Lough an Lea is a ridge of high ground. At its highest point it is 339 metres (1,119 feet) high. Nine counties can be seen from the summit of the mountain. Cavan's lake district lies to the west of Lough an Lea and the rich, flat farmlands of County Meath can be seen to the east.
Footpath to summit of Lough an Leagh
A footpath leading to the summit of Lough an Leagh. The loose stones that can be seen at the top of the mountain make up a "cairn". Cairns are piles of stones which were erected by people in the past for a number of reasons. Two common uses were to indicate a burial spot or the highest point on a mountain.
Footpath to summit of Lough an Leagh
Footpath to summit of Lough an Leagh
A footpath leading to the summit of Lough an Leagh. The loose stones that can be seen at the top of the mountain make up a "cairn". Cairns are piles of stones which were erected by people in the past for a number of reasons. Two common uses were to indicate a burial spot or the highest point on a mountain.
On each of the high points along the ridge there are stone "cairns". There are three prehistoric cairns in all. A cairn is a non-naturally occuring pile of stones. Piles of stones like these can be found all over the world. Some are believed to mark burial spots or the summit of mountains.
Ling heather
Ling heather is also known as common heather. It is one of the commonest plants found on mountains in Ireland. It gives the mountains a purple tint in late summer and autumn.
© Richard NairnLing heather
© Richard Nairn
© Richard Nairn
Ling heather
Ling heather is also known as common heather. It is one of the commonest plants found on mountains in Ireland. It gives the mountains a purple tint in late summer and autumn.
© Richard NairnLough an Lea was once covered in heather on all the high ground. Forestry planting over the past thirty years has reduced the area of heather remaining. Because large areas of heather have disappeared throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe places such as Lough an Lea, where heather still exists, are protected.