Knockmore () is an upland area and

townland A townland ( ga, baile fearainn; Ulster-Scots: ''toonlann'') is a small geographical division of land, historically and currently used in Ireland and in the Western Isles in Scotland, typically covering . The townland system is of Gaelic origi ...

situated in

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outside the village of

Derrygonnelly Derrygonnelly () is a small village and townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Near Lower Lough Erne, the village was home to 680 people at the 2011 Census This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under th ...

, in the historical barony of

Magheraboy Magheraboy () is a barony in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. To its east lies Lower Lough Erne, and it is bordered by three other baronies in Northern Ireland: Lurg to the north; Tirkennedy to the east; and Clanawley to the south It also bord ...

. This area, together with the adjacent Barrs of Boho and most of the uplands in Boho parish, are described as the Knockmore Scarplands. The focal point of the area is Knockmore summit at . This area is notable for its flora and geology which is protected under an areas of special scientific interest (ASSI) designation, namely the West Fermanagh Scarplands ASSI and West Fermanagh Scarplands

Special Area of Conservation A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the ''Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora''. They are to protect the 220 habitats and ap ...

(SAC). There are also a number of sites of archaeological significance, which have been recorded since the late 19th century.

Geology

The Knockmore area is known for its dramatic cliffs. It also gives its name to a type of limestone described as Knockmore Limestone which contains a number of caves.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna in this area are largely as a result of the underlying limestone and sandstone geology, consisting of upland heath mixed with

calcareous grassland Calcareous grassland (or alkaline grassland) is an ecosystem associated with thin basic soil, such as that on chalk and limestone downland. Plants on calcareous grassland are typically short and hardy, and include grasses and herbs such as clover. ...

. The area is especially noted for the appearance of Irish eyebright (), which is considered a priority species in Northern Ireland.

History

There is a mention in old tales of a castle belonging to the Flannagan Clan which was located on Knockmore. Wakeman-gillies-hole-inscriptions

Cave archaeology

The summit of Knockmore contains at least 15 small caves which have been the subject of archeological visits since the late 19th century. The most significant of these is "Lettered Cave" (or Inscribed Cave), situated 50 m from Knockmore summit, which is partially man-made. The cave is named for the art and writing of varying age inscribed on the walls, ranging from early

celtic Celtic, Celtics or Keltic may refer to: Language and ethnicity *pertaining to Celts, a collection of Indo-European peoples in Europe and Anatolia **Celts (modern) *Celtic languages **Proto-Celtic language * Celtic music *Celtic nations Sports Fo ...

and

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designs to simple marking of names and dates. It was investigated by William Wakeman (1866–70) and Thomas Plunkett (1870, 1878 and 1898)Burns, G. et al (ed.) (1997), p.16 and is now a scheduled ancient monument. Among the other caves studied on Knockmore is Gillie's Hole, located part-way up the southern cliff face of the summit. Named for its 18th-century occupants, reportedly a young couple ostracised by their families, the cave was discovered by Wakeman (1870) to contain further inscriptions of ancient celtic origin.

Geology

Flora and fauna

History

Cave archaeology

See also

Notes

References

Further reading