Tiveragh, or Fairy Hill, looking out around Cushendall and The Glens of Antrim
This tiny tall hill with a steep sudden gradient geographically can be described as a volcanic plug and archeologically it may be the site of a celtic fort but in local legend it is a fairy hill. It is said that fairies live under the hill and come out at night to dance, there is a fairy tree on it’s side with favours left for the wee folk and from the top the stunning views around Cushendall are all available. The farmer who owns the land is a lovely man who said he encourages people to climb it and gave us directions.
Now what do you think was making the noise? Twas a Hurley match – and may I choke - It was two wee teams of the Fairy folk That was rippling’ and tearing’ and weltin’ away In the light of the moon was bright as day.
And their playing pitch was hardly as big As my Uncle Barney’s potato rig; And me there watchin’ them puck and clout At the back o’ the wall with my eyes stuck out.
When all at once, like the squeal of a hare, A wee voice shouted, “Who’s that up there?” And a bit off a thing about nine – inch tall Came climbing up to the top of the wall.
And he stood there; he stood about pot -size With his two wee fingers up at my eyes, And its God’s own truth that I’m speakin’ mind ye, ”Get out o’ that,” says he, “or I’ll blind ye!”
Aye that’s what he said, “I’ll blind ye,” says he, And by Jing what he said was enough for me, Did I run? Aye surely; I didn’t miss - And I haven’t seen Tiveragh from that to this.
~ H.Browne