Fermanagh
Aghatirourke
Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Cairn
Fermanagh
Aghatirourke
Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Cairn
Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 12 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Cuilcagh Mountain Park
Magnificent views of the hills of Ireland. The summit is right on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
November 17, 2020
The name Cuilcagh comes from the Irish Cuilceach, which has been translated as "chalky". However, the mountain is mainly sandstone and shale, covered with bog and heather. The cliff-edged summit surface of the mountain is formed from the hard-wearing Lackagh Sandstone which itself overlies the Briscloonagh Sandstone. "It is possible that the name refers to the limestone rock on the lower northern flanks, namely the Glencar and Dartry Limestone formations.[6] Here a number of streams disappear below ground at swallow holes named Cats Hole, Pollawaddy, Pollasumera and Polliniska, all forming part of the Marble Arch cave system. If so, the name would mean 'calcareous' rather than 'chalky'".[7] It has also been called Slieve Cuilcagh in English,[8] 'Slieve' being an anglicisation of Sliabh ("mountain").
In the 1609 Plantation of Ulster, Cuilcagh formed part of lands which were granted to John Sandford of Castle Doe by letters patent dated 7 July 1613 (Pat. 11 James I – LXXI – 38, Quilkagh).[9][10] It was later sold by Sandford to his wife's uncle Toby Caulfeild, 1st Baron Caulfeild, Master of the Ordnance and Caulfield had the sale confirmed by letters patent of 12 July 1620 (Pat. 19 James I. XI. 45, Quilkagh).
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuilcagh)
March 10, 2021
Great walk, very touristy but it's worth the detour! Be careful of the crowds (on weekends and in summer I dare not imagine!). However, BE CAREFUL, the summit is not accessible, you have to pass the protective barriers which allow the wild nature to be preserved from our steps and from this crowd of people. If we, the Komoot community, start to do this all the tourists will allow themselves and the landscape will never be so beautiful again! (Ps: no need to climb to the top to already see enough in the eyes!)
May 20, 2025
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