Cousane Hill

Rising above the rugged landscape of West Cork, this 375m Tump offers a quiet alternative to the busier Shehy range. Characterised by rough sandstone heath and typical peat bog, the summit provides clear perspectives over the Bantry Bay coastline and the neighbouring ridges leading toward the spiritual site of Gougane Barra.

• •The name derives from the Irish 'Cuasán', meaning a 'little hollow' or 'small cave', a description that likely refers to the undulating, scooped-out character of the sandstone slopes surrounding the summit area.
• •Situated near the Cousane Gap, the hill overlooks a traditional mountain pass that serves as a vital link between the Bantry coastline and the inland valleys of the River Lee.
• •The lower western slopes near Kealkill are home to a notable five-stone circle and radial cairn, suggesting these ridges were significant landmarks for Bronze Age inhabitants.
• •Despite being named for a 'hollow', the local weather ensures that the terrain often feels more like a saturated sponge than a cavity underfoot.