Glenshane Pass facts for kids
The Glenshane Pass is an important mountain pass in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It cuts through the beautiful Sperrin Mountains. This pass is part of the main A6 road, which connects the cities of Derry and Belfast.
The name "Glenshane" comes from an old Irish phrase, Gleann Seáin, meaning "Shane's valley." In June 2018, a big wildfire happened in the Glenshane Pass. It burned over 600 acres of dry gorse plants.
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Exploring Glenshane Pass
The Glenshane Pass is a very special natural area. It is protected as a Special Area of Conservation. This means it has important habitats and wildlife that need to be looked after.
Unique Peatlands
The area is known for its large, healthy blanket bog. A blanket bog is a type of wetland where thick layers of peat have formed. Peat is made from dead plants that have not fully decayed. This bog has cool bumps and pools of water, making it a unique landscape. It is also called an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
The Ponderosa
Near the pass, you can find a famous spot called The Ponderosa. It is one of the highest public houses in all of Ireland. It sits about 288 meters (945 feet) above sea level.
History of the Pass
The name Glenshane Pass comes from the local area called Glenshane. Some people used to think it was named after a famous highwayman named Shane Crossagh O'Mullan. He was known for robbing travelers in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
However, records show the name "Glenshane" was used much earlier, even in the 1300s. This means the pass was named long before O'Mullan was around.
Glenshane Pass During The Troubles
During a period in Northern Ireland's history known as The Troubles, there were some serious incidents at Glenshane Pass. The Troubles was a conflict that lasted for many years.
- On June 24, 1972, three British Army soldiers died in an explosion on the pass. Their vehicle was hit by hidden explosives.
- On March 17, 1978, another British Army soldier was killed during a gunfight. This happened near the Glenshane Pass when he encountered armed individuals.
