SEAMUS HARKIN, BORN 1935, CREESLOUGH

The Harkin family are traced back over seven generations by Seamus Harkin who was recorded at his home in Creeslough. Seamus, who is a great local historian, recalls the travelling picture shows, the local accent and traditional Irish tunes and their importance in the locality. He discusses emigration from the area and the reasons for it, and the management and husbandry on the local farms in former days. Houses, their construction and the materials used are described and the old trackways which led to clusters of cottages in remote parts of Donegal are recalled. The general belief in superstitions, the local customs and the travelling tinsmiths and displaced people are also spoken about. Seamus discusses the people who live on Horn Head and their very individual customs and traditions.