Tag Archives: Poetry

Chasing my tail

Posted on June 7, 2025 by Mary Montague

It’s been a while. First there’s the matter of my most recent contribution to The Guardian‘s Country Diary. As the more long-memoried of you will recall, I wrote about Newgrange for December. And I went back to Brú na Bóinne … Continue reading →

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Choose your riches

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Mary Montague

Where is your treasure? I was delighted to have this chance to write about the Sperrins, and meeting Fidelma O’Kane and other members of the Save Our Sperrins campaign was a truly inspirational experience. It was prompted by an invitation … Continue reading →

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The turn of the Celtic Spring

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Mary Montague

I was lucky enough to be able to céilí at Danny Gormley’s in the townland of Rotten Mountain  (a transliteration from the Irish: the original name may have been rath tine (fort of fire) or raithneach muine (shrubbery of ferns), … Continue reading →

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John Montague: A Poet’s Launch

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Mary Montague

My late uncle, John Montague, is acknowledged as one of the greatest poets 20th century Ireland produced. While his work is loved and admired by many, I think it’s also fair to say that he’s also something of a well-kept … Continue reading →

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The guidance of birds

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Mary Montague

My latest Country Diary is out today. I had the good fortune to be invited to give a workshop on poetry and birds at Jubilee Farm. It was a wonderful day in an inspiring place. It was great to have … Continue reading →

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Bright Wings

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Mary Montague

So now for that magical encounter that I first wrote about a couple of weeks ago, here. Today’s Country Diary is the big reveal. Chaffinches have always been one of my favourite species. Indeed, I previously wrote here, they were … Continue reading →

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Dawn Chorus 2024: Before the clocks change

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Mary Montague

It was like old times today. I’d my alarm set for 04:30 so that I could be out for first light. 10 years after I completed my mid-life PhD – and almost 12 years after my last field work session … Continue reading →

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