placenames Dungiven - Dún Geimhin - Geimhin's fort
Between the 12th and 17th centuries the area around Dungiven was ruled by the Ó Catháin clan, one of the most influential clans in Ulster and respected throughout Ireland who built Dungiven Castle The world famous song Danny Boy is taken from a melody composed by Ó Catháin bard Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin. The original version concerns the passing of the Chief Cú Maige na nGall Ó Catháin, whose death brought an end to the long line of O'Cahan chiefs.
Indeed, Dungiven and its people are still well-known for the love of their musical heritage, Cara and Mary Dillon being its best known singers but it is also the birthplace of the Brollys, Anne and Francie, their daughter, harpist Nodlaig and a certain GAA pundit much in the news this week, Joe.