Overview
Shannon Pot (Irish: Poll na Sionna) is a natural, aquifer‑fed pool set in the karst landscape of Derrylahan, near Cuilcagh Mountain in County Cavan. Measuring roughly 16 m in diameter and plunging to a surveyed depth of about 9 m, the dark‑brown waters are the traditional source of the River Shannon – Ireland’s longest river, which flows for over 360 km before reaching the Atlantic. The site sits on the Cavan Way, a 26 km National Trail that links the villages of Blacklion and Dowra, and forms part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark.
History & Mythology
The pot’s fame stretches back to medieval poetry; the Book of Magauran (c. 1349) already mentions the “well whence comes the Shannon”. Irish mythology adds a dramatic layer: Síonán, the granddaughter of the sea‑god Lir, is said to have approached the pool in search of the forbidden fruit or the Salmon of Wisdom. Angered, the waters surged, drowning her and giving birth to the mighty Shannon. This tale is echoed in later folklore that links the site to the legendary Fianna and Finn MacCool.
What to See & Do
- The Pool Itself – Stand at the edge of the oval basin, framed by blackthorn and other native trees, and watch the water that feeds a river system spanning eleven counties.
- Interpretive Signage – Information panels in the car park and beside the pot explain the hydrology, geology and legends of the site.
- Diving Heritage – Although the water is not open to casual swimmers, the pot has a rich diving history. Early explorations in 1971 reached depths of 7 m, while later dives in 2008‑2009 uncovered a tight, unstable shaft and surveyed a chamber to a depth of 12 m.
- Cavan Way Walk – Hikers can start (or finish) the Cavan Way at Shannon Pot, enjoying a gentle 23 km trek through limestone karst, moorland and forest. Stage‑2 of the trail runs 12.5 km from the pot to Blacklion, offering spectacular views of the Cuilcagh landscape.
- Future Discovery Centre – A €10 million Shannon Pot Discovery Centre is slated to open in early 2026. The immersive exhibition will showcase the spring’s geology, mythology and the broader geopark, with a café, shop and a 500‑metre interpretive trail.
Practical Information
Shannon Pot is free to access year‑round. The site is marked by brown tourist signs on the R206 (Blacklion‑to‑Glangevlin road) and offers the following facilities:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free car park adjacent to the pool |
| Picnic | Designated picnic area with tables |
| Play area | Small playground for children |
| Interpretation | On‑site panels and a visitor‑centre exhibition (opening 2026) |
| Accessibility | No specific wheelchair facilities mentioned; terrain is natural and uneven |
During the construction phase of the Discovery Centre, visitor access is intermittent from 22 July 2024, with updates provided by Cavan County Council. The Cavan Way and the nearby Cavan Burren Park remain open throughout works.
Getting there – The pot lies on the R206, a short drive from the villages of Blacklion, Dowra and Glangevlin. Ample parking is available at the site. For walkers, the Cavan Way trailhead in Dowra or Blacklion provides easy access to the pool.
Nearby attractions – While you’re in the area, consider a detour to the Marble Arch Caves, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, or the historic Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim in Cavan town. The region also hosts several golf resorts and spa retreats for a relaxing finish to your day.
Opening hours – The pool itself has no formal opening hours; it is accessible whenever the car park is open, typically daylight hours. The Discovery Centre, once open, will operate standard visitor hours (to be confirmed).
Seasonal notes – The spring flows year‑round, but water levels can rise dramatically after heavy rain, creating a more dramatic visual effect.
For the most up‑to‑date access information, visit the official Geopark page: Shannon Pot – Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.