Mullagh Lake
Mullagh, Co. Cavan. New Year's Day, 2008. The light has been so overcast and grey for the last few days...still, we'll battle on. The island to the right of the photo is called Crow Island and is a Crannóg. Like Donegal and neighbouring Monaghan, Cavan belongs to the province of Ulster, yet has been part of the Irish Republic since Partition in 1921. Inhabited for over 5,000 years, the imprint of early dwellers has remained in the form of 'Court Cairn Tombs' and several other archaeological sites, particularly rich in the west of the county. 'Crannógs' are another tradition whose remains have left their mark. Built as early as the Stone Age, Crannógs were artificial islands typically developed as secure settlements. However, now melted back into the general landscape, the Crannógs are barely discernable from natural islands. There usually was a winding stone pathway hidden just under the water that led out to them. Only those living on the Crannóg would have known where it was. I've looked for the path to this one many times to no avail.
View Large on Black
See another view here for some context
Part of the Ireland set.
See the Slideshow
Mullagh Lake
Mullagh, Co. Cavan. New Year's Day, 2008. The light has been so overcast and grey for the last few days...still, we'll battle on. The island to the right of the photo is called Crow Island and is a Crannóg. Like Donegal and neighbouring Monaghan, Cavan belongs to the province of Ulster, yet has been part of the Irish Republic since Partition in 1921. Inhabited for over 5,000 years, the imprint of early dwellers has remained in the form of 'Court Cairn Tombs' and several other archaeological sites, particularly rich in the west of the county. 'Crannógs' are another tradition whose remains have left their mark. Built as early as the Stone Age, Crannógs were artificial islands typically developed as secure settlements. However, now melted back into the general landscape, the Crannógs are barely discernable from natural islands. There usually was a winding stone pathway hidden just under the water that led out to them. Only those living on the Crannóg would have known where it was. I've looked for the path to this one many times to no avail.
View Large on Black
See another view here for some context
Part of the Ireland set.
See the Slideshow