In a poetic ode penned by J. W. Enright, the Golden Vale of Limerick unfolds its breathtaking beauty as one gazes down from a vantage point atop Mulloughanish. The scene, painted by nature’s hand, showcases the meandering Magiue, Deel, and the majestic Shannon, gracefully flowing through expansive meadowlands. This glorious autumn day bathes the landscape in a golden hue, offering a heavenly view of the renowned Golden Vale.

The sun, a radiant orb in the sky, casts its bright rays upon the observer, while the heathery moor echoes with the call of the curlew nearby. Below, a babbling brook carves its course with a headlong swish, creating a soothing melody as one sits in solitary contemplation atop Mulloughanish.

To the right, Glen Ivers stretches out, accompanied by the charming locales of Broadford and Charleville. On the left, the picturesque Ashford, the sweet Strand, and the Old Mill form a captivating panorama. Newcastle, Ballingarry, and the renowned Knockmealdown proudly stand in bold relief, their profiles etched against the backdrop as the golden sun begins its descent.

As the day unfolds, the dew descends, and the air takes on a brisk chill. The poet anticipates the inevitable descent down the steep-sloped hill to an old mud cabin nestled in the Glen, where the rippling Tatars offer a serene backdrop. In this idyllic haven, birds sing merrily, and gentle zephyrs carry whispers of tranquillity.

The poet bids a melancholic farewell to Mulloughanish, a frequented haunt and a spot held dear in the heart. Memories linger, as time swiftly passes, and the soul finds solace beneath the eternal skies, free from earthly cares. The ode captures the essence of the Golden Vale, where nature’s beauty and the passage of time intertwine, creating an everlasting connection between the observer and the enchanting landscape.

In the twilight hours, as the sun dips below the horizon, one can’t help but reflect on the timeless allure of Limerick’s Golden Vale, where each meadow and stream tell tales of the past and promise a serene future. Mulloughanish, with its panoramic views, stands as a testament to the enduring magic of this region, inviting all to cherish its beauty and hold its memories close to heart.

MULLOUGHANISH

The Golden Vale of Limerick I see ‘way down below,

Where peacefully the Magiue and Deel and lordly Shannon flow,

Through a wide expanse of meadowland,

by Nature’s hand, made gay.

Such a gorgeous scene in Heaven to view this glorious autumn day!

The sun shines brightly overhead, on me his rays do fall,

And near-by in the heathery moor, I hear the curlew’s call;

A brooklet ‘neath me carves its course—l hear its headlong swish,

As lonely, I sit musing here on top of Mulloughanish.

Glen Ivers stretches to the right, Broadford and Charleville,

And to the left lies Ashford, sweet Strand and the Old Mill;

Newcastle, Ballingarry, and far-famed Knockmealdown

Stand out to view, in bold relief, as the golden sun sinks down.

But now the dew is falling fast, the air is getting chill,

And soon my weary limbs must lead me down this steep-sloped hill

To an old mud cabin in the Glen, where rippling waters flow,

Where the birds are singing merrily, and zephyrs gently blow.

I’ll now be saying, sadly, farewell to thee for evermore!

Mulloughanish! – frequented haunt – the spot that I adore!

What memories doth the name recall!- oh, time it quickly flies?

Where the soul from earthly care is free, beneath eternal skies.

Irish Emerald – Saturday 05 November 1910

By J.W. Enright