Page 41 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
Shannon pot
FOLLOW M3 TO N3, TAKE EXIT 1 (N87) TO R202, R200 & R206
The Shannon Pot’s fame can be traced back to the very early times of the legendary Finn MacCool and the Fianna, the great warriors of Irish mythology. Legend has it that Síonnan, the daughter of Lodan (a son of the Celtic God of the Sea, Lír), came to the Shannon Pot in search of the great Salmon of Wisdom.
The great salmon was angered at the sight of Síonnan and caused the pool to overflow and drown the maiden. Thus the Shannon was created and still bears her name today.
The significance of the Shannon Pot is carried down in the ancient Irish name
Legnashinna, or Log na Sionna. The word Log (also Lug or Leg) in ancient Irish translates as a hollow or a pit but can also have an extended meaning as ‘The Place’, indicating a site of great importance. The association of this name with the longest river in Ireland and the circular nature of the Shannon Pot strongly suggest that this site is one of great cultural and possibly religious significance during Celtic times.
Located along the Blacklion to Glangevlin Road in west county Cavan, the Shannon Pot can be found along the Cavan Way — a long distance walking route that starts at Blacklion and ends in Dowra. It is a key
attraction in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, an area of unique geological importance in Cavan and Fermanagh. The attraction features interpretation panels, parking, a children’s play area and a picnic area.
Find out more and visit the Shannon Pot:
Marble Arch Caves Geopark Blacklion
Cavan www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com
Silent stone watchmen
FOLLOW M3 TO N3 TO R212 IN CAVAN
A short trip by canoe takes you to Clough Oughter Castle which stands like a silent stone watchman in the centre of the peaceful Lough Oughter. The castle sits on a Crannóg – a manmade island – and so is only accessible by water.
The beauty of the Castle’s surroundings belies the violence of its history. Possession was fiercely fought over – it went from Normans to Irish, then from one clan to another, until it was confiscated during the Plantation of Ulster, then seized by rebel forces who held it for a decade. Standing there, you feel the isolation of the last
Ulstermen to hold out against Cromwell’s forces. Its crumbling walls are a poignant reminder of an Ireland that was forever changed.
Find out more and plan your visit to Clough Ougher Castle.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 39