In a field in Slaghtaverty, a townland near Garvagh, there is a prehistoric cairn, Sleacht Abhartaigh (Slaght Averty) or the Dwarf’s Grave. This is the setting for the story of Abhartach.

Abhartach was a local chieftain who was greatly feared by his people. They eventually called on a neighbouring chieftain, some say Finn MacCool, to rid them of the evil little man. Abhartach possessed magical powers and the chieftain had to slay him three times before he was finally vanquished.

Some say Arbhartach drank the blood of his victims, and it has been suggested that this story was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

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This project is receiving financial support via the District Council Good Relations Programme.