Black Valley
Ireland
The Black Valley is one of the remotest places in Ireland and the last area to receive electricity from the grid. We explore a rural paradise of narrow roads, which meander below the peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, discovering magical and unspoilt terrain, hidden away from most tourists and visitors. Rolling green hillsides beneath the mountain peaks surround a land of waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, bubbling rivers and cascades. Woven into this beautiful landscape we find forestry, woodlands and sheep farms as well as the iconic ruin of “Molly’s Cottage” at the far end of the valley.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Step into the Black Valley, or Cummeenduff, a place that feels as though time has intentionally slowed its pace. This remote glaciated valley, tucked behind the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, is legendary for its isolation—it was…
Listen in the app2The Entrance from the Gap of Dunloe
As you descend from the Gap of Dunloe into the Black Valley, notice the dramatic change in the landscape. The narrow, enclosed pass of the Gap gives way to this wider, yet still secluded, glacial basin. …
Listen in the app3The Paternoster Lakes: Lough Cummeenduff
Before you lies Lough Cummeenduff, the primary jewel in the valley’s crown. This is one of the paternoster lakes mentioned earlier, named for their resemblance to a string of prayer beads. …
Listen in the app4The Abandoned Dwellings and Famine History
Scattered throughout the Black Valley are the haunting ruins of stone cottages, their roofs long gone and their walls crumbling back into the earth. These are poignant reminders of the people who once called this valley home,…
Listen in the app5The Head of the Valley and the Reeks Access
Reaching the head of the Black Valley, you find yourself at the base of the mighty MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. This area serves as a primary access point for climbers and hikers aiming for Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. …
Listen in the app6The Peat Bogs and Traditional Fuel
Observe the dark, chocolate-colored patches of exposed earth in parts of the valley floor; these are the peat bogs, a vital part of the Irish landscape and heritage. For centuries, peat—or turf—was the primary fuel for the…
Listen in the app7The Modern Community and Resilience
Despite its isolation, the Black Valley is home to a vibrant, if small, community. The modern houses you see, often built near the sites of older dwellings, are a testament to the enduring appeal of this landscape. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we leave the Black Valley, let the profound silence and the stark beauty of the landscape linger in your mind. We have traversed a world shaped by ice and sustained by the resilience of its people. …
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What is Black Valley?
Black Valley is a place in Ireland with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 52.0675, -9.6416 |
| Last updated |