Glentaisie facts for kids

Glentaisie (Irish: Taoibhgeal, meaning 'of the bright cheeks') is one of the nine beautiful Glens of Antrim in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Imagine a green valley nestled between hills – that's a glen! This particular glen is the most northerly of the nine and sits right at the foot of a mountain called Knocklayde. The coastal town of Ballycastle is located where the glen meets the sea.

What is Glentaisie?

Glentaisie is a stunning valley, or "glen," found in the scenic region of the Glens of Antrim. These glens are famous for their natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and rivers. Glentaisie is special because it's the northernmost of these nine famous valleys.

How Glentaisie Was Formed

Glentaisie, like many other landscapes in Northern Ireland, was shaped a very long time ago during the Ice Age. Huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, slowly moved across the land. As they moved, they carved out the valleys and mountains we see today. It was a powerful natural process that created this beautiful glen.

Where is Glentaisie Located?

This lovely glen is situated in County Antrim, which is part of Northern Ireland. It's easy to find on a map, as it's right at the base of Knocklayde mountain. At its northern end, Glentaisie opens up to the sea, where the town of Ballycastle is located. This makes it a place where mountains meet the coast.

The Legend of Princess Taisie

Glentaisie gets its name from a fascinating old story about a beautiful young woman named Princess Taisie. According to traditional storytellers (people who passed down old tales), Taisie was the daughter of King Dorm, who ruled Rathlin Island. Her beauty was known far and wide, and many wanted to marry her.

A Royal Betrothal

Princess Taisie was promised to Congal, who was set to become the next King of Ireland. Their wedding celebrations were already happening! However, there was another powerful ruler who wanted Taisie's hand in marriage: the King of Norway. He sailed all the way to Ireland to claim her as his bride.

The Battle for Taisie

When the King of Norway arrived, he tried to take Princess Taisie by force. A big battle broke out in the glen. The King of Norway and his army fought hard, but in the end, he was defeated and killed. His army, without their leader, had to flee, leaving empty-handed. This brave princess and the battle fought for her are said to be why the glen is called Glentaisie.

A Look at Glentaisie's History

Besides the legend of Princess Taisie, Glentaisie has also been the site of real historical events. The area has seen many changes over the centuries, from ancient times to more recent history.

The Battle of Glentaisie (1565)

A significant historical event that took place in this area was the Battle of Glentaisie. This battle was fought on May 2, 1565. In this conflict, Shane O'Neill, a powerful Irish leader, fought against the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. Shane O'Neill and his forces were victorious in this important battle. It was a time when different clans and leaders were often fighting for control of land and power in Ireland.