The Legend Lives On
So just who are the Tuatha De Danann and what were/are they doing in Inishowen?
The Tuatha Dé Danann Clan can usually be translated as the 'People/Tribe of the Goddess Danu'. They are a mythical race of supernaturally-gifted people in Irish mythology and are said to represent the main deities of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland. Namely, the Kings, Queens, Heroes, Warriors in Irish Legend.
It is said that the Tuatha are descendants from Nemed a previous leader of Ireland and that they came from four cities to the north of Ireland - Falias, Gorias, Murias and Finias. It is here where they acquired their magical skills and attributes. Legend would have us believe that they came to Ireland in 'Dark Clouds' and landed on the mountains, plus brought darkness over the sun for three nights. However, a later version depicts them arriving in Ships which they immediately burnt so that they should not think of retreating. i.e. The Clouds of smoke and mist from the earlier story.
A poem in the Lebor Gabála Érenn says of their arrival:
It is God who suffered them, though He restrained them
they landed with horror, with lofty deed,
in their cloud of mighty combat of spectres,
upon a mountain of Conmaicne of Connacht.
Without distinction to descerning Ireland,
Without ships, a ruthless course
the truth was not known beneath the sky of stars,
whether they were of heaven or of earth.