Lough Gur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Gur |
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 Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Limerick |
| Coordinates | 52°30′58.97″N 8°31′59.80″W / 52.5163806°N 8.5332778°W |
| Native name | Loch Goir (Irish) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 0.78 km2 (0.30 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) |
| Max. depth | 3.8 m (12 ft) |
| Water volume | 1.2 hm3 (970 acre⋅ft) |
| Residence time | 0.21 years |
Lough Gur (pronounced 'Lock Goor') is a beautiful lake in County Limerick, Ireland. It sits between the towns of Herbertstown and Bruff. The lake is shaped like a horseshoe at the base of Knockadoon Hill.
This area is one of Ireland's most important archaeological sites. People have lived near Lough Gur for a very long time, since about 3000 BC. You can find many ancient stone structures here.
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Ancient Discoveries at Lough Gur
Lough Gur is full of amazing historical finds. The Grange stone circle, which is the largest stone circle in Ireland, is located here. There is also a dolmen, which is an ancient stone tomb.
Archaeologists have found the remains of at least three crannogs in the lake. Crannogs were old artificial islands where people lived. They also found outlines of Stone Age houses on land. These house outlines are sometimes called "The Spectacles" because of their shape.
Many ring forts are found in the area. These were circular earthworks used for defense or homes. One hill fort even overlooks the lake. Some of these ancient sites are protected as Irish national monuments.
Legends of the Lake
Lough Gur is also famous for its legends. One popular story is about Gearóid Iarla. He was a powerful lord and poet in the 14th century. People say he sleeps in a cave near the lake.
The legend says that Gearóid Iarla will wake up when Ireland needs him most. He will then ride his great white horse, which has silver shoes, around the lake. This story adds a magical touch to the history of Lough Gur.
Visiting Lough Gur
Lough Gur is a great place to visit. There is a special visitors' centre right by the lake. You can also find a car park and a picnic area there.
The lake has a gentle shoreline near the visitor area. This shallow part of the lake is perfect for water sports. However, boats with motors are not allowed on the lake. This helps keep the area peaceful and safe.
Castles and Old Buildings
You can see a castle, also known as a tower house, near the car park entrance. It is called Bourchier's Castle. This castle is named after Sir George Bourchier. It sits on a narrow piece of land that juts into the lake. This castle is currently closed to visitors.
There are other old buildings around the lake too. You can find the ruins of an early Christian church by the road. At the far end of the lake are the ruins of a Norman castle. This castle is called Black Castle. You can reach it by walking along a hillside path on the east side of the lake.
Black Castle was used during the Desmond Rebellions in the 1500s. It was an important stronghold for the Earl of Desmond.
Ancient Animals
Lough Gur is also a famous spot for finding Irish Elk skeletons. The Irish Elk was a huge type of deer that lived long ago. Its antlers could spread up to 12 feet wide!
The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History has some amazing Irish Elk skeletons from Lough Gur. You can also see specimens from Lough Gur at Leeds Museums and Galleries in the UK. These finds help us learn about the ancient animals that once roamed Ireland.
See also
- Early history of Ireland
- List of loughs in Ireland
