In the Mournes, the col between Slieve Bernagh and Slieve Meelmore is called Pollapuca, which means the place or hole of the púca. The púca is a shape-changing spirit that changes into different animals but is always black. According to the tradition, on Samhain the púca spits on blackberries, making the hedgerow fruit unsafe to eat after that date.
Folklore & legend
The Púca of Pollapuca Gap
Pollapuca Gap, between Slieve Bernagh and Slieve Meelmore
Place-name tradition
- Evidence
- Long-standing local tradition
- Access
- Public footpath only
- Location
- 54.191, -6.000 (Parish-level only, treat as an area)
Sources: Northern Ireland Wildlife blog, "Tall tales in the high places" [other]
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