Author Archives: Mary Montague

My latest Country Diary for The Guardian is about stories embodied by three churches, in one of my favourite parts of the world. And about birds, of course. Trawbreaga Bay, Co Donegal

The dollaghan is a variety of brown trout, unique to Lough Neagh, and “islanded” there since the last Ice Age. This is my latest Country Diary, in which they are the key that unlocks a mysterious world, constantly under threat, … Continue reading →

Monday saw me at Sixmilewater River near Antrim Forum to follow for the short walk to its mouth at Lough Neagh. I was very conscious of Sunday’s wake at Ballyronan for the Lough, which, unfortunately, I was unable to attend. … Continue reading →

I was dazzled to learn that ospreys are breeding in Fermanagh. The first in Ireland in 200 years. It threw me back a mere half century to my childhood, when as a member of the RSPB, albeit the Young Ornithologists … Continue reading →

A friend sent me this photo from Saturday’s Guardian : See? I have readers! What’s holding his attention is this travel piece (last but not least of one of four featured walks) on the little bit of heaven that is … Continue reading →

My latest Country Diary is about the Mistle Thrush. I tilted it towards its publication date – there’s a no-nonsense aspect to this species that eschews romance, or any kind of frippery. This is a species that “flings” its song … Continue reading →

Last spring, I was delighted to be offered the chance to participate in the Belfast Book Festival at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast. I was invited to be in conversation with Sarah Gibson, author of the marvellous book of … Continue reading →

It was Mary Oliver’s fourth anniversary a few days ago (17th January). I decided to mark the day by following her own perennial example. I rose early and went for a walk. I’m within a short walk of the Lagan … Continue reading →

The name is like a poem. But this is my latest Country Diary. I made a foray to home territory, my natal country, the place where I was “reared”, as we used to say. While I was there, I had … Continue reading →

Last Wednesday, 10 August 2022, Derry poet Mícheál McCann launched his gorgeous pamplet “Keeper” (edited by Ben Townley-Canning, fourteen poems press), at the Sunflower Bar in Belfast. It was a lovely evening. Ben came over from London to introduce, and … Continue reading →