Campaign to restore Scenic Viewpoint

A campaign has been launched to highlight the tourism potential of an area of outstanding beauty close to Newtownhamilton. Carrickatuke viewpoint. Situated in the Fews Forest with outstanding views for miles around, the area has been neglected in recent years.

The campaign called ‘Take Back the Carrick’ launched by Cathal Boylan, MLA, Cllr Darren McNally and Bróna Haughey and backed by Sinn Féin is aimed at developing the car park area on top of Carrickatuke Mountain so that local people and visitors can enjoy the splendid views from its summit.

A video has been made giving a brief history of the mountain and its importance in the folklore and mythology of the area.

Carrickatuke is reputed to be part of the ancient mountain range called Sliabh Fuait and the site of Sídh Fionnachaidh where the Children of Lir were born and raised. Cú Chulainn is said to have watched the’Gap of the North’ for invaders from an old stone seat at the south eastern side of the summit and the same seat was sat upon by St. Patrick. St. Patrick had intended to build his first church on the slopes of Carrickatuke at a place now known as Armaghbreague meaning False Armagh.

Speaking at the launch, Bróna Haughey said that the views and folklore associated with the mountain can compare with anywhere else in the world. “Carrickatuke, meaning The Rock of the Hawk, is an area of outstanding beauty which commands views as far as Antrim in the north, Louth and Meath to the south, Monaghan to the west and the beautiful Mourne Mountains to the east . Anywhere else, an area such as this would be seen as a tourism asset and developed as such.”

Carrickatuke was once a popular place for local people who would often take a drive up on a Sunday afternoon to take in the views as the children leapt through the heather picking ‘blaeberries’. Cathal Boylan MLA highlighted the issues that have blighted the area in recent years. “Once frequented by families, the Carrick has been used and abused by individuals and groups with absolutely no regard for others. Dead animals, tyres, fly tipping, alcohol and substance abuse are issues that have been brought to our attention and have had to be dealt with by our local council at a cost to the ratepayer.”

Check out Facebook page ‘Take Back the Carrick’ for more information.