Curlew Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curlew Mountains |
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The Curlew Pass
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 259 m (850 ft) |
| Prominence | 197 m (646 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | County Roscommon, Republic of Ireland |
| Parent range | Curlew Mountains |
The Curlew Mountains (called An Corrshliabh in Irish) are a range of hills located in the northeastern part of Connacht, a province in Ireland. These mountains sit between the towns of Boyle and Castlebaldwin. They are not very tall, but they stand out in the landscape.
Why are they called Curlew Mountains?
The name Curlew for these mountains might not be linked to the Curlew bird, which is a type of wading bird with a long, curved beak. Instead, the name probably comes from the Irish words corrshliabh. This Irish term means "steep-sided pointed mountains." This description fits how the mountains look.
What are the Curlew Mountains made of?
The Curlew Mountains are quite interesting from a geology point of view. They are mostly made of strong rocks like sandstone and conglomerate. These rocks formed a very long time ago, during a period called the Devonian period. The rocks in the Curlew Mountains are much harder than the softer limestone found in the areas around them. Because these harder rocks resist erosion better, the Curlew Mountains stand taller than the surrounding land. This is why they appear as an upland feature.
What important events happened here?
The Curlew Mountains were the site of an important historical battle. On August 15, 1599, the Battle of Curlew Pass took place here. In this battle, Irish forces fought against an English army. The Irish forces were led by a famous leader named Red Hugh O'Donnell. His army managed to defeat the English army, which had about 2,000 soldiers. This was a significant victory for the Irish forces during that time.
