Glenties

Introducing Glenties

This sure is a tidy town, just as the sign informs you as you roll in on the highway. Glenties (Na Gleannta) may be a little too fussily kept up – you have the feeling an old lady will follow you around with a broom and a dustpan – but there’s no denying its beautiful location at the foot of two valleys with a southern backdrop laid on by the Blue Stack Mountains. It’s a good spot for fishing and there are some cracking walks in the surrounding countryside.

A summer school (www.patrickmacgill.com) is held in August in honour of plucky Patrick MacGill (1891–1963), the ‘navvy poet’ who was sold by his parents at a hiring-fair, later escaped and eventually ended up writing for the English Daily Express. Glenties is also linked with playwright Brian Friel, whose play (and later star-studded film), Dancing at Lughnasa, is set in the town.

On the main street there’s a Bank of Ireland, with an ATM and bureau de change, and a post office.

St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre (955 1227; Main St; adult/child €2.50/1; 10am-1pm & 2-4.30pm Mon-Sat Apr-Sep), beside the old courthouse at the western end of town, has a fusty ragbag of local artefacts.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009