We didn’t exactly pick the best day weather-wise to visit the Cavan Burren park on the 18th March but even with the wind and rain, and even a hint of sleet, this place is well worth the visit.
Just outside Blacklion in North Cavan, it is part of the UNESCO recognized Geopark which stretches from Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to Lough Oughter in County Cavan, an area which includes such geological sites as the Marble Arch caves outside Florencecourt
The weather being what it was, meant that we took just one of the trails through this fascinating place. So, a little about the Cavan Burren in terms of the geology and what makes it so special. We are probably, in Ireland, more familiar with the Burren of County Clare with its barren landscape of bare limestone pavements, set against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic ocean, but here in Cavan, we have an equally fascinating Burren. The limestone bedrock actually formed when this area was under the ocean in the Carboniferous period 340 million years ago and when Ireland basked in a warm tropical climate! Water running from nearby Cuilcagh mountain runs underground when it meets the Limestone further down the slopes, creating this area full of sink holes and dolines, as well as featuring magnificent Sandstone Glacial Erratics which often stand on their own pedestal and look as though they are part of the wonderful collection of ancient monuments that cover this site.
Indeed, this area is known for over 80 archeological monuments, dating back to the Neolithic period of about 3500 BCE. There are magnificent examples and easy to find if you follow the well-marked trails, each site having an information piece so that you can learn a bit more about these interesting places as well as the folklore connected to them.
I was particularly impressed with the Giant’s Leap Wedge Tomb. I don’t think I’ve come across one so well preserved. It’s well worth the boardwalk steps up to this viewing point, although I have to say, the wood is a bit slippy on days like the one when we were there! I would definitely recommend good walking boots! Further along you meet the Giant’s leap itself, a gorge over which it is said two giants competed for the hand of a female giant, each taking turns to jump across the ravine. Unfortunately, one had the bright idea to jump over backwards, falling to his death. It is said he is buried in the nearby wedge tomb.
We also visited the Tullygobban wedge tomb, Tulaigh an Ghobáin in Irish which refers to the master craftsman of Irish lore, Gobán Saor, who is said to have built it. Then there is the Calf House Dolmen, which was also used in the 19th century as a place to hold animals, hence the evidence of modern (relatively) stonework.
But more of the folklore, as this place is steeped in it! On the Fermanagh side is Benaughlin mountain, seen from the viewing point in the Burren. In Irish it is Binn Each Labhra, meaning the Peak of the Speaking horse, for it is said that on the last Sunday in July , Bilberry Sunday, a magical white horse would come down from the mountain and speak to the people, telling of things to come.
There is also the nearby Shannon pot, from where the great river Shannon rises. We didn’t get to see it this time but this mighty river comes from Sionnan, the daughter of the Sea God Manannan Mac Lir who decided she wanted to visit the Salmon of Knowledge who lived. He though, wasn’t happy to meet her and in a fit of rage swept up the waters into a mighty torrent that became the River Shannon, sweeping Sionnan into its current.
This is what I love about these places all over our country, the mix of history and geology and mythology, all into a giant melting pot that exudes the very essence of our heritage, in all its aspects.