Mullaghareirk Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mullaghareirk Mountains |
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| Mullach an Radhairc | |
 Mullaghareirk Mountains
Location in Ireland
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 408 m (1,339 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Republic of Ireland |
| Provinces of Ireland | Munster |
The Mullaghareirk Mountains are a group of hills in Ireland. Their name comes from an Irish phrase meaning "the summit of the view." These mountains are found where three counties meet: County Cork, County Kerry, and County Limerick. This area is also known as Sliabh Luachra.
The highest point in these mountains is called Baraveha, which is about 451 meters (1,480 feet) tall. The Mullaghareirk Mountains are surrounded by different natural features. To the south, there's the Blackwater valley. To the west, you'll find Castleisland, and to the north is Athea. The Deel valley is to the east.
Several villages are located within these hills, including Rockchapel, Ballydesmond, Brosna, Gneevgullia, Mountcollins, Newmarket, Meelin, and Tournafulla. The Allaughaun River, which flows into the River Feale, starts its journey at the eastern end of the Mullaghareirk Mountains.
Protecting Wildlife in the Mullaghareirk Mountains
The Mullaghareirk Mountains are part of a special area called the Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle Special Protection Area. Even though many parts of this area have commercial tree farms, it helps protect important natural habitats. These habitats include areas of blanket bog, wet heath, and dry heath.
This area was chosen as a Special Protection Area under the European Union's Birds Directive. It was set up to protect a special bird called the hen harrier. A study in 2005 found 45 pairs of hen harriers nesting here. This was more than 20% of all the hen harriers on the entire island of Ireland!
Other rare birds also live and breed in this area. These include the short-eared owl, the merlin, and the red grouse. The red grouse is now considered an endangered species in Ireland. This Special Protection Area was officially created in 2007. It covers a large area of about 556 square kilometers (215 square miles).
A Look Back in Time
The Mullaghareirk Mountains have a hidden past. In the early 1820s, between 1821 and 1824, these mountains were used as a safe hiding place. A group known as the Rockites, who followed a folk hero called Captain Rock, used the mountains to hide from the authorities during a time of farmer protests.
