Heritage
Garvagh Lough is part of a complex system of underground rivers associated with the limestone landscapes of this area. The underlying geology at the site is limestone, and therefore the presence of any surface water is extremely unusual, as water would normally sink beneath the surface in places with this kind of geology. However, due to the large amount of what’s called “glacial till” (or boulder clay, as it’s commonly known), there is an impermeable barrier between the limestone and the surface water, creating this stunning site.
Garvagh Lough has only one small stream outlet that flows for a short distance before disappearing below the surface at Pollnaowen. Scientists have determined that this is an indicator that the coverage of boulder clay is therefore inconsistent.
Many believe that Garvagh Lough is the site of the first ever water tracing experiments on the island of Ireland. An experiment was carried out, where chaff was thrown into the lake, to see where it may travel on it’s underground journey. The chaff disappeared at Pollnaowen and is said to have revealed itself at the Shannon Pot, showing how these magical places are all connected.
