Lough Gill& Fernlea

The domain of Hazlewood extends over that part of the banks of the river where it widens into the lake, and forms the first

promontory. I embarked on the lake on the other side. Loch Gilly is about eight miles long, and from one to two broad, and in the character

of beauty, will bear a comparison with any lake in Ireland. Its scenery is not stupendous--scarcely even anywhere bold; but

"The chief object of attraction in the neighbourhood of Sligo, is Loch Gilly; a lake which is not sufficiently known to enjoy the

reputation it deserves. I hired a boat at Sligo, and ascended the river, through a succession of beautiful scenery, to the domain

of Hazlewood, the property of Mr. Wynn. This is a very lovely spot; the views of the lake, from a hundred points, are

enchanting; and, in the disposition of lawn, wood, and shrubbery, taste and art have taken ample advantage of the gifts of

nature. Finer evergreens I never saw in the most southern countries. The laurels and bays--grown into groat trees--rivalled, if

they did not surpass, those of Woodstock or Curraghmore; and here I again found the arbutus, not, indeed, quite equal in it

perfections to the

arbutus of Killarney, but not gratly its inferior; and giving to the scenery all that advantage of colouring, which is the boast of Killarney. The timber, too, on this domain is equal to almost any I have seen; and I have often found myself pausing before some magnificent ash, oak, elm, or lime, throwing its deep shade across the green amphitheatre, which it seemed to have made for itself. "But I must not forget Loch Gilly, which indeed it would be difficult to do. it is 'beautiful exceedingly.' Its boundaries are not mountains, but hills of sufficient elevation to form apicturesque and striking outline. The hill-sides, which in some places rise abruptly from the

water, and which, in others, slope more gently, are covered to a considerable elevation with wood; and the lake is adorned with twenty-three islands, almost every one of them finely wooded. Here,

too, as well as on Hazlewood domain, I found that the arbutus is not confined to Killarney. The extent of Loch Gilly is highly favourable to its beauty. The eye embraces at once its whole length and breadth; the whole circumference of its shores ;all their varieties and contrasts at once; all its islands. One charm is not losin the contemplation of another, as in a greater lake: the whole is seen at

once and enjoyed. I remained many hours on Loch Gilly, rowing here and there, or not moving at all; landing on its islands, two of which--Church Island and Cottage Island--are full of beauty;

putting ashore in little coves and inlets: and visiting a holy well, two or three hundred yards from the banks, where I saw eleven devotees, four of whom went from station to station on their knees. I

also visited a house of public resort near the lake, which the citizens of Sligo frequent on Sundays: and tasted their favourite beverage, called scolteen; composed of the following elegant

ingredients--whiskey, eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seeds, and beer." From The Scenery and Antiquities of Ireland

INTERESTING LOCATIONS ON THE SHORES OF LOUGH GILL Tobernalt Holy Well Serene and beautiful place of Pilgrimage going back to Penal days and beyond to Pagan times. The main Pilgrimage day is Garland Sunday - last Sunday in July. Dooney Rock From the top of Dooney Rock one can

view beautiful Lough Gill in its entirety! Dooney Rock has of

course, been made famous by W.B. Yeats in his poem: 'The Fiddler of

Dooney'

SlishWood opposite Fernleafields

has a range of beautiful lakeshore

and hillside walks. From these you

can gain some lovely views of Lough

Gill. The forest has a wide variety of

Flora and Fauna such as Wood Rush

and briar. Mute Swan, duck and

heron may be observed on the lake

while blackbird, thrush, lark and

pigeon can be found in the

woodland. Badger, fox and fallow deer are

common. Oaks some 250 years old are scattered throughout the area.

In his poem ' The Stolen Child ' Yeats refers to Slish Wood as Sleuth

Wood - ' Where dips the rocky highland Of Sleuth Wood in the lake '

Clogherevagh House Once a House of The Wynnes of Hazelwood,

now St. Angela's College. Established by the Ursuline Order in 1950 as a

centre of 3rd. level education. Parke's Castle

An early 17th. Century manor-house

and bawn (enclosed yard) with towers

on the angles. A Castle of the

O'Rourkes of Breffni was situated

nearby. A beautifully restored

castle of the 17th century, Parkes

Castle is a fortified manor house

with a stone bawne enclosure.

The house itself forms one part

of the defensive walls which feature

round turrets on 2

of the 5 sides. Captain

Robert Parke built the manor house on the grounds of a

previous stronghold of the O'Rourkes in 1609. Parkes castle

rises 3 stories on shores of Lough Gill and boasts wide mullioned

windows and gabled roofs. The interior of the castle has recently been

restored using the old methods of fine workmanship in Irish oak.The

courtyard and the larger round tower castle (Castle of Newtowne) of the

Parkes site, dates back to the 1100's King of Bréifne, Tiernan O Rourke.

Inside the courtyard are many stone work buildings and a covered well. Colga Lake Colgagh Lake is located a few miles north of Sligo town,

about a mile from Lough Gill. It is a very small lake but offers a splendid

sight when viewed from high ground.

Hazelwood House Built in 1730 by Owen Wynne to the design of

the German architect Richard Cassels who also designed St. John's

Cathedral, Sligo & Leinster House, Dublin. Hazelwood is a picnic area &

woodland walk is nearby at Half Moon Bay. The ghostly silence now

looming over Hazelwood House, on the wooded shore of Lough Gill,

belies the fact that the 284-years old structure was once the hub of an

enterprise that, to a large extent, dominated the surrounding

Sligo/Leitrim

area, economically, socially and politically.

Now a group of local Hazelwood residents

are hoping that Hazelwood House will

again become a hub from which will

radiate an array of activities, benefiting

not only the local community but also the

wider North West region. Hazelwood was

the seat of the Wynne family who traced

their roots to 12th Century Wales. The

family first established itself in Ireland

in 1658, and Hazelwood Estate, with

which the family is principally associated

and which was probably originally O'Conor lands, was

acquired in 1722. For more details please visit the Hazelwood Heritage Society webiste. Benbulben Ireland's most distinctive mountain and known in

some parts as Ireland's version of Table Mountain. Ben Bulben, sometimes

spelt Benbulben or Benbulbin (from the Irish: Binn Ghulbain), is a large

rock formation in County Sligo, Ireland. It was formed during the Ice age,

when large parts of the Earth were under glaciers. It was originally merely a

large ridge, however the moving glaciers cut into the earth, leaving a distinct formation, now called Ben Bulben.

The steeper sides of Ben Bulben are composed of large amounts of

Dartry limestone on top of smaller amounts of Glencar limestone. The

smoother sides are composed of Ben Bulben shale. These rocks formed in

the area approximately 320 million years ago. It is the result from the

different responses to erosion of the limestone and shale of which the

mountain is formed. A hard and resistant limestone forms the upper cliffs

and precipices. Many legends and tales have been woven round the almost

magical mountain that is Benbulben. Mysterious shady valleys dominate the

landscape in this upland alpine-like region. You can easily see how this

brooding mountain, which rises so steeply from the ground below, could

conjure up tales of enchanted maidens, warriors and spells. This beautiful

Irish and Sligo landmark and is truly magnificent in its splendour.

Ben Bulben is an established climbing destination. If climbed by the

north face, it is a dangerous climb. That side bears the brunt of the high

winds and storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean. However, if climbed

by the south side, it is an easy climb, due to the fact that side slopes very

gently. Upon reaching the summit, the climber is rewarded with a

magnificent view of Yeats Country. LOUGH GILL is a most beautiful lake located about 2 miles east of Sligo Town. The Lake is about 6.5 miles long and 2 miles wide, comprising 3,300 acres. Its deepest part is 115ft. It has 22 islands, the largest being Church Island and Cottage Island. The Lake also has numerous other places of interest. Some like 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' and Dooney left a lifelong impression on the poet W.B. Yeats. Attempting to describe or explain one's thoughts on Lough Gill's vast array of sights and

splendour and its adjoining lands is a difficult challenge. W. B Yeats , Ireland's most illustrious

poet, who loved Sligo, the county of his childhood, affectionately called it 'The Land of Hearts

Desire', a sentiment arduous to disagree with. The county's splendour, archaeology and folklore

features prominently in his early poems, particularly the outstanding location of Lough Gill, so

inspirational to his poetry, that numerous places have strong associations with the renowned

Sligonian poet. Yeats was not the only eminent writer, before or since, to admire this locality,

'…a fine river flows through the town; and towards the east, the banks of the river upwards are

redolent of every kind of beauty, and soon expand into Lock Gilly-one of the most lovely of the

Irish lakes'. Many have eulogized over this unspoilt part of the county. Sligo County as a whole

is a region of extraordinary magnificence and vivid contrasts. Serene lakes, rugged countryside,

deep dark forests and rolling farm fields, offer so much, making reproduction on camera, canvas

or in literature extremely difficult, and needs visiting to be believed. And there can be no doubt

that among its many beautiful highlights, none are more splendid than the waters of Lough Gill.

A stimulating spot, located in a landscape of wooded hillsides, megaliths and mountains,

altering little over the millenniums. Peoples from all ages, prehistoric, pre-Christ, dark ages,

mediaeval and modern have roamed the lands and woods framing this beautiful region of Sligo

and Leitrim. Through those many periods, the landscape has silently witnessed the huge variety

of historic, social and cultural aspects of Irish life. Vistas over the lough and its surrounding

areas have little changed, the natural contours of the hills and the mountains, forests and

countryside would be easily recognizable to anyone taking in the landscape throughout the

centuries. O'Rourke writes in 'History of Sligo' 'The scenery of the County of Sligo is universally

acknowledged to be amongst the most attractive in Ireland ; and if a choice were to be made as

to which portion of it is entitled to be considered the most charming, undoubtedly that rank

would be accorded to the country about Lough Gill. Even to those who have wandered through

Europe, and seen its finest scenery, there still remains something inexpressibly graceful and

quietly picturesque in the scenery surrounding the lake'.

Lough Gill is mainly situated in Co. Sligo, overlapping slightly into Co. Leitrim, between

the baronies of Carbury on the north, and Tirerrill on the south. This sublime water mass is

approximately 8 km (5 miles) long and 2 km (1 mile) wide, with nineteen islands dispersed upon

it, all within the Sligo boundary. The lough drains into the River Garavogue running

through nearby Sligo Town about two miles away and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Within its beautiful, wooded surroundings and considerable number of historical

and archaeological sites, bounded by a ring of forest hills and mountains, it is unsurprising

many legends are associated with this stunning watery mass, including a tale that the

ancient city of Sligo stood on a plain, now covered by the deep waters of Lough Gill, and that

its numerous islands are simply the tops of hills surrounding the former city. It is even

suggested that on sunny graceful days the houses of the inhabitants can be seen through the

waters. Possibly a fantastical delusion created by the reflected images from over-hanging

mountains, or cloud formations in the seductive waters. An old tale quips that a tourist being

rowed across the lake asked whether there was any truth in the story of the old city buildings

being visible from the depths on a summer's day "Sure thing," declares the boatman, "haven't I

seen meself, the smoke from the chimneys rising straight up into the air."

Standing in the townland fields of Kiltycahill, or at the banks of Parkes Castle, or Church

island, gazing into the water, looking around, the hills, mountains, fields and forests, it is not

difficult to let your imagination free and create to your own 'heart's desire'. On a bright sunny

day can there be any better view than the vista from Dooney Rock encompassing so many

wonderful sights stretching for miles and miles. Witness the slow moving morning mist gliding

between the lake and mountains, the unbelievable moonlit water under a bespeckled dark night

sky of thousands and thousands of stars. And in between the quickly changeable day, from the

most peaceful, tranquil calmness to the most ferocious, wild assault on all such beauty, at times

within the same hour. Add to such perfect imagery the interaction of all the residents and itinerants who have passed

along its shoreline, sought shelter among its woods, cultivated its soil, fought on its grounds,

perished in its seasons, huddled against its penetrating winds blustering in a storm whipping up

its waters, in its ruthless crashing waves. Harboured from its pelting rain beating relentlessly,

hard against them, cold and continuous. Rejoicing in the sunlight brightening its skies,

colouring the water a beautiful blue, creating its depths into a large mirror, reflecting its

mountain tips and reproducing their radiance upon its surface on still days. Visualize sunsets,

shading and tinting the slopes and tops of its inclines, moonlight lighting the skies above them

and dazzling upon the water below.

Envisage men, women and children swimming, sailing, fishing in its shadowy waters,

living, cooking, sleeping around its enigmatic water's edge. Step into the shoes of those

wandering through its dense forests, treading its fertile soil, hunting on its plains, tending its

rich earth. Listen to the thoughts of writers, poets and lovers marvelling at its majestic

unrivalled wonder. Ponder upon the bird varieties singing and darting from tree to tree. The

diversity of animals, small and large roaming around from bush to bush, through its

undergrowth, rocks and boulders, in and out of the water. Consider all manner or flower and

fauna, the multitude of plants, flowers, shrubs, grasses, trees and leaves. An ever evolving

garden, changing with the times of man and nature's seasons. Multitudes of wondrous havens,

stirred, watered and bathed by the ever evolving weather background.The lough's peripheral is

as interesting, historic and beautiful as the watery splendour it surrounds, with many places of

fascination such as Breffini, Parkes and Annagh castles, Cairns Hill. Along its southern shoreline

lie the forested mountainous landscapes of Slieve Daene and Killerry Mountains. Opposite, on

the northern side, the Keelogyboy mountain range stands proud, home to several megalithic

tombs with Clogherrevah and Kiltycahill townlands situated nearby below them. Further along,

towards the north east, is the famous Benbulben landmark in all its magnificence facing the

Atlantic ocean. The whole vicinity is beset with numerous pleasant walks, views filled with fauna

and flora of great glory.

"The chief object of attraction in the neighbourhood of Sligo, is Loch Gilly; a lake which is

not sufficiently known to enjoy the reputation it deserves. I hired a boat at Sligo, and ascended

the river, through a succession of beautiful scenery, to the domain of Hazlewood, the property of

Mr. Wynn. This is a very lovely spot; the views of the lake, from a hundred points, are

enchanting; and, in the disposition of lawn, wood, and shrubbery, taste and art have taken

ample advantage of the gifts of nature. Finer evergreens I never saw in the most southern

countries. The laurels and bays--grown into groat trees--rivalled, if they did not surpass, those

of Woodstock or Curraghmore; and here I again found the arbutus, not, indeed, quite equal in

its perfections to the arbutus of Killarney, but not greatly its inferior; and giving to the scenery

all that advantage of colouring, which is the boast of Killarney. The timber, too, on this domain

is equal to almost any I have seen; and I have often found myself pausing before some

magnificent ash, oak, elm, or lime, throwing its deep shade across the green amphitheatre,

which it seemed to have made for itself. "But I must not forget Loch Gilly, which indeed it would

be difficult to do. The domain of Hazlewood extends over that part of the banks of the river

where it widens into the lake, and forms the first promontory. I embarked on the lake on the

other side. Loch Gilly is about eight miles long, and from one to two broad, and in the character

of beauty, will bear a comparison with any lake in Ireland. Its scenery is not stupendous--

scarcely even anywhere bold; but it is 'beautiful exceedingly.' Its boundaries are not mountains,

but hills of sufficient elevation to form apicturesque and striking outline. The hill-sides, which

in some places rise abruptly from the water, and which, in others, slope more gently, are covered

to a considerable elevation with wood; and the lake is adorned with twenty-three islands, almost

every one of them finely wooded. Here, too, as well as on Hazlewood domain, I found that the

arbutus is not confined to Killarney. The extent of Loch Gilly is highly favourable to its beauty.

The eye embraces at once its whole length and breadth; the whole circumference of its shores ;

all their varieties and contrasts at once; all its islands. One charm is not losin the contemplation

of another, as in a greater lake: the whole is seen at once and enjoyed. I remained many hours

on Loch Gilly, rowing here and there, or not moving at all; landing on its islands, two of which--

Church Island and Cottage Island--are full of beauty; putting ashore in little coves and inlets:

and visiting a holy well, two or three hundred yards from the banks, where I saw eleven

devotees, four of whom went from station to station on their knees. I also visited a house of

public resort near the lake, which the citizens of Sligo frequent on Sundays: and tasted their

favourite beverage, called scolteen; composed of the following elegant ingredients--whiskey,

eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seeds, and beer."

(The Scenery and Antiquities of Ireland)

Lough Gill

Return to Index Page