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Loughanleagh: The Lake of Cures

Explore Loughanleagh: Cavan's historic mountain with stunning views, ancient cairns, and rich folklore – a natural and cultural treasure.

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Loughanleagh, or 'Lake of the Cures,' is a scenic mountain area in County Cavan, steeped in history and folklore. The Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust works to preserve its natural beauty and promote its rich heritage, including Stone Age cairns and ancient healing traditions.

A brief summary to Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be uneven, especially when exploring the cairns.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views from the summit, which can stretch across multiple counties on a clear day.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Kingscourt, take the R165 towards Bailieborough. After a few kilometers, look for signs for Loughanleagh. Follow the signs to the parking area at the summit. Parking is free. Be aware that the road to the summit can be narrow in places.

  • Public Transport

    Take Bus Éireann route 170 from Kingscourt to a stop near Loughanleagh. Check the Bus Éireann website for the most up-to-date schedule and exact stop locations. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 2-3 km walk to the Loughanleagh parking area and trailheads. A single fare on Bus Éireann within this zone typically costs around €4-€6.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Kingscourt. A taxi from Kingscourt to Loughanleagh will cost approximately €20-€30. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust

Loughanleagh, derived from the Irish 'Lough-an-Leighis' meaning 'Lake of the Cures,' is a captivating region of high landscape in east Cavan, nestled between Bailieborough and Kingscourt. Once known as Sliabh Gaileng, or 'The Mountains of the Gailenga,' this area is rich in history, dating back to the Neolithic, Stone Age, Celtic, and Norman periods. The Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust actively works to preserve the area's unique ecology, archaeology, and visual appeal. The trust develops walkways and trails, encouraging visitors to explore the beautiful landscape and delve into its past. At 344 meters (1,119 ft) above sea level, Loughanleagh offers panoramic views of up to fourteen surrounding counties. Three Stone Age cairns are situated across the ridge of Loughanleagh Mountain, serving as burial chambers for tribal chiefs. According to folklore, the cairns were formed when a Cailleach, a divine hag, dropped stones from her apron. The area is also linked to St. Patrick in local legends. Once a sacred Celtic pool, the now-dried lake was reputed to have healing waters and mud, believed to cure scurvy and skin diseases. The mountain ridge acts as a watershed between the drumlin lake district of Cavan and the fertile farmlands of County Meath, adding to its ecological importance. Bilberry Sunday, a remnant of the ancient Lughnasa festival, is celebrated in late July, with locals gathering bilberries from the hillside.

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