Description
Keshcurran is a 359 m high mountain. It is the highest point in the Bricklieve mountains and is famous for it's caves and a cairn on top of the mountain.
The walk towards the caves is well signposted and doesn't take long at all to reach these magnificent limestone caves.( Approx. 15 minutes)
The path commences through some private farmland which is accessed by a new set of stairs.
You have to cross the field and enter a small gate (keep this closed at all times).
From there, turn left and follow the path up the mountain. The path turns right after a short steep climb. From here onwards, a few wooden steps lead onto a steep grassy slope. (Care needs to be taken as this path can be slippery). There are 17 caves based at the bottom of limestone cliffs on the west side of the hill. The largest of the caves is known as Cormac's cave. Story goes that Cormac Mac Art was born on the mountain and was raised by a she-wolf.
He later became Irelands high king.
During archaeological investigations in the early 20th century, bones from animals (hares, brown bear, red deer, Arctic lemming and wolves) were discovered .
Evidence of human activity was also discovered during the investigations, with artefacts and human remains discovered.
On top of Keshcurran is another cairn. The cairn is part of an extended upland megalithic cemetery that includes the tombs on Carrowkeel (http://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/carrowkeel.html)
Distance: 1km linear walk
Track: fields/mountain track
Ascent: 60m
Visitor facilities: Car Park, picnic area
The walk towards the caves is well signposted and doesn't take long at all to reach these magnificent limestone caves.( Approx. 15 minutes)
The path commences through some private farmland which is accessed by a new set of stairs.
You have to cross the field and enter a small gate (keep this closed at all times).
From there, turn left and follow the path up the mountain. The path turns right after a short steep climb. From here onwards, a few wooden steps lead onto a steep grassy slope. (Care needs to be taken as this path can be slippery). There are 17 caves based at the bottom of limestone cliffs on the west side of the hill. The largest of the caves is known as Cormac's cave. Story goes that Cormac Mac Art was born on the mountain and was raised by a she-wolf.
He later became Irelands high king.
During archaeological investigations in the early 20th century, bones from animals (hares, brown bear, red deer, Arctic lemming and wolves) were discovered .
Evidence of human activity was also discovered during the investigations, with artefacts and human remains discovered.
On top of Keshcurran is another cairn. The cairn is part of an extended upland megalithic cemetery that includes the tombs on Carrowkeel (http://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/carrowkeel.html)
Distance: 1km linear walk
Track: fields/mountain track
Ascent: 60m
Visitor facilities: Car Park, picnic area
Location
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