The Legend of Shelagh

Lough Shannagh or Lough of the Fox as it’s also known is a pleasant walk steeped in mythical history.

Accessed via the fairy trail on site, the old walking path adjacent to your cottage will start you on your mythical walk to the past.

The legend goes that the daughter of a local chieftain, named Sheelagh, engaged in a fox hunt on this ancient pathway through the mountains.

At some point during the pursuit Sheelagh, who was a skilled horsewoman, left her riding party behind.

She rode furiously into the hills alone, following the elusive quarry into a sea of mist.

Alas the fox it seems was merely an enchantment of some kind, said to lure hapless folk to their deaths. In the midst of this fog the ghostly fox began to disappear and soon Sheelagh realised to her terror that she was not on terra firma but was actually sinking into the lough to her death.

When her party came upon the scene Sheelagh & her horse were no where to be found.

The subsequent search party was unable to find Sheelagh and therefore afford her body a proper burial.

It has since been said by many locals over the years that her spirit can be seen, dressed in black, walking the surrounding hills during a full moon.

Her Father, the Chieftain was said to have been so consumed by grief and anger, at the loss of his only daughter that he died some days afterwards.

Many believe that he is buried beneath the trees near Spelga Dam where his ghostly wails have been said to terrify passing walkers on the road to Hilltown.