In the first programme of this short series we began our journey along the border, catching some of the best views from Carlingford Lough as far as Counties Monaghan, Armagh & Tyrone. We now continue, following the Blackwater River upstream marking the boundary between Monaghan and Tyrone. Beyond Aughnacloy, farmland gives way to forest – millenial forest – on both sides of the border; Derry Gorry & Favour Forest Royal.
The border travels onwards and upwards to the boggy uplands of Sliabh Beagh, where Fermanagh meets Tyrone & Monaghan before zig zagging its way to Clones, an ancient monastic settlement. Once bustling Ulster market town, but because it is surrounded on three sides by the border it has lost out, except maybe on Ulster Final day!
“Tá Banc Uladh druidte anois…an Northern Bank ansin druidte fosta. Níl ach Banc na hÉireann fágtha anois – má fheiceann tú suas ansin sin Oifig an Phoist sin dúnta feasta.”
