Mount Gabriel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Gabriel |
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| Cnoc Osta | |
A radar dome on the summit
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 407 m (1,335 ft) |
| Prominence | 312 |
| Listing | Marilyn |
| Geography | |
 Mount Gabriel
Location in Ireland
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| OSI/OSNI grid | V761497 |
Mount Gabriel (Irish: Cnoc Osta) is a mountain located in West Cork, Ireland. It sits on the Mizen Peninsula, just north of the town of Schull.
This mountain is 407 meters (about 1,335 feet) high. It is the tallest point in the coastal area south and east of Bantry Bay. There is a road that goes all the way to the top. This road is open for everyone to use.
About Mount Gabriel
Mount Gabriel is a well-known landmark in West Cork. Its name in Irish is Cnoc Osta. The mountain offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
From the top of Mount Gabriel, you can look south over Schull Harbour. You can also see Long Island Bay. To the east and southeast, you will see Roaring Water Bay. This bay has many islands, sometimes called Carbery's Hundred Isles. If you look north and west, you can see the mountains of the Beara Peninsula and South Kerry.
On a clear day, you might even spot the Fastnet Rock. This famous lighthouse is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) to the south.
Ancient Mining History
Mount Gabriel has a very old history. On its southern and eastern slopes, people have found signs of Bronze Age mining. This was a time thousands of years ago.
The main metal mined here was Copper. People dug for copper ore to make tools and weapons. Some of the ancient items found on the mountain are now kept in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. They help us learn about how people lived long ago.
Radar Domes on the Summit
In the late 1970s, two large radar domes were built on top of Mount Gabriel. These domes were part of a system called Eurocontrol. This system helps manage air traffic across Europe. It makes sure planes fly safely.
In 1982, the radar domes were damaged. This happened because some people mistakenly believed they were being used by a military group called NATO. Ireland is a neutral country, meaning it does not take sides in wars. The domes were later repaired and continue to help with air traffic control.
