Cullahill Mountain

Cullahill Mountain
Culla Hills
Highest point
Elevation 313 m (1,027 ft)
Listing Marilyn
Coordinates 52°48′01″N 7°28′26″W / 52.800245°N 7.473879°W / 52.800245; -7.473879
Geography
Location County Laois,  Ireland
Topo map OSi Discovery 68

Cullahill Mountain (Irish: Sliabh na Cúlchoille, meaning "Mountain of the Hazel Wood") is listed as a marilyn hill[1] and a Special Area of Conservation in County Laois, Ireland. Cullahill with an elevation of 313 m (1,027 ft) gives its name to the local townland.[2]

Cullahill Mountain takes its name from an ancient forest that covered the hill and extended down to Cullahill Castle and village of Cullahill. The first mention of the area was about 1460 where it was called "na Cúlchailli" and later in 1540 it was called "Cowlekyll".[2][3][4]

Cullahill Mountain contains a walking trail.[5] There is population of rare Green-winged Orchid and on the downslope there is an Ash and Hazel woodland. It is situated on the Castlecomer Plateau, along the main N8 road between Durrow in County Laois and Johnstown in County Kilkenny.

Geography

It forms the northern boundary to the valley running from Ballyragget to Freshford.[6] Cullahill Mountain lies on a western side of the Castlecomer Plateau.

Cullahill Mountain is listed as Special Area of Conservation[7] under the European Union Habitats Directive.[8] The site has a large population of Green-winged Orchid which is a rare species that is legally protected under the Irish governments Flora Protection Order (1987).

Most of vegetation at the site is herb-rich grassland over limestone. With about 5 grass species, 2 sedges and 20 broad-leaved herbs and allows a rich insect fauna to maintain itself. Grasses found include Quaking-grass, Crested Dog's-tail, Sheep's- fescue, Downy Oat-grass and Yellow Oat-grass.[7] Amongst these grasses is Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Wild Thyme, Bird's-foot-trefoil, Lady's Bedstraw, Carline Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Purging Flax and Eyebright.[7]

The orchid flora of the grassland is notably rich, with Twayblade, Frog Orchid, Bee Orchid, Early-purple Orchid and Green-winged Orchid. The west side of site extends downslope to an Ash and Hazel woodland.[7]

Recreation

It is a scenic walking route called Cullahill mountain is through forests and farm land in partnership with Laois/Offaly Walking Partnership and Cullahill Rural Development Association.[9] The walk begins at Cullahill village,[10][11][12] and is a 10 km walk along field paths, forest tracks, lanes and minor roadways.[10]

Passing Cummer Well and a ring fort, it tracks the low hills above the village of Cullahill.[10] The walk provides views of the Slieve Bloom mountains to the north west, the Comeraghs and Galtees to the south west, and the Blackstairs and Wicklow Hills to the east.[5][10] Blackstairs, Keeper Hill and Slieve na mBan Mountains can be seen.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ (Clements & Payne 1998) Cullahill Mountain has been listed as a Marilyn since the latest publication of The Hewitts and Marilyns of Ireland.
  2. 1 2 "Sliabh na Cúlchoille/Cullahill Mountain". logainm.ie.
  3. ↑ (O'Sullivan & Ó Riain 1987, p. 34 Line 356)
  4. ↑ (White 1943, p. 135,333)
  5. 1 2 Somerville, Christopher (2011). "Walk of the Week: Cullahill mountain, Laois/Kilkenny - Independent.ie". Irish Independent.
  6. ↑ (Fraser 1844, p. 411)
  7. 1 2 3 4 Cullahill Mountain SAC (SAC IE0000831) "Cullahill Mountain SAC". NPWS. "Synopsis" (PDF). NPWS. "Objectives" (PDF). NPWS. "Natura 2000 Form" (PDF). NPWS. "Natura 2000 Data Form". European Environment Agency.
  8. ↑ "Special Areas of Conservation in County Kilkenny". Ireland: National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
  9. ↑ "District Strategic Plan Midlands Area (E3) 2011-2015" (PDF). coillte.ie. coillte.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cullahill". Laois Tourism.
  11. ↑ "Binnianea Looped Walk". discoverireland.ie.
  12. ↑ Fewer, Michael (2012). "Go Walk: Cullahill Loop, Co Laois". Irish Times.

Further reading

External links

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