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Cuilcagh 666m, Benbeg 539m,
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3180, 5km
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Breifne Area   N: Cuilcagh Mountains Subarea
Place count in area: 14, OSI/LPS Maps: 26, 27, 27A 
Highest place:
Cuilcagh, 666m
Maximum height for area: 666 metres,     Maximum prominence for area: 570 metres,

Note: this list of places includes island features such as summits, but not islands as such.
Rating graphic.
Cuilcagh Mountain Binn Chuilceach A name in Irish (Ir. Binn Chuilceach [DUPN], 'chalky peak') County Highpoint of Cavan & Fermanagh and in Cavan/ Fermanagh Counties in NI and in Ulster Province, in County Highpoint, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam, Irish Highest Hundred Lists, Cyclothemic sandstone, siltstone, coal Bedrock

Height: 666m OS 1:50k Mapsheet: 26 Grid Reference: H12356 28017
Place visited by 600 members. Recently by: KellyA, Jimmel357, MeabhTiernan, davidrenshaw, ryanguinness10, lauracardiff, mdehantschutter, PaulC93, mehiking, Miriamowens, hikingofireland, tanseyman, orlaithfitz, Buckz, rosduke
I have visited this place: NO (You need to be a logged-in member to change this.)

Longitude: -7.811428, Latitude: 54.201026 , Easting: 212356, Northing: 328017 Prominence: 570m,  Isolation: 2.6km,   Has trig pillar
ITM: 612303 828028,   GPS IDs, 6 char: Clcgh, 10 char: Cuilcagh
Bedrock type: Cyclothemic sandstone, siltstone, coal, (Lackagh Sandstone Formation)

Cuilcagh lies on the Shannon-Erne watershed. The Shannon rises on the north-western slopes of Cuilcagh at Shannon Pot, a steep-sided pool where the underground river emerges. Strictly speaking, there are streams a mile or two further uphill. Originating in Ulster, the Shannon’s journey through this province lasts less than ten miles, before it enters Connacht. It forms the boundary between Connacht and Leinster for much of its length, and ultimately meets the sea in the province of Munster. Thus it is both a boundary and a link between all four provinces of Ireland. In fact, it even formed the western boundary of the ancient fifth province of Meath. Around Cuilcagh there is a belief concerning the ‘Northern Shannon’, an underground river that supposedly connects the waters at Shannon Pot to the River Claddagh, which emerges at Marble Arch Caves and then flows into the Erne. If Cuilceach genuinely is a variant of cailceach, 'chalky', the name is rather puzzling, as the mountain consists predominantly of sandstone and shale, covered with much bog and heather. Where the rock does outcrop, as at the summit cliffs, it is mainly grey. However, it is possible that the name refers to the limestone rock on the lower northern flanks. 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'.   Cuilcagh is the highest mountain in the Breifne area and the 170th highest in Ireland. Cuilcagh is the highest point in county Cavan and also the highest in Fermanagh.

Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/165/
COMMENTS for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach) 1 2 3 4 5 .. 7 Next page >>  
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Popular bulky mountain sitting in splendid isolat .. by group   (Show all for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach))
 
North and South: Geopark odyssey .. by kernowclimber   (Show all for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach))
 
MountainViews.ie Picture about mountain Cuilcagh (<i>Binn Chuilceach</i>) in area Breifne, Ireland
Picture: Cuilcagh from Benbeg
 
gerrym on Cuilcagh, 2006
by gerrym  1 May 2006
Climbed 5.6.04 starting at Cuilagh Mountain Park near to Marble Arch Caves (121336 starI). There is a large sink hole here but very difficult to see down into due to vegetation. Cross stile and follow track. Just after crossing bridge take "floating path" off to right, this soon ends but continue in westerly direction to pick up course of Sruh Croppa River after half hour. Follow winding course of river through gully with nice waterfall and past some ruined settlements. As near summit of Tiltinbane (596m) climb away from river to the right to avoid steep gullies. Follow fenceline up to the summit - the final section is quite steep and may require use of hands. A depression next to summit cairn is perfect shelter for a brew. There are extensive views from the summit ridge - north and west towards Sligo Bay and big hills which i think were the Nephin Beg Mountains in Mayo and south over Iron Mountains. Follow path which keeps close to northern cliffs, passing fissures in rock and Lough Atona ,reaching large summit cairn after 1.5 hour walk along summit.
Had intended to return by Ulster Way between Trien and Benaughlin (marker posts just visible) but shortened journey by heading north over moor following river courses back to the track at the bridge. A long walk at 6.5 hours but rewarding with plenty of interest and some good views.

The approach from the S via Benbeg is perhaps more rewarding - it cuts out a long approach through moorland and has a fine sweeping ridge with a very different perspective on the mountain (see Benbeg for this walk). Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/165/comment/995/
Your Score: Very useful <<  >>Average
 
One of the finest walks on Cuilcagh is from the .. by Absalon   (Show all for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach))
 
Cuilcagh is sulky. Set amid a demented geology of .. by Bleck Cra   (Show all for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach))
 
Mountain Walking Route (from Marble Arch) Closed .. by murraynolan   (Show all for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach))
 
COMMENTS for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach) 1 2 3 4 5 .. 7 Next page >>
(End of comment section for Cuilcagh (Binn Chuilceach).)

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