Lake Muskry Walk

Geology

Over the eastern end of the Galtees the rock at the surface is sandstone, the Muskry and Borheen valleys afford abundant evidence of glacial erosion and deposition. The heads of both valleys have well developed corries withe lakes. the higher peaks, known as nunataks, protruded above the ice and were subjected to intense freeze thaw action. A good example of this is O'loughnan's Castle to the west of Greenane.

Flora

The Galtees have extensive areas of blanket bog, the acidic soils support such poor grasses as Bent Grass and Sheeps Fescue. Botanists have long enthused about the flora in the vicinity of the Galtee Corrie Lakes. Of particular note is St. Patricks Cabbage - a relative of London Pride and the mossy Saxifrages. Other species of interest are Bladder Fern, Rose Root and Scurvy Grass all of which are found around Lake Muskry.

Legend

Lake Muskry was formerly known as Lough Beal Sead (lake of the Jewel Mouth). The legend tells that the lake was once the home of beautiful maidens who every second year were metamorphosed into birds, one becoming the most beautiful in the world. To mark her pre-eminence she was allowed to war a golden necklace which had a sparkling jewel set in it.