The Dance of Death

Fair Head

The great headland of Fair Head is situated above the Rock of Usnach. The name Fair Head originates via the sad fate of beautiful, golden-haired girl.

The girl lived in a castle on Rathlin Island, and had many admirers. Her admirers included two young men who decided to fight for her hand in marriage.

One of the young men was fatally injured, and his loyal servant and aide, Thol Dhu, hurried to assist him. The young man's last words to Thol Dhu were to dance with the girl out on the cliff below the castle.

Thol Dhu span the girl so that she became dizzy, and before the girl could notice, they were both at the very edge of the cliff. They both went over into the sea and drowned. Thol Dhu had avenged his young masters life by taking his own. The girl was washed ashore on the mainland, and because of her ravishing golden hair the spot became known as "Fair Head".