33
v
The view of the lake from the top of the cliffs
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The view from the lake looking up at the cliffs
In years gone by a man named Jim Fitzgerald (1891-
1959), a WWI veteran who was also known as the
'Hermit of Lackendara' returned from the war and
decided to live the rest of his life here in a cave at
the edge of the lake. The Coumshingaun lake has
also been used for cold water swimming training
by some endurance swimmers. There is a cliff and
climbing route here known as Carraig an Fhiolair
(Rock of the Eagle) which probably goes back to when
Coumshingaun was a breeding site for both Golden and
White Tailed Eagles before 1855. Now the mountains
are regularly home to Red Grouse, Hen Harrier,
Wheatear, Siskin and Crossbill and less common here
are White-tailed Eagles, Hobby, Dotterel, Long-tailed
Skua, Nightjar, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel. Here is a nice
video on 'Lackendarra Jim' by Tom Fitzpatrick.
At all times, our maps should be used in conjunction
with a proper map (OSI Discovery Series map 75) and
compass navigational techniques.
Feel free to review and add your own
comments or suggestions on the route on
www.activeme.ie.
DIRTY BOOTS
