The Pinnacle of Kesh Corran, at 360 meters, marks the top of the Bricklieve Mountains.
|
The lofty summit of Kesh Corann is capped by an ancient limestone cairn. Kesh Cairn is known locally as The Pinnacle, no doubt due to the totally magnificent 360 degree views across the plains of Connaught. This is the highest cairn in Co. Sligo; at 360 metres it is some 30 m higher in altitude then Queen Maeve's Cairn on Knocknarea. Kesh Cairn is a beautiful example of an unopened, undisturbed Stone Age site. It is built at the northern end of the mountain, on the highest point of the large flat heather-covered platform, which slopes away gently to the south. The cairn is about 27 metres in diameter, with a gentle curved profile; the ring of kerbstones is partially buried beneath the turf. The stone cairn surely covers a passage and chamber and has probably remained untouched since it was closed up in ancient times. An unusual feature of this monument is that it is situated within the northern end of a huge enclosure, a giant oval ring of about 285 x 200 metres in diameter. This suggests that Kesh Cairn was an important gathering and assembly site for large groups taking part in the ancient festivals. This high enclosed platform was probably used as the main ceremonial bonfire site in the Bricklieve Mountains, due to its great height and visibility. There are several other unsurveyed pre-bog structures on Kesh.
Kesh Cross - re-erected for the Millennium. The original, which was erected here in 1950 to celebrate the Marian Year, blew down after only a few years. Ireland-shaped lake Feenagh can be seen below. Kesh Cairn can be gained with a challenging climb from any side of the mountain. From the caves it is a stiff climb; Cairnaweeleen on the north-east slopes is like a giant step and not too difficult to climb. Up until recently, it was the custom of local people to climb Kesh Corann on the last Sunday in July, which is called Garland Sunday. This is another example of how very ancient traditions have survived into modern times. The notorious ritual barefoot ascent of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain, is also held on the last Sunday of July. This is the continued celebration of the ancient Feast of Lugh, the harvest festival which marks the end of Summer and beginning of Autumn. Garland Sunday is still celebrated every year in Keash Village. |
