Knockmore
Encyclopedia
Knockmore is an upland area and townland situated in County Fermanagh
, Northern Ireland
. It is situated outside the village of Derrygonnelly
, in the historical barony of Magheraboy. This area, together with most of the adjacent Boho parish is described as the Knockmore Scarplands. The focal point of the area is Knockmore summit at 277 metres (908.8 ft).
The area is considered to be important in environmental terms because it contains several areas of special scientific interest
(ASSI), namely the West Fermanagh Scarplands ASSI and West Fermanagh Scarplands Special Area of Conservation
(SAC). It also contains a number of sites of archaeological significance, which have been investigated since the late 19th century.
. The area is especially noted for the appearance of Irish eyebright , which is considered a priority species in Northern Ireland.
The cave is named for the art and writing of varying age inscribed on the walls, ranging from early celtic and Christian
designs to simple marking of names and dates. It was investigated by William Wakeman (1866–70)
and Thomas Plunkett (1870, 1878 and 1898)
and is now a scheduled ancient monument.
Among the other caves studied on Knockmore is Gillie's Hole, located part-way up the southern cliff face of the summit. Named for its 18th-century occupants, reportedly a young couple ostracised by their families, the cave was discovered by Wakeman (1870) to contain further inscriptions of ancient celtic origin.
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. It is situated outside the village of Derrygonnelly
Derrygonnelly
Derrygonnelly is a small village and townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Near Lower Lough Erne, the village was home to 594 people and dates to the Plantation era....
, in the historical barony of Magheraboy. This area, together with most of the adjacent Boho parish is described as the Knockmore Scarplands. The focal point of the area is Knockmore summit at 277 metres (908.8 ft).
The area is considered to be important in environmental terms because it contains several areas of special scientific interest
Area of Special Scientific Interest
An Area of Special Scientific Interest or ASSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in Northern Ireland. ASSIs are the equivalent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the rest of the United Kingdom....
(ASSI), namely the West Fermanagh Scarplands ASSI and West Fermanagh Scarplands Special Area of Conservation
Special Area of Conservation
A Special Area of Conservation is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive , also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora...
(SAC). It also contains a number of sites of archaeological significance, which have been investigated since the late 19th century.
Geology
The Knockmore area is known for its dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain. The native rock has the honour of being named Knockmore Limestone; a number of caves and cave systems have developed within this band of rock.Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna in this area are largely as a result of the underlying limestone and sandstone geology, consisting of upland heath mixed with calcareous grasslandCalcareous grassland
Calcareous grassland is an ecosystem associated with thin basic soil, such as that on chalk and limestone downland. Plants on calcareous grassland are typically short and hardy, and include grasses and herbs such as clover...
. The area is especially noted for the appearance of Irish eyebright , which is considered a priority species in Northern Ireland.
History
There is a mention in old tales of a castle belonging to the Flannagan Clan which was located on Knockmore.Cave archaeology
The summit of Knockmore contains at least 15 small caves which have been the subject of archeological visits since the late 19th century. The most significant of these is Lettered Cave (or Inscribed Cave), situated 50 m from Knockmore summit, which is partially man-made.The cave is named for the art and writing of varying age inscribed on the walls, ranging from early celtic and Christian
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
designs to simple marking of names and dates. It was investigated by William Wakeman (1866–70)
and Thomas Plunkett (1870, 1878 and 1898)
and is now a scheduled ancient monument.
Among the other caves studied on Knockmore is Gillie's Hole, located part-way up the southern cliff face of the summit. Named for its 18th-century occupants, reportedly a young couple ostracised by their families, the cave was discovered by Wakeman (1870) to contain further inscriptions of ancient celtic origin.