New publication tells historic tale that still has relevance today

It was in 1859 that a pioneer Rights of Way Association took on Joseph Magill, a would be property developer on the hill, for blocking the traditional right of way - and won.

Author of ‘The Great Cave Hill Right of Way Case’, John Gray explains: “Evidence given at the trial is the single most important source on how people lived on the Cave Hill right back to the 1780’s. We hear how the Volunteers assembled there, of the great gatherings for the Easter Monday fair, of quarrymen, of lives simply lived raising cattle and ‘praties’. The tale includes a love affair between Cork born Andrew Nash, and Sarah Orr ‘The Flower of Cave Hill’ and owner of the face of the hill. It is a very moral tale too: of how the overweening ambition of their son-in-law, Joseph Magill, led to the court case, and his ruin.”

Gray also sees this history as having present day relevance, adding: “The first ever suggestion that Cave Hill should become a public park was made during this case. The Rights of Way Association claimed a ‘right to roam’ which has been secured on the Cave Hill, but is still denied in much of the Belfast Hills area and upland Ulster generally. There is much to campaign for in the spirit of the pioneers of 1859.”

The 48-page illustrated pamphlet marks the 150th anniversary of the landmark courtroom victory and gives a scholarly but gripping account of the events involved.

Copies of the pamphlet, priced 5, are available by logging on to www.cavehillconservation.org