Choose Ireland » Hills and Mountains

Uisneagh Hill

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:58:53 +0000

In ancient times, this high hill not far from Mullingar was the meeting place for the provincial kings and the site of the pagan Bealtaine festival. On the site where the Capstone, called “Ail Na Mearainn” is located, a King called Tualthal Teahmarr once lived in his palace.
High Kings of Ireland held court here for more than two centuries, until around the time of the arrival of St. Patrick and Christianity.

Knockmany Forest

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:53:24 +0000

This forest includes a hilltop passage tomb, located deep in the forest north of Augher. It is topped by extraordinary decorated stones said to mark the grave of Queen Aine, who ruled during the second century.
The stones are inscribed with megalithic designs that are considered among the finest from this period located in all of Ulster. To reach the tomb, visitors must climb a steep path 1-¼ miles long, that winds its way from the upper parking area.
Below the hilltop monument, in another part of Knockmany Forest lies Ardushin Lough, which can be enjoyed to the fullest by following the 1-½ mile long lakeside path that proceeds through a striking group of mature Douglas Fir trees that are more than 80 years old.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:49:11 +0000

Located on the western fringe of the scenic Sperrin Mountains, the trees at Gortin Glen Forest Park were planted with the purpose of producing coniferous trees for lumber. The on site tree farm distinguishes Gortin Glen from other facilities of its kind.
The park is one of a few in Ireland that maintains a drive through tour; a five mile long paved road through many breathtaking views. There are several stopping areas where tourists can relax, enjoy the scenery and take photographs. The walking trail is posted with explanations of various sites along the path. Picnic areas are scattered through the forest at various points, and there are footpaths that twist and turn, leading visitors to some surprisingly beautiful locations.
Plant species include Sitka Spruce trees, purple bell heather, pink blossomed cross-leaf heather, and ling heather. Sitka deer also populate the area. The named paths include Nature Trail, Lady’s View Trail, and Gortin Burn Walk, a portion of which is connected to Ulster Way.
At the entrance to the walking portion of the park, there is an indoor exhibition centre and a few enclosures where visitors can observe wildlife at close range.
Gortin Glen Forest Park also maintains a play area for the enjoyment of the children as well as a souvenir shop for children of all ages.

Mauherslieve

Brian — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:53:22 +0000

Located in North Tipperary, the name Mauherslieve means Mother Mountain. On its welcome sign, the nearby village of Rearcross proclaims itself to be the land of ancient tombs, beautiful scenery and deer sanctuary.
The surrounding group of mountains is known as the Slieve Felims, the highest of which is Callaun Hill at 426m. There are some 20 tombs and cairns located at the tops of the mountains here, and the views, even after a long climb, are exceptionally beautiful. There is also plenty of undisturbed forestland to serve as a habitat for the deer

Tipperary Town

Brian — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:52:40 +0000

This farming town sits at the edge of the Golden Vale, a fertile farming plain that covers much of County Tipperary. The name of the town, as well as that of the county, comes from the Celtic ‘Tiobraid Arann’, which means ‘the well of Era’, or the River Ara. Tipperary Town is located on the banks of the River Ara, close to the hills surrounding the Glen of Aherlow, where beautiful climbing trails can be found.
The dairy farming town features an historic old Butter Market and many restored buildings located in the section called New Tipperary. This area was rebuilt by locals at the time of Ireland’s Land War in 1890-91.
Also located in Tipperary— the grave of Robert Emmett’s grandfather at the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church, Dalton’s Heritage House, and a statue of Charles Kickham. He was a 19th century novelist who wrote about forced emigration and how it adversely affected Tipperary in his book, The Homes of Tipperary.
St. Michael’s Church features a haunting stained glass window that pictures a World War I soldier killed during the fighting.
Genealogy buffs should visit the headquarters of Clann na hEirann, a premier research organization that gathers information on various surnames from all over Ireland.

Drumbanagher Hill

Brian — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:15:54 +0000

This hill outside Glaslough in County Monaghan was the site of a Viking Fort in the 10th century. Here the invaders staged attacks on Old Donagh Church. A significant strategic area for battle, Drumbanagher Hill is most widely remembered as the site of the first battle of the war between James II and William III of England in 1688, the outcome of which would change life in Ireland forever.
The Battle at Drumbanagher Hill in 1688 was waged by John Mc Kenna, a member of the powerful McKenna clan. In fact, when McKenna and his Catholic army were defeated here by Anketell and the Protestants, it signaled the end of the McKenna power in the Glaslough and Emyvale region. McKenna was beheaded during the battle, and his severed head was taken to his wife at their home in Minmurray. It is said that the McKenna fortune was deposited into the lake at Minmurray just prior to the battle, and pieces still wash up occasionally. Some of them can be seen at the National Museum in Dublin, kept under the label “Dawson Collection”.
The scope of the war then widened, and had a monumental impact on Catholics after it ended in 1691 with William III emerging as the victor at Aughrim, Galway. The Penal Laws of 1695 were enacted, forbidding Catholics from bearing arms, and restricting their rights to education and the free practise of their religion. The Penal Laws also placed limits on the amount of property and possessions they were permitted to own. For example, owning a horse worth more than 5 pounds was unlawful.

Slane Castle

Brian — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:24:21 +0000

The tiny Georgian village of Slane is located along the River Boyne. Slane Castle is its largest attraction, built during the 18th century in the vicinity of a large natural amphitheater. The estate has been the scene of numerous outdoor concerts since the year 1981, when Lord Henry Mountcharles held the first, back when U2 served as a backup band. Other recognizable artists who have performed at Slane Castle over the years include David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. The largest crowd ever recorded was 70,000 attendees at an REM concert.
Slane Castle fell victim to a destructive fire, and was renovated and reopened to the public in 2001. A guided tour is available, which features the extraordinary plasterwork and stained glass windows, and a ballroom especially built for a visit from King George IV in 1821. A man named Capability Brown, a famous local landscaper, was responsible for the beautiful grounds.
Also near Slane are several sites of religious importance, including the Hermitage, a 16th century religious structure built on the site where St. Erc, who was converted by St. Patrick, lived the life of a hermit. The ruins of the church include the tower, nave and chancel.
On nearby Slane Hill, it is said that St. Patrick lit the Paschal Fire in 433, signaling the beginning of his efforts to convert the people of Ireland to Christianity. From the top of the 500-foot high hill, the entire 25-mile length of the Boyne Valley is visible in breathtaking form.

Loughcrew Cairns

Brian — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:04:01 +0000

This cluster of ancient tombs survives from 3000 B.C. The cairns are called passage tombs, a type commonly erected in the Neolithic Era. They cover three adjacent hilltops, sometimes called the “Hills of the Witch”.
Tomb T is one of the biggest and houses extraordinary pieces of Neolithic art in its cross shaped chamber, which is perfectly lit by the rays of the rising sun at both equinoxes. Also notable is Cairn L located on Cairnbane West.
These cairns are among the most impressive in all of Ireland and are situated atop very high hills that allow visitors to enjoy excellent views of the surrounding area.

Trim Castle

Brian — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:01:44 +0000

More than merely noticeable upon entering the town, Trim Castle truly dominates the surrounding landscape. Perched atop a hill on a 2½-acre site, it overlooks the River Boyne. Erected by Hugh de Lacy in 1173, it is the largest example of an Anglo-Norman castle in all of Ireland.
Well-preserved ruins reveal stunning 70-foot high turrets, a large, cruciform-shaped keep three stories high, and sturdy rectangular towers. The 500-yard long outer wall also survives, along with five other towers that form a D shape.
Only a year or so after Trim Castle was built, it was destroyed by Roderick of Connaught, but then rebuilt in 1220. The Castle marked the edge of the Pale – the area around Dublin where the Anglo Normans felt safe from the Gaelic Irish.
The lords of Meath used it as a base of government in the 14th century rather than a family residence. When Sir James Carroll took over the property in 1610, it was badly in need of repair.
In more recent history, Trim Castle was the object of excavation and extensive renovation prior to its reopening to the public in 2000.

Ballymacrolly Hill

Brian — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 11:50:19 +0000

This hill is the site of an old corn mill that survives from the 11th century. It was central to the agricultural life of the local people for centuries. Also on the site is a mill pond and brewery.