Forge Corner Writers' Retreat

In 2005 Jack Harte acquired the cottage in Killeenduff near Easkey, Co Sligo, which his father had built in 1940. The cottage had been out of family ownership for forty years. Harte was born in this cottage in 1944. His father was the local blacksmith and his forge was situated on the corner site - the traditional 'Forge Corner' existed for at least two hundred years. In the 1950's the blacksmithing trade declined and the family moved to Lanesboro in Co Longford, but returned for holidays every summer to Killeenduff.

This cottage, the people of Easkey, as well as the landscape and traditions of Tireragh, were a constant inspiration to Jack Harte as a writer, and provide the backdrop to many of his stories and novels.

In the adjoining house, Anu Cottage, the sculptor, Fred Conlon was born a few months ahead of Jack Harte. They were cousins, grew up together, and remained close friends until Conlon's death in 2005. And just down the road another cousin, Mary Harte, was born and grew up alongside Harte and Conlon - her two sons, Martin and John Michael McDonagh, are the world-famous filmmakers and playwrights.

Since 2005 many artists have been hosted at Anu Cottage and Studios, including the recipients of the Fred Conlon Residency sponsored by Sligo Co Council. And Jack Harte has hosted many writers at the Forge Corner Writers' Retreat. So the artistic heritage of Killeenduff is being celebrated and the two cottages are the springboard for continuing cultural activity. Harte's book, 'Unravelling the Spiral', is an account of Conlon's life and work, but also provides a portrait of their growing up together in Killeenduff.

Photo 1 Forge Corner Writers' Retreat in the foreground. In the background is Anu Cottage and Studios.

Photo 2 When Fred Conlon was commissioned to execute a sculpture for Tralee, Co Kerry, he chose to create this representation of a blacksmith, based on John Harte, the last blacksmith at the Forge Corner.