Pigeon Hole Cave
Poll na gColum in Cong
The Pigeon Hole, otherwise known as Poll na gColum, is a limestone cave located between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask just outside of the village of Cong.
A steep descent of steps with a welcome handrail will bring you down to the main cavern, a fairly substantial space over 12-feet wide with a subterranean stream running through it. The cave gets its name from the fact that it’s a common place for pigeons to nest.
Geology of the cave
The cave developed as a result of natural erosive processes within the carboniferous limestone rock mainly caused by acidic chemicals in rainwater. Also deep in the cave flows a stream which carries water from Lough Mask to Lough Corrib causing further erosion and expansion of the cave system. An unusual feature of Lough Mask is that it has no drainage systems like rivers or streams above ground, all water leaves Lough Mask flowing through underground channels and emerges in caverns like Poll na gColum.
Local legend of the cave
According to Irish folklore, the cave is home to a sacred trout known as “the fairy trout,” who, as the legend goes, eluded capture by avoiding bait. A lovely young woman was set to marry a king’s son, but the prince was assassinated before they were married, according to the story.
The young lady, heartbroken, went insane with anguish and then vanished without a trace. She was said to have been abducted by fairies. Soon after a white trout arrived in the cave’s underground river. It was rumoured that she was a fairy, and was treated with reverence.
A soldier, on the other hand, arrived to put the rumours to the test and caught the trout for his dinner. He slid it into the pan, but the fish failed to cook. Despite the fact that the fish would not cook, he opted to eat it nonetheless. As soon as he touched the fish with his knife, it shrieked, leapt from the pan to the floor, and transformed into a lovely young lady.
The woman revealed that she was in the river waiting for her true love. She requested that he abandon his evil ways and return her to the river. The woman vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving a little white fish in her wake.
The soldier hurriedly plated the trout and dashed to the cave to reintroduce her to the river. The water turned blood crimson for a brief moment after he did so. It is reported that a white fish with a small scar where it was sliced can still be found swimming in the sunny area of the river.
Walk The Pigeon Hole Loop
While visiting the cave, you should not miss taking in the beauty of the surrounding woodland. The Pigeon Hole Looped walk takes you around Cong Abbey, across the Cong River, and into Cong Woods, all while following red arrows of this waymarked trail. It’s a lovely walk that winds through Cong Woods on a woodland track, past some interesting sights including the Priest’s House, the Guinness Tower, and various caverns, including Pigeon Hole Cave.
Grade: Easy
Length: 4.7 km
Time: 1 hour
Type: Loop
Elevation: 20 m
Waymarked: Yes, Red arrows
Start & Finish Point: Trailhead at Tourist Office
Pigeon Hole Loop map
Pigeon Hole Cave FAQs
Where is Pigeon Hole Cave located?
Pigeon Hole Cave is located not far from the charming village of Cong. While Cong is in Mayo County, the cave itself resides in the limestone landscape of north County Galway.
Is parking available near the cave?
Limited roadside parking near the Pigeon Hole Cave is available along Abbey Street, close to the Tourist Information Center, or at a small lot next to Cong Abbey, accommodating five or six cars.
How easy is it to reach Pigeon Hole Cave?
Visitors descending the narrow, steep stone staircase to reach the cave are advised to wear proper footwear and maintain a cautious pace. Railings line one side for support, and caution is recommended due to the path’s susceptibility to mud, rain, and fallen leaves.
Are there other things to do near the cave?
Yes, the Pigeon Hole Loop is an easy 4.7km red way-marked trail that commences and concludes at the Tourist Office trailhead. This scenic loop leads through Cong Abbey, across the Cong River, and into the serene expanse of Cong Woods.
What is Pigeon Hole Cave unique to Galway’s landscape?
Pigeon Hole Cave, with its hidden charm and unusual appearance and location, is a testament to the geological wonders that await those who explore the picturesque limestone landscapes of County Galway.
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