Droichead na nDeor (The Bridge of Tears) Traditional Geocache
Droichead na nDeor (The Bridge of Tears)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Droichead na nDeor - The Bridge of Tears
Near Muckish Mountain, in the Gaeltacht district of Cloughaneely
(Cloichcheannfhaola), is a small stone bridge kown locally as
'Droichead na Caointe' (The Bridge of Tears).
In the 19th century, before the railway was built, local people
emigrating to America, Australia and the UK crossed this bridge on
their way to the port of Derry, the main departure point for
Donegal emigrants. The emigrant was accompanied by family and
friends as far as this point, but crossed to the opposite side of
the bridge alone. This walk had all the finality of a funeral as
most of the emigrants never returned.
The English translation of the inscription on the stone (pictured)
reads:
Friends and relatives of the person emigrating would come this far.
Here they parted. This is the Bridge of Tears.
The renowned writer, poet and artist Percy French was painting in
this area not far from the bridge, when he fell into conversation
with an old woman whose children had all emigrated. "T'was a lonely
land to live in when the childer was away", remarked the old lady.
This line so haunted French that on his return to his hotel in
Falcarragh that night he composed one of his most famous songs "The
Irish Mother."
Interestingly, the inspiration for the song called 'The Emigrant's
Letter", popularly known as "Cutting the Corn in Creeslough", came
from a remark French overheard during his voyage to Canada. One
emigrant on board the ship was heard to say to his friend as they
leaned over the rail of the ship: "Well then Mick, they'll be
cutting the corn in Creeslough the day." This gave French the
refrain, and the rest was easy.
Renowned Donegal Musical Group, Clannad, have also included a song
about 'The Bridge of Tears' on their 'Landmarks' album.
The Cache
The cache is an 870ml tab lock box which when placed contained a
log book and pencil and 6-7 small swap items. Please take care to
replace carefully.
This road can be fairly busy at times and as there is no footpath
please take care if walking along the roadside. There is a small
lay-by beside the stone monument at the bridge.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
haqre naq hc