Mullaghcarn Trail

12/04/2026

The Giant on the Cairn known locally as Shane - the Highway Man

Folklore tells us that Shane Bernagh (Donnelly), the highway man known locally as "the Rap" spent time on Mullaghcarn Mountain, Co. Tyrone. Shane was closely linked with the O’Neills (Ui Neill) of Tir Eoghain who ruled much of Ulster and were based in Dungannon.
As a consequence of the dispossession of the Donnellys from an area now known as Castlecaulfield, Shane joined a band of rapparees and was to become a Robin Hood type character. Together with a likeminded following, he is known to have journeyed in the Dungannon, Omagh, Gortin and Newtownstewart regions. He did ‘good business’ in cattle seizing from incoming landowners; ‘never from the native Irish’. Some cattle were held as ransom; the return of a fat bullock to a landlord prevented many an eviction from the natives’ homes in this part of Co Tyrone. Many a good cow, after being camouflaged, we are told, found an owner among the poor. Stagecoaches typically provided a good hunting ground for Shane and his band in their endeavours to ‘rob the rich to serve the poor’. Tradition has it that many of the oak forests in the area were ruthlessly destroyed by the military (Red Coats) in order to prevent ambushes by Shane’s band of horsemen.
It is recorded that in the 1700s, the government was compelled to build a barracks at Altmore, Pomeroy in an effort to capture ‘alive or dead’ the then notorious rapparee, Shane, and his men. It is known that at one time ‘a large roll of notes’ was uncovered at a place now known as ‘The Robbers' Grave’ on Mossey Hill near Gortin Lakes. There had been a daring attack on the barracks at Altmore Pomeroy, after which a long drawnout chase ensued. Shane was brought to bay on Mullaghcarn Mountain. ‘Owing to a leg injury Shane was unable to reach his cottage in the upper reaches of the Pollan Burn and was killed within sight of his own cottage. His wife and son also died near their cottage on that day’. Shane’s body was reportedly cast into a lough at the summit of Slieve Beagh which straddles the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan.
The remains of Shane’s cottage were known to have been sighted on the north side slope of Mullaghcarn as late as the 1950s.

Extract from Sperrins Tourism old signage 1997 at Mullaghacarn summit Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone

10/03/2026

Visitors on Mullaghcarn Trail to visit the Giant on the Cairn, known locally as Shane from our local folklore at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone

13/08/2025

Visitors on the Mullaghcarn Trail at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone visitor attraction in the Sperrins

06/08/2025

Shane - the Highway Man on Mullaghcarn Mountain

Folklore tells us that Shane Bernagh (Donnelly), the highway man known locally as "the Rap" spent time on Mullaghcarn Mountain, Co. Tyrone. Shane was closely linked with the O’Neills (Ui Neill) of Tir Eoghain who ruled much of Ulster and were based in Dungannon.
As a consequence of the dispossession of the Donnellys from an area now known as Castlecaulfield, Shane joined a band of rapparees and was to become a Robin Hood type character. Together with a likeminded following, he is known to have journeyed in the Dungannon, Omagh, Gortin and Newtownstewart regions. He did ‘good business’ in cattle seizing from incoming landowners; ‘never from the native Irish’. Some cattle were held as ransom; the return of a fat bullock to a landlord prevented many an eviction from the natives’ homes in this part of Co Tyrone. Many a good cow, after being camouflaged, we are told, found an owner among the poor. Stagecoaches typically provided a good hunting ground for Shane and his band in their endeavours to ‘rob the rich to serve the poor’. Tradition has it that many of the oak forests in the area were ruthlessly destroyed by the military (Red Coats) in order to prevent ambushes by Shane’s band of horsemen.
It is recorded that in the 1700s, the government was compelled to build a barracks at Altmore, Pomeroy in an effort to capture ‘alive or dead’ the then notorious rapparee, Shane, and his men. It is known that at one time ‘a large roll of notes’ was uncovered at a place now known as ‘The Robbers' Grave’ on Mossey Hill near Gortin Lakes. There had been a daring attack on the barracks at Altmore Pomeroy, after which a long drawnout chase ensued. Shane was brought to bay on Mullaghcarn Mountain. ‘Owing to a leg injury Shane was unable to reach his cottage in the upper reaches of the Pollan Burn and was killed within sight of his own cottage. His wife and son also died near their cottage on that day’. Shane’s body was reportedly cast into a lough at the summit of Slieve Beagh which straddles the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan.
The remains of Shane’s cottage were known to have been sighted on the north side slope of Mullaghcarn as late as the 1950s.

Extract from Sperrins Tourism old signage 1997 at Mullaghacarn summit Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone

Shane - the Highway Man on Mullaghcarn Mountain Co Tyrone

Folklore tells us that Shane Bernagh (Donnelly), the highway man known locally as "the Rap" spent time on Mullaghcarn Mountain in the Sperrins, Co. Tyrone. Shane was closely linked with the O’Neills (Ui Neill) of Tir Eoghain who ruled much of Ulster and were based in Dungannon.
As a consequence of the dispossession of the Donnellys from an area now known as Castlecaulfield, Shane joined a band of rapparees and was to become a Robin Hood type character. Together with a likeminded following, he is known to have journeyed in the Dungannon, Omagh, Gortin and Newtownstewart regions. He did ‘good business’ in cattle seizing from incoming landowners; ‘never from the native Irish’. Some cattle were held as ransom; the return of a fat bullock to a landlord prevented many an eviction from the natives’ homes in this part of Co Tyrone. Many a good cow, after being camouflaged, we are told, found an owner among the poor. Stagecoaches typically provided a good hunting ground for Shane and his band in their endeavours to ‘rob the rich to serve the poor’. Tradition has it that many of the oak forests in the area were ruthlessly destroyed by the military (Red Coats) in order to prevent ambushes by Shane’s band of horsemen.
It is recorded that in the 1700s, the government was compelled to build a barracks at Altmore, Pomeroy in an effort to capture ‘alive or dead’ the then notorious rapparee, Shane, and his men. It is known that at one time ‘a large roll of notes’ was uncovered at a place now known as ‘The Robbers' Grave’ on Mossey Hill near the Gortin Lakes. There had been a daring attack on the barracks at Altmore Pomeroy, after which a long drawnout chase ensued. Shane was brought to bay on Mullaghcarn Mountain. ‘Owing to a leg injury Shane was unable to reach his cottage in the upper reaches of the Pollan Burn and was killed within sight of his own cottage. His wife and son also died near their cottage on that day’. Shane’s body was reportedly cast into a lough at the summit of Slieve Beagh Knockatallon Community which straddles the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan.
The remains of Shane’s cottage were known to have been sighted on the north side slope of Mullaghcarn as late as the 1950s. folklore.ie
Everyone enjoys folklore!
Extract from Sperrins Tourism old signage 1997 at Mullaghacarn summit Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone

09/01/2025

Thanks to Davy Mc Fall for sending us this amazing image of Shane the Guardian of the Sperrins on the Mullaghcarn Trail. Have you visited 'The Guardian of the Sperrins' on the summit of Mullaghcarn Mountain at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone?
Folklore tells us that Shane Bernagh (Donnelly), the highway man known locally as "The Rap" spent time on Mullaghcarn Mountain. Shane was closely linked with the O’Neills (Ui Neill) of Tir Eoghain who ruled much of Ulster and were based in Dungannon.
As a consequence of the dispossession of the Donnellys from an area now known as Castlecaulfield, Shane joined a band of rapparees and was to become a Robin Hood type character. Together with a likeminded following, he is known to have journeyed in the Dungannon, Omagh, Gortin and Newtownstewart regions. He did ‘good business’ in cattle seizing from incoming landowners; ‘never from the native Irish’. Some cattle were held as ransom; the return of a fat bullock to a landlord prevented many an eviction from the natives’ homes in this part of Co. Tyrone. Many a good cow, after being camouflaged, we are told, found an owner among the poor. Stagecoaches typically provided a good hunting ground for Shane and his band in their endeavours to ‘rob the rich to serve the poor’. Tradition has it that many of the oak forests in the area were ruthlessly destroyed by the military (Red Coats) in order to prevent ambushes by Shane’s band of horsemen.
It is recorded that in the 1700s, the government was compelled to build a barracks at Altmore, Pomeroy in an effort to capture ‘alive or dead’ the then notorious rapparee, Shane, and his men. It is known that at one time ‘a large roll of notes’ was uncovered at a place now known as ‘The Robbers' Grave’ on Mossey Hill. There had been a daring attack on the barracks at Altmore Pomeroy, after which a long drawnout chase ensued. Shane was brought to bay on Mullaghcarn Mountain. ‘Owing to a leg injury Shane was unable to reach his cottage in the upper reaches of the Pollan Burn and was killed within sight of his own cottage. His wife and son also died near their cottage on that day’. Shane’s body was reportedly cast into a lough at the summit of Slieve Beagh which straddles the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan.
The remains of Shane’s cottage were known to have been sighted on the north side slope of Mullaghcarn as late as the 1950s.
'Shane, the Guardian of the Sperrins', recognises the handing down of local legends by our own people; historians, both past and present, from the Gortin Forest Park region.

25/09/2024

Friends of the Glens Walk and Talk on Saturday, 21st September.
After meeting at forest cafe at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone as usual, we walked the Mullaghcarn Trail to visit the Giant on the Cairn, known locally as Shane, recognising our local folklore and heritage. We had our lunch on the Cairn. Was great to have such large numbers out on a beautiful misty autumn morning. It was a privilege to support Darren Mc Connell on this sponsored walk to the summit of Mullaghcarn. Was also great to see others walking the Mullaghcarn Trail too. We finished the walk with beautiful treats and wonderful hospitality in the forest cafe. Thanks for everyone's help and support on the walk. Great to see all the new walkers joining us on the Saturday morning walks.
Everyone is very welcome to join us on our upcoming walks. Dogs on leads are welcome too! Keep a look in on our page for details of upcoming walks.
Sean

20/09/2024

Friends of the Glens Walk and Talk- tomorrow morning, Saturday, 21st September. We will meet at the forest cafe at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone at 10am, as usual. We plan to walk for approx 3hrs duration on the Mullaghcarn Trail, an moderate 6mile walk on forest trails to visit the Giant on the Cairn. We will also be walking alongside and encouraging a local man Darren Mc Connell from Plumbridge. Darren is walking to the summit of Mullaghcarn for the first time on this sponsored walk for his nominated charity! All support for Darren will be must appropriated. We will have an alternative route on the walk if you need a shorter walk.
Remember to bring a snack and drink for break. Appropriate footwear advisable.
It's good to walk. And talk. After the walk, we will meet at the forest cafe for usual treats and hospitality. If you haven't been out for a while, would be great to see you back again. New walkers are always welcome to join us on our walks too. Dogs on leads are very welcome too! Enjoy your weekend. Sean

11/07/2024

Visitors on the Mullaghcarn Trail at Gortin Glen Forest Park Co Tyrone in the Sperrins