Fairy Magic around the coasts of Inishowen
Taken from Inishowen (Its History, Traditions, and Antiquities) Maghtochair

Hosts of fairies had their abode around these coasts in mid-chanel, and along the Scottish shores. Many years ago a young man of the O'Dohertys, of Tullagh, in Clonmany, set out with a view of paying his addresses to a young lady of the name of O'Kane, who lived near Magilligan, in the county Derry, and whose fame for beauty and accomplishments had extended over half the province. O'Doherty took with him his brother as companion, with a train of twenty chosen young men as attendants -ten to each. Railway conveyance has, even yet, but penetrated slightly the mountain fastnesses of Inishown. In those days, needless to say, there was not an inch of railway in our peninsula nor in the county Derry, nor, for that mater, in all Ireland. Vans and cars were also unheard of, here at least' and as our travellers had to cross an arm of the sea, they did not avail themselves of their fleet, well-trained roadsters. They set out on foot across the country.

Arrival at Tapal Moule, near Greencastle, they determined to take up their lodging for the night, as it was then too late to cross the ferry. Supper was ordered, and our suitor told his brother that while the meal was in preparation he would retire to the old ruin behind the inn to say a prayer, for he was of a religious turn of mind. Time wore speedily on; he did not return as soon as expected; so the company sat down to their meal in his absence. He came at last, and, to his great consternation, found them dead - all dead save his father, who was badly injured in the melee which had just occurred. He demanded to be informed of the cause of the terrible catastrophe which had just occurred. The brother rebuked him very sharply for spending so much of his time in devotion - a habit which, he said, he had had to complain of on various other occasions - but at last explained that he believed they were under the influence of some malignant spell, as the young men, when seated around the supper table, began to contend about some very trifling affair. From words they came to blows; nor did the conflict cease till each had killed each; and he himself. In endeavouring to pacify them, received the injuries before mentioned. They now proceed to a doctor to have the sufferer's wounds dressed, and to obtain his opinion regarding their effects. The doctor performed his office, and told the sufferer to keep clear of excitement, and guard against whatever might shock the nervous system, otherwise the consequences might be fatal. On their way back, and while crossing a bit of moorland, a hare started most unexpectedly form beside them, and ran across the heather. The patient was startled; he swooned and died. Nothing now remained for our suitor but to carry the body to the inn, which he did with much difficulty, as his brother was a tall, athletic and powerful man. On reaching the inn-yard he left the body in a shed , with the twenty others, and entered the house to make arrangements for having them interred

In a short time he returned to the yard, and, to his amazement there he beheld every man of those who were dead again alive and walking about, just as if nothing had happened. Perceiving himself thus made the sport of the elfin or fairy bank, O'Doherty resolved to give up his matrimonial pursuits, at least for the present; moreover, he determined to travel until he should find some other who had been tormented as much by them as himself, or until he should be satisfied that none such could be found. He therefore dismissed his brother and the young men, who returned homeward, and, crossing the ferry, he proceeded first to the house of O'Kane. He was kindly received, and soon disclosed all that had happened to him on his journey, adding that his object was not to seek a wife just then, but to proceed on and onward, until he should find some one who had been as far duped by the fairies as he had been or until he should satisfy himself that no such person could be found. "If that is what you seek," replied O'Kane, "you shall not have far to go; for what I am about to relate has happened to myself. It was, of course, all the doings of the sheeggies, and is still more wonderful than all you have told me.

"One morning I arranged that the boys and myself should go to work in the bog, and I told my wife to prepare oatmeal bread for the dinner, which we were to carry with us. While the dinner was in preparation, I walked out and strolled listlessly down to the little bay behind the house here. I there beheld a tiny boat a regular little crab-shell- yet so surpassing beautiful that I was tempted to go and examine it minutely as it floated lightly on the water. In doing so, and just as I put one foot into it, some invisible power shoved me forward and in I fell altogether. I had barely room to sit down. The wind veered round and out I was scarried to sea. There was not a vessel on the surface of the waters nor even a boat by which I might me picked up so on I was carried until every vestige of land had vanished from view. I had reached mid-channel, and still kept quite composed; it were useless to do else, for , without sail, or helm, or oar, if my life were to be saved, it would be by keeping as quiet as possible in my unsteady little craft. Soon, however, I felt a change coming over me; my brain began to swim, and putting my hand to my head, I found I had got on me a woman's hair. The change kept progressing, and very soon I was metamorphosed into a female. Land at last appeared in view, and in a short time the boat went aground on the coast of Cantire. Going ashore I perceived at a short distance a stately castle, but not a sign of human occupation. I entered the castle, and in a splendid banqueting hall a sumptuous supper lay prepared (fir it was then dim evening), yet no sign of any living being. I took supper, and no sooner was it over than the candle which burned before me was carried by an invisible agency to another apartment, where a downy couch was spread. Here I went to bed, slept, and in the morning found by my side a beautiful little child. I had already ceased wondering at whatever might happen, so I took up the child and proceeded to the shore. In the little port in which I previously landed I beheld the same little boat dancing on the gentle billows. I advanced towards it, and was again involuntarily pushed into it, carrying with me the child. We drifted away to sea, and, self-guided, my little vessel brought me back to Magilligan Strand. On this voyage I was transformed, and then, in propria persona, I walked back to this house, with my little treasure in my arms. She grew up, and is now the handsome girl whose fame has brought you to my door. To add to your astonishment I have further to say that as I entered the house, my wife told me that the dinner bread was then just hardened at the fire."

O'Doherty made no remark when this story was told, but returned home congratulating himself for having escaped matrimonial alliance with a real fairy.

Back