Seven Sisters

The number 7 is considered to have special properties in many cultures around the world, including Ireland. Just think of all the associations; seven days in the week, seven deadly sins, seventh heaven, seventh sons and just plain lucky 7. Maybe it’s not so surprising then that it crops up in two placenames in the Comeragh mountain region, in the form of the Seven Sisters.

At the northern end, the bumpy ridge that extends from Glenpatrick to the Gap and which includes Knockanaffrin is locally referred to as the Seven Sisters. As this photo shows, it’s not hard to see why and it is speculated that each of these bumps on the skyline had some ancient significance.

Further south in Com Tae or Coumtay, we find a series of small locháns. And again these are known locally among the hill farmers of the district as the Seven Sisters of Com Tae.