Peak Galtymore Elevation 919 m Country Republic of Ireland | Provinces of Ireland Munster Highest point Galty Mountains Galty, Lyracappul | |
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The Galty Mountains or Galtees (Irish: Na Gaibhlte or Sléibhte na gCoillte) are a mountain range in Munster, located in Ireland's Golden Vale across parts of counties Tipperary and Limerick.
Contents
- Map of Galty Mountains Glencoshabinnia Co Tipperary Ireland
- EtymologyEdit
- GeographyEdit
- GeologyEdit
- Other projectsEdit
- References
Map of Galty Mountains, Glencoshabinnia, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
EtymologyEdit
The name "Galty" is thought to be a corruption of the Irish "Sléibhte na gCoillte" - "Mountains of the Forests" in English, however this Irish name has fallen out of use.
GeographyEdit
The Galtees are Ireland's highest inland mountain range, taking the form of a high ridge which rises up almost sheer from the surrounding plain. The highest peak is Galtymore, which rises to 917 m (3,009 ft).
The area has a tradition of dairy farming, and a trade name "Galtee" is now synonymous with one of Ireland's largest food companies which began in the area. Mitchelstown, nestled on the Cork side of the mountains, and Tipperary town on the northern side are the main market towns and centres of commerce for the region.
GeologyEdit
Two major periods of glaciation affected the area. The rounded summits of the Galtees were formed due to the higher parts of the Galtees being above the ice. The constant freeze-thaw action on the higher rocks gradually wore these down to form the stony, scree-covered summits we have today. Glacial action also formed cirques on the higher slopes, which are now occupied by five corrie lakes.
Other projectsEdit
Media related to Galtee Mountains at Wikimedia Commons