find and return the cow to the mainland.
Miraculously, with the aid of a Druid woman called Birog, Cian entered the tower and fell in love with Eithne, who delivered triplets some time after Cian’s visit.
Balor fell into a rage, beheaded Cian and threw the poor triplets into the sea. However, one of the triplets was rescued by Birog and christened Lugh.
Lugh eventually became king of the Tuatha De Danann, and made his home in a fort at Dunlewey.
Some years later, Balor paid a visit to Gaibhidin’s forge, and bragged of killing Cian and the triplets. Unaware that Lugh had survived, Balor succumbed to the prophecy, when his grandson plunged a fiery rod from the furnace into his head and out through his eye!
Another version of the story has Lugh leading the Tuatha De Danaan at the second battle of Moy Tura, and killing Balor with a slingshot that sends Balor’s eye shooting out of the back of his head!
Balor’s head is said to have been thrown onto a rock – seen in the centre of the photograph below.
This legend suggests The Poisoned Glen Gleann Nimhe is named after the poison that flowed from Balor’s Evil Eye.
Heavenly Glen
An alternative theory on the naming of this beautiful glen, comes from the translation from Irish into English.
Neamh is Irish for heavenly, while neimhe translates as poison.
No matter which theory is true, The Poisoned Glen is indeed a heavenly place, and is well worth a visit.
You can read more about Balor and his fort on Tory Island, in my post:
This was such a beautiful read and what historical times and what they believed but I loved the place and what an awesome presentation, Brigid. Thanks for the marvelous share.
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Thank you Kamal. Ireland abounds with mystical legends. Dunlewey is a gem of a place.
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Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
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Sounds positively intriguing and like something out of a magical mythical movie. What a wonderful guided walk Brigid. Thanks for sharing.
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My pleasure Miriam. Yes. It would make a terrific movie wouldn’t it.
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Absolutely. Maybe a bit gruesome too.
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A stunning place and your review places me right there.
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Thank you Gina. It is quite breathe taking. I used to go hill climbing and climbed all around the glen.
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i like that there are guided tours, only recently have i appreciated these informative tours, really gives me a better understanding of a region, you were a lovely docent for me!
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Amazing to see so many people and in such a historical and mythical place. I enjoyed my stay with friends in Ballinskelligs and reconnecting with the mysteries and bards of the past.
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Thank you. Ireland is full of mystical legends. It was a huge turnout and the people of Dunlewey were thrilled.
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This post is very interesting, folk lore etc. Great photos feel like i joined the walk. Nice post. Have a great week and day.
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Hi Bella. Welcome back from your break. Thank you for your kind comments.
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Thank you and welcome
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A great turn out for the walk it is truly a beautiful area and lovely to read the history it brings the story to life 🙂 x
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Thank you Carol. It was a terrific turnout and everyone enjoyed it. I went on a mushroom forage in the afternoon with the Dunlewey Festival. x
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Wow what fun did you find anything?
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Yes. There were lots of terrific mushrooms. I did learn that you need to have an expert with you though. Too many dangers of picking the wrong kind!
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Lovely but yes you do need an expert..They have quite a few deaths here from people eating the wrong mushrooms…I am really careful and don’t eat what is foraged unless I have eaten them b4 or checked them out for definite online too risky…But lovely that it was a learning curve for you Brigid 🙂 xx
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Lovely photos Bridget, I can’t believe how many people were there!
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Thank you Elaine. It was a terrific turnout and lovely to chat to so many nice people.
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It’s funny Bridget I’ve just had a bone marrow biopsy and the Dr was Egyptian with an Irish accent he had lived in Ireland from being eight. Obviously during the procedure he was stood behind me . So when he was talking to me I was thinking about my five little angels and you. 😊 So thanks Bridget for playing a part in my procedure 😉 it wasn’t the nicest experience but bearable, it actually is more uncomfortable now the numbness is wearing off. At least it’s done. 😇
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Goodness Elaine that was a major procedure. I am glad you had a good doctor. I will send out prayers for good results. x
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Thanks Bridget x
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They really didn’t go in for family counselling in the good old days did they? Personally I feel if the Druid has just stuck to boiling up mistletoe tea none of this would have happened! Lovely site for such random bloodshed though.
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It seems not Geoff. We would all have missed a terrific legend if they had. The glen has a very powerful energy and it is indeed beautiful.
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This is a inspirational post and stirs up lots of ideas for stories. The walk looks truly out of this world. How wonderful for you to be surrounded by the Heavenly Glen. Thanks so much for the window on this magical world.
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Thank you Jessie. I used to go hill climbing and walked right round the glen many moons ago. It is quite stunning from every angle!
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So interesting! I learnt something new from reading this post! Thanks for sharing 😊
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Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed it. It has been sitting in my to write pile since the end of August!
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What a delightful walk, Brigid. I enjoyed it and loved the history.
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Thank you Jacqui. The Poisoned Glen has a very powerful energy, and a great beauty.
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What an amazing walk Brigid. It looks so stunning and dramatic. xxx
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Thank you Heather. It is quite beautiful. The main road sweeps high above it and looks right across the glen and on to Errigal Mountain. It always takes my breath away. xx
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Looks beautiful Brigid. Never been to this area but over the years have sent many post cards with the poisoned glen featured. Cards by John Hinde studio.
Really interesting post, thanks 🌼
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Thank you Margaret. I remember those postcards. I have not seen them in a while.
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Received paperback ‘Watching the Daisies’ book today which I ordered online. Handling a book feels more me, happy bunny now 🌼.
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Lovely. I prefer a paperback too but so many people like e-books.
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Yes Brigid and it is good to offer the choice. Fortunately, after inadvertently ‘upgrading’ word press I was still able to afford to purchase the book which so far is proving more beneficial. 🌼
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Thank you Margaret. I hope the upgrade proves useful too. xx
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We’ll see ❤️
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Lovely Brigid- It is incredible seeing the site of the battle between the sun god Lugh of the People of the Goddess Dana, and possibly an earlier sun god Balor of the (possibly earlier indiginous) Formorians. I love the landscape of Ireland still retains its atavistic memories, like Wales and Scotland, that nationally England has lost- although the traditions still exist locally. I always think a people rooted in its past sees its future more clearly. Px
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I am glad you enjoyed it Paul. This post should have been written last September but others sneaked ahead. The people here are so proud of these stories. Dunlewey is a fabulous place. x
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What a beautiful place, where you live.
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Thank you Lisa. It is a quite a wild but beautiful area with peat bogs, lakes, mountains and lovely beaches.
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Thank you so much for sharing more of your beautiful homeland Brigid. You always take us on an adventure!
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Thank you Terri. I am glad you enjoyed the journey.
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Loved the photos and the story you narrated so well.
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Thank you Bella. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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This is so beautiful and I love these type of stories. 💗
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Thank you Lisa. We have a lot of myths and legends here in Ireland. I think some of them are based on truths…
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Loved this post Brigid! I am a great lover of folklore, mythology, and beautiful scenery. This was a joy to read! Thank you so much for sharing, I felt like I got to go on your walk with you.😊
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Thank you Kim. It was a magnificent walk. I have just come back from driving past it today. It always gladdens my heart. I have your Versatile Blogger post scheduled for 22nd. x
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How lovely to drive by and remember your walk. Great about your upcoming post, Versatile Blogger Award! Look forward to learning more about you!😊💜
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Wow, what an adventure! It definitely looks heavenly, and it’s so interesting to read about the history of places, and with the story of poison that flowed from Balor’s Evil Eye, it makes it all the more intriguing! Fab photos, thanks for sharing as I’d not heard of the glen before.xx
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Thank you Caz. It has a very mystical energy when you walk through it. Many moons ago, I climbed all around it. I am happy to walk on the flat these days. xx
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I felt the magic of the place reading this, and looking at these amazing photos. Thank you.
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Glad to enjoyed it Masha. It is quite an amazing place.
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Wow I love hearing these stories and myths and legends…they are so fascinating! Beautiful pics Brigid!
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Thank you Deb. We have so many of them here in Donegal. x
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I know you do, what a magical place to live!!
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I must try to visit Donegal on a visit home – I’ve never been and your posts bring it to life and make me want to visit. Is the Feile an annual event? Or is it better to visit when its less busy?
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That would be terrific. Every village has a Feile round here and it can get quite busy. However, Dunlewey had some terrific talks and walks last year that were well worth attending. In general, we don’t get too busy here except for a few weeks in high summer.
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I always look forward to seeing a new post from you!
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Thank you Kristy. You are kind.
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Brigid, thank you so much for letting us join you on this magical, mystical walk! The scenery is stunning, and it must be very atmospheric to walk in the midst of the glen, the mountain looming over, the area so rich in incredible folklore! I loved reading these!
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Thank you Annika. It was definitely a very atmospheric walk. There is a very powerful energy in the glen. I once climbed right around those mountain tops!
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I love the Irish landscapes and your post made me miss my trips there so much! I really must return someday!
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Perhaps, we shall meet up some fine day Annika.
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That’s my kind of stories and definitely a place I would love to visit. Thanks Brigid for this beautiful post.
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Thank you Dominique. It is a magical, mystical place.
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It definitely looks like it! 💗😊
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Beautiful photos and loved the legends, Brigid. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
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Thank you Jennifer. I will be sharing more walks soon.
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Beautiful pic
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Thank you.
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Welcome
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That is a fascinating story, Brigid. Your photographs are lovely.
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Thank you Robbie. It was a terrific day. x
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Love history and tales…and this is such a beautiful read. Thank you.
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Thank you Georgina. Ireland has a wealth of great tales, and legends. However, I do not know how much is true…
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