Tossey’s Cottage is located at 15A Drumnahavil Road BT63HJ in the townland of Mullyard, Derrynoose in County Armagh. It is situated on one of the hilltops of Sliabh Fuad in the ancient kingdom of Oriel with a commanding view of eleven counties and mountains including Slemish, the Sperrins, Sliabh Beagh, the Bluestacks, Cuilcagh, Moyer, Mullyash and Sliabh Gullion. Ancient stones suggest a timeline of 5,000 years of human activity and the pulse of 200 generations. Surrounded by myth and legend, the cottage was last inhabited in the mid-1800s when the tenants were evicted owing to non-payment of rent.

The viewpoint, Suil na gColla (the eye of the Colla) is named after Colla Uais, one of the three Collas and former High King of Ireland who gives his name to Derrynoose, (Doire nuais, the oak grove of the noble one). The Emigration Stone, beside the viewpoint, a six-ton glacial erratic, was raised up in June 2001 on Mullyard Hill, Co Armagh at an elevation of seven hundred and forty feet above sea level, close to where it lay for fifty thousand years since the last Ice Age.
On June 21st of that month, it was officially dedicated to the memory of all those who left Ireland down the ages through emigration, adventure, transportation and transplantation. This Stone, the only one so dedicated in Ireland, symbolises the entire Irish race where all those with roots in this country who visit and touch it might be unified in spirit with each other.

The cottage, with a capacity of 50, was restored in the late 1990s and for 25 years has been hosting a popular packed session of traditional music, folk song, poetry, story-telling and bardic revelry on the FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. These are attended by patrons from all parts of Ireland and tourists from the five continents.

The sessions are welcoming, intimate, always soothing, sometimes uproarious and never fail to re-capture the spirit and atmosphere of old gatherings round the hearthstone of bygone days.

‘Step into Tossey’s Cottage, knock the jamb wall and gather round the turf fire fanned by the bellows. You’ll find the atmosphere inviting, invigorating and uplifting. In an instant the turbulence and millstones of modern-day living will evaporate, and you will be taken on a thousand journeys in the company of spirits from the past. For jollification, your toes will start tapping to the jigs and reels, you will break forth in chorus to rousing song and you’ll hear bags of lies so convincing that you won’t believe the half of them. Join the good company of music makers, songsmiths and versifiers. Leave us enriched by your presence and savour the empowerment for the journey forward. We are the music makers; we are the dreamers of dreams.’

Tossey’s cottage has hosted many other events over the years such as storytelling, reminiscing sessions, parties for returning exiles, local history presentations, churning/butter making demonstrations, gatherings/reception for walkers’ groups, school group re-unions, St Brigid’s cross making, birthday/anniversary celebrations and various workshops. In association with Derrynoose Heritage Group, there are walking tours of 30 local sites of historical significance. Further information: 02837531971