Ballintempo Forest

Heritage

Much of the landscape in the vicinity of Ballintempo Forest is blanket bog. Blanket bog accumulates because of the very slow rate at which plant material decomposes in areas that are waterlogged. It can cloak whole landscapes and is not confined to areas of poor drainage. Studies suggest that blanket bog or peat began developing 5000 – 6000 years ago. Traditionally peat was (and in many places still is) an important natural fuel source for household fires all over Ireland. Peat cutting and harvesting is physical work requiring specialist skills handed down from generation to generation. The whole process holds an important community aspect to it, involving friends, relations, and neighbours. During the summer period you can see the local communities in this area hard at work cutting peat.

One of the most intriguing features in the forest is the large outcrop of rock called Brimstone Rock. It is unclear where the rock gets its name as there are no exposures of brimstone (or sulphur) in the vicinity. One theory is that Brimstone Rock was used as a mass rock during the mid-seventeenth century when Catholic worship was prohibited.

The Dual Court Tomb at Aghanaglack is described as a dual court tomb due to the presence of small courtyards at either end. In its original state the tomb was roofed with large stone slabs and covered with stones and possibly earth, to make an impressive mound. The tomb dates from the Neolithic period between 6,000 and 8,000 years and is set in the spectacular backdrop of the rugged Boho Mountain.