Traditions are the customs, beliefs and superstitions of people which have been upheld for many centuries. Unsurprisingly many of the traditions for Lough Neagh are associated with water and similar water-based traditions are recorded from across the whole of Ireland several of which may have their roots in pre-Christian times, most particularly the Iron Age. Numerous archaeological artefacts dating to this period have been recovered from rivers, lakes and bogs not only in Ireland but also in Britain and the Continent and would appear to have been deposited as votive offerings. Traditions practiced in pre-Christian Ireland would have been adopted by Christian missionaries in bid convert the native Irish and make the new religion appear more familiar. For example many Christian feast days are associated with pagan observances such as Midsummer (St. John’s Eve) and the Winter solstice (Christmas). Such “pagan” practices were retained and tolerated within the new church but in time many were banned for being too raucous and immoral.
What follows is list of the traditions of Lough Neagh, but it is not exhaustive. Should you know of any other customs beliefs or superstitions etc. please contact the website via this link.