Description
Sitting on the banks of Lough Derg this beach and picnic area
recently attained the “blue flag beach” status. A
lifeguard on duty during the summer months and is an excellent
place to go swimming. The surrounding area is considered to be of
significant ecological interest and is a designated area of
conservation under the the EU habitats directive.
Ballycuggaran or Baile Ní Chogarain (in Irish) was once the
homeland of the O’ Cuggarans an important family in the court
of Brian Boru, the last Great High King of Ireland. The area sits
at the foot of Crag hill, on the lower slopes of the Slieve Bernagh
Mountains. On the southern side of Crag hill is a fort, dating to
the early Christian period which was the original home of the
O’Briens and the reputed birthplace of St. Flannan.
Aoibheal’s Rock, the legendary abode of Aoibheal, fairy queen
of the O’Briens, is at the highest point of
Ballycuggaran.
The amenity area is the start point for the Ballycuggaran Loop
and is well worth the 9km walk if time permits. For the more
adventurous these woods are also host to an excellent
cycle/mountain bike trail. Nearby is the University of Limerick
adventure centre where even more fun and games can be had!!!
Click here for the full Ballycuggaran Looped Walk Map
The Cache
The cache is a 1 Litre camouflaged tablock box and will eventually
comprise one of a series of caches encircling the whole east
Clare/Lough Derg area
Information and Images Courtesy of Brian Boru Heritage
Centre Killaloe
