Culture, Heritage & Community
Amazingly, the Geopark has a near continuous history of settlement, beginning with the first prehistoric people of Ireland, right up to our present-day communities.
Throughout the Geopark, the remnants of history are visible and intertwined, making for fascinating examples of cultural heritage over a variety of eras. Our culture is full of myths, legends and folklore which give a fascinating insight to our past.
Our Communities
Our communities are core to our place and central to preserving the history of this place and protecting it for the future.
Our Geopark Ambassadors are local champions who share their knowledge, celebrate cultural heritage, and welcome visitors to explore our place together.
Our Regenerative Tourism Business Network brings together businesses committed to enriching local communities, protecting natural assets, and creating meaningful visitor experiences.
Myths, Legends & Folklore
Myths, legends and folklore are abounding with tales of Giants such Finn McCool, Lug and Lag, Fairies and Changelings wreaking havoc in our landscape.
The giants of our Geopark are widely believed in local myth and legend to be responsible for the formation of a number of important geological and landscape features.
For example, Finn McCool is responsible for creating the locally iconic ‘Cuilcagh Gap’ found on the summit plateau of Cuilcagh Mountain and the iconic sandstone rounded hills of Little Dog and Big Dog are said to be his famous wolfhounds cemented in stone, whereas lesser well known giants internationally such as Lug and Lag and the Gobin Saor are responsible for the formation of key geological and archaeological features in Cavan Burren Park.