View source for Boho, County Fermanagh

{{About|the area in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland||Boho (disambiguation){{!}}Boho}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox UK place  
  |official_name=    Boho
  |irish_name=       Botha
  |scots_name=        
  |local_name=       
  |static_image_name=Boho Church of Ireland - geograph.org.uk - 487471.jpg     
  |static_image_caption=Boho, Church of Ireland
  |map_type=          Northern Ireland
  |coordinates = {{coord|54.3497|-7.7957|display=inline,title}}
  |belfast_distance=
  | population =
  | population_ref =
  |irish_grid_reference=
  |unitary_northern_ireland= [[Fermanagh and Omagh]]
  |country=           Northern Ireland
  |historic_county=
|post_town=         ENNISKILLEN
  |postcode_area=     BT
  |postcode_district= BT74
  |dial_code=         028, +44 28
  |constituency_ni_assembly= [[Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Assembly constituency)|Fermanagh and South Tyrone]]
  |lieutenancy_northern_ireland= [[County Fermanagh]]
  |website=           
  |hide_services= yes
}}

'''Boho''' (pronounced {{IPAc-en|b|oʊ}} {{respell|BOH}},<ref name=boho-heritage>{{cite book |title= Boho Heritage: A treasure trove of history and lore|author= Boho Heritage Organisation|publisher=Nicholson & Bass |location=Mallusk, Northern Ireland|editor=Edel Bannon |editor2=Louise Mclaughlin |editor3=Cecilia Flanagan|year=2009|isbn=978-0-9560607-0-9|pages=246}}</ref> {{Irish derived place name|Botha|huts}})<ref>[http://www.logainm.ie/58921.aspx Placenames Database of Ireland]</ref> is a hamlet and a [[civil parish]] {{convert|11|km|mi|0}} covering approximately {{convert|12|x|7|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Enniskillen]] in [[County Fermanagh]], [[Northern Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Boho Caves |publisher=Museum of Learning|url=http://www.ukcaves.co.uk/cave-boho}}</ref> It is situated within [[Fermanagh and Omagh]] district.

This area contains a high density of historically significant sites stretching from the Neolithic [[Reyfad Stones]], through the [[Bronze Age]]/[[Iron Age]] (Aghnaglack Tomb) and [[medieval]] (High Crosses) to comparatively recent historical buildings such as the Linnett Inn.

Boho parish has a high biodiversity of flora and fauna due in part to the [[ecological niche|niche]]s offered by the [[limestone]] [[karst]] substrata combined with fen meadow, upland heath and acidic bog. The three mountains found within the parish; namely [[Glenkeel]], [[Knockmore]] and [[Belmore Mountain|Belmore]] provide a landscape varying from high craggy bluffs, with views of neighbouring counties, to low, flat bogland punctuated by streams and lakes.<ref name=osni-discoverer-17>{{cite map |publisher=[[Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland]] (OSNI) |title=Discoverer 17 |edition=2003}}</ref> Below this landscape are two of the three most cave-rich mountains in Northern Ireland,<ref name=cofac>{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Gareth Ll. |last2=Burns |first2=Gaby |last3=Fogg |first3=Tim |last4=Kelly |first4=John |title=The Caves of Fermanagh and Cavan (2nd Ed.) |publisher=Lough Nilly Press |year=1997 |isbn=0-9531602-0-3 }}</ref> featuring the deepest cave system in Ireland at [[Reyfad]] Pot, the deepest daylight shaft in Ireland at [[Noon's Hole]], as well as popular caves for local outdoor adventure centre groups at the [[Boho Caves]] and the nearby Pollnagollum Coolarkan.<ref name=cofac />

== History ==

=== Ancient origins ===
Boho is an anglicisation of the [[Irish language|Irish]] ''Botha'', which is the plural of ''Both'', an old word for tent, hut or booth. This is a truncation of [[Bhotha Mhuintir Uí Fhialáin]], Bothach ui fhialain in Breifney or mBothaigh I Fhialain, which translates as ''the huts of the Uí Fhialáin''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Origin and History of Irish Names of Places |last=Joyce |first=Patrick Weston |author-link=Patrick Weston Joyce |publisher=Longmans, Green and Co |year=1898 |page=305 |isbn=0-946130-11-6 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Onomasticon Goedelicum locorum et tribuum Hiberniae et Scotiae |publisher=University College Cork Documents of Ireland |url=http://publish.ucc.ie/doi/locus/B |access-date=2012-08-25}}</ref> The surname Ó Fialáin is sometimes rendered as [[Phelan (surname)|Phelan]].

This area has a long history of habitation as evidenced by the [[Neolithic]] [[Reyfad]] stones, dating from the late [[Stone Age]]/early [[Bronze Age]] (nearly 4000 years ago), classified as a scheduled monument.<ref name =scheduledMonuments >{{cite web |title=Scheduled Historic Monuments |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url= http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/scheduled_monuments1to31mar07.pdf |access-date=2009-03-17|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081105170911/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/scheduled_monuments1to31mar07.pdf|archive-date=2008-11-05}}</ref> Further remnants of [[Neolithic]] habitation were unearthed by the [[Enniskillen]] archeologist Thomas Plunkett in 1880 when he discovered an ancient settlement {{convert|6+1/2|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} beneath the surface of a peat [[bog]] (the coal bog) in the townland of [[Kilnamadoo]].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Plunkett |first=Thomas |title=On an Ancient Settlement found about Twenty-one Feet below the Surface of the Peat in the Coal-bog near Boho, Co. Fermanagh |year=1880 |journal=[[Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy]] |series=2 |volume=II |location=Dublin| pages=66–70 |url=https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsroya18acadgoog#page/n94 | jstor=20651496}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=50th Annual Meeting of British Association for the Advancement of Science |author=Murray, J |page=236 |year=1880  |publisher = Harvard University}}</ref> More neolithic remnants were unearthed in the townland of Moylehid again by Thomas Plunkett when he discovered the Eagle's Knoll Cairn passage tomb and Moylehid ring in 1894.<ref>{{cite journal |author=George Coffey |year=1953 |title=On a Cairn Excavated by Thomas Plunkett, M.R.I.A., on Belmore Mountain, Co. Fermanagh |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy|volume=4, (1896 - 1898) |pages=659–666 |jstor=20490529 |publisher=Royal Irish Academy}}</ref>
Evidence Bronze Age habitation was discovered by [[George Coffey]] (1901), who unearthed a copper knife, currently on display in the ''[[Dublin]] collection''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Coffey, George |title=Irish Copper Celts |journal=The Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland |volume=31 |year=1901 |pages=265–279 |publisher=[[Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland]] |doi=10.2307/2842803 |jstor=2842803|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1449594 }}</ref>
[[Iron Age]] artifacts were discovered in the [[Carn, County Fermanagh|Carn]] townland of Boho (1953), consisting of remnants of a hearth at the foot of an escarpment dating to first millennium AD.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Proudfoot, E. V. B. |year=1953 |title=A rath at Boho, Fermanagh |journal=Ulster Journal of Archaeology |volume=16 |pages=41–57}}</ref>
Later evidence of [[Danish ethnic group|Danish]] raiders in the area came in the form of an iron spear head, found in a [[Dolmen|Cromleac]] in Boho, on display at the [[National Museum of Ireland]] in Dublin.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Treasures of the National Museum of Ireland. Irish Antiquities |author=Stalley, Roger |editor-last=Wallace |editor-first=Patrick F. |editor2-last=Ó Floinn |editor2-first=Raghnall |publisher=Gill and Macmillan (in association with The Boyne Valley Honey Company) |year=2002 |isbn=0-7171-2829-6 |page=315 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |author=Wood-Martin, William Gregory |title=Pagan Ireland; an Archaeological Sketch: A Handbook of Irish Pre-Christian Antiquities |publisher=Longmans, Green, and Co |year=1895 |page=[https://archive.org/details/paganirelandarch00wooduoft/page/689 689] |url=https://archive.org/details/paganirelandarch00wooduoft |quote=boho Pagan Ireland; an Archaeological Sketch: A Handbook of Irish Pre-Christian Antiquities. }}</ref>

=== History ===
The inscriptions on the Neolithic [[Reyfad]] stones constitute the first markings or writings from the Boho area, however their meaning has still to be deciphered.<ref name =scheduledMonuments/> Thousands of years later, the region covering the Boho area was inhabited by the [[Erdini]], [[Ptolemy]] (150 AD).<ref name=ihm-ptolemy>{{cite web |title=Ptolemy's Ireland |publisher=Ireland's History in Maps |url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlkik/ihm/ire150.htm |access-date=2009-08-07}}</ref>

In 700 AD, the two predominant tribes in the region were the Cenel Enda and Cenel Laegaire, whose boundaries followed areas similar to [[Clanawley]], and the [[Magheraboy]].<ref name=breifne-connaught>{{cite web |title=The briefne region, connaught series|url=  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlkik/ihm/breifne2.htm}}</ref> There was a third tribe in this region known as the Fir Manach but their territory did not cover the Boho region.<ref name=breifne-connaught /> At this time, the barony of Clanawley extended into the north of [[County Cavan]].<ref name=breifne-connaught /> Later the Boho area was considered to be in West Bréifne, also known as ''Bréifne Ó Ruairc''.<ref name=breifne-book>{{Cite book |title=Bréifne |editor=Egan, Terry |publisher=The Stationery Office Ltd |year=2006 |isbn=0-337-08747-4 }}</ref>

The Boho area was mentioned in the ''[[Annals of Ulster]]'' (628 AD), in which [[Suibne Menn]] of the [[Cenél nEógain]] kindred of the northern [[Uí Néill]], reigning High King and son of [[Fiachra]] defeated his distant cousin Domhnall, son of Aedh ([[Domnall mac Áedo]]). This event was also described in The Annals of Tigernach (630 AD) as "Cath Botha in quo Suibne Mend mac Fiachrach uictor erat, Domnoll mac Aedha fuigit".<ref>{{cite web |title=Placenames NI |url= http://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=7749}}</ref>
In the first part of the 9th century the area of Boho or as it was written Botha eich uaichnich, was linked to the encompassing territory known as Tuath Ratha (Tir Ratha) and also to a local patron saint [[St Faber]] in the Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee [[Óengus of Tallaght]]<ref name=MartrologyofOengus>{{cite web |title=The Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee|url=https://archive.org/stream/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft_djvu.txt}}</ref>

The area known as [[Túath]] [[Ráth]]a ({{etymology|ga|Túath Rátha|people/tribe of the fort}}), is anglicised as Tooraah<ref>{{cite web |title=The Topographical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla Na Naomh O'Huidhrin|url=http://www.clanmaclochlainn.com/odugan.htm}}</ref> and later as Toora and Trory.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Letters of John O' Donovan |url=http://www.cassidyclan.org/odonovanletters.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728060336/http://www.cassidyclan.org/odonovanletters.htm |archive-date=28 July 2010 }}</ref> It has also been retained as the name of the mountain Tura.<ref>{{cite web |title=Principal Families of Ulster: in Fermanagh |work=Irish Pedigrees; or, the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation |author=John O'Hart |url=http://www.libraryireland.com/Pedigrees1/Fermanagh.php |access-date=23 August 2010}}</ref> 
Tuath-Ratha is mentioned again in 1103 in the ''Annals of the Loch'' where "a fierce conflict between the men of the [[Lurg]] and the Tuath-Ratha, in which fell a multitude on both sides". Again in 1119, it states that Cuchollchaille O'Baighellain, chief Ollamh ([[Ollam]]) of Erinn in poetry, was slain by the Feara-Luirg and by O' Flannagain of Tuath-Ratha.<ref name=annals-loch-ce>{{cite book |title=Annals of Loch Cé A.D. 1014 1590 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100010B/text010.html |access-date=2009-06-06}}</ref>

''The rebellion in Boho''. <br/>
At one point, the people of the Boho area refused to pay annual tribute to the King of Fermanagh, Magnus MaGuidhir.<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen>{{cite book |title=The History of Enniskillen with reference to some manors in Co. Fermanagh, and other local subjects (1919) |author= Trimble, William Copeland |edition=5 |publisher=W. Trimble |location=Enniskillen |year=1919 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofenniski00trimrich}}</ref><ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh>{{Cite book|title=Me Guidhir Fhearmanach, the Maguires of Fermanagh .i. Maghnus agus Giolla Iosa, "dhá mhac Dhuinn Mhoir mic Raghnaill"|author=Dinneen, P. S.|publisher=M.H. Gill|year=1917|url=http://www03.us.archive.org/stream/meguidhirfhearma00dinn/meguidhirfhearma00dinn_djvu.txt|access-date=2012-08-25}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><br/> The dispute was recounted by McGuires historian as follows:

<blockquote>
''Accordingly, Maguire sent out his Bonaghs or''<br />
''stewards to proceed on circuit for the tribute on his''<br /> 
''behalf; and the Flanagan, of Toora, was the first to''<br />
''refuse it, " till he saw his lord, to whom he would''<br />
''give it on his feet ": and to show the guile of this''<br /> 
''artful chief, he added with Irish blarney—"that they''<br /> 
''would not store it more faithfully for him than''<br /> 
''himself." With this rebel refusal the stewards seized''<br /> 
''the cattle of Flanagan, and Flanagan pursued the''<br />
''bonaghs to where we now call Glack, or Aghanaglack,''<br /> 
''sometimes called Carn (Clais an Chairn), at Boho,''<br /> 
''where a fight ensued for the cattle, in which many''<br />
''were killed on both sides, including Flanagan and 15 ''<br />
''of Maguire's party, and while the conflict was taking''<br /> 
''place "the women and youngsters" of Toora took''<br />
''back the cattle.''<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen/>
</blockquote>

This tract is a description by O Breislin (historian to Maguire) and O'Cassidy (physician to Maguire) of a time when MaGuidhir, the King of Fermanagh was unable to collect annual tribute from the seven tuaths of Fermanagh due to three years of infirmity. The account is written some several hundred years after the event and may contain exaggerations on the generosity of the king, prophesies and connections to Irish mythologies.<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen/> The account mentions the Flannagans of Toorah, the area of Boagh or Boho {{lang|ga|Both Uí Fhialain}} and adjacent areas controlled by Mac Giolla Fheinnéin, the chief the Muinntear Fhuadacháin, Muinntear Leannáin, the church termoners for the parish of Inis Mhuighe Samh (Inismacasaint) and O Fialáin and Clann Mhe Garacháin associated with the Both Uí Fhialáin.<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen/><ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/>
<br/>
Magnus MaGuidhir sent his bonaghs (representatives) to collect annual tribute from the southern edge of his dominion, namely O' Flannagáin's territory in Tuath Rátha.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/>
O' Flannagáin was reluctant to hand over the annual tribute to the bronaghs; stating that it would be as safe with him as it would be with the tribute collectors. Accordingly, the bonaghs forcefully collected this tribute in kind by rounding up cattle, preys and other stock.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> However, O'Flannagan and his party pursued the men across Sliabh Dha Chon, close to [[Reyfad]] until they reached Galc Mhanchah or Clais an Chaim (also known as Glack) where a battle took place.  During this struggle the women and children of Boho retrieved the cattle. Fifteen of McGuires men and 25 of the Boho men were killed including the chief Flannagan.<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen/><ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> Incensed by reports of this rebellion, Maguire summoned his council of chiefs to decide on the compensation the Flannagan would pay. The result of a council of the other chiefs of Fermanagh was that since chief of the Flannagans had died in battle and they had lost 25 men, then there was no more need for settlement. This verdict was delivered by O Breislein, whom Maguire suspected of bias since they both came from the Fanad. Suspecting part of a wider rebellion, McGuidhr summoned his son Giollas Losa Ma Guidir from Briefne (heir apparent to the Fermanagh throne) and directed him to Sliabh dha Chon (mountain of the two hounds) which was previously known as Gleann Caom, the mountainous tract that lies between Fermanagh and Briefne Ui Kuairc (Brienfny O Rourke), lying within the Boho area at that time.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> He counseled his son about the area, since it was the place where Fionn lost his two hounds  'through devilry or magic of the [[children of Lir]]'.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> He was then to make his way to his brother in Beal Atha Seannaigh (Ballyshanon) and tell him (O Domhnaill) of the rebellion.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/>

Maghnus and Giolla 'losa then enlisted the help of some 700 men from Tyrconnell (Tir Chonnail) including Gallagher (O Gallchubhair), Bohill (O Baoighill) and the three Sweenys (Mac Suibhnes) who proceeded from Ath Seanaigh to Leac na nArm (Lack) and did not stop until they had reached to Sliabh Dha Chon.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> They first called in at Tuath Lurg to collect tribute from O Maoladuin.  Since he did not have it they sent him to custody at Port Dobhrain at [[Knockninny]]. Next was the Tuath of Tir Cheannada where Clann Mhe Guinnnseannain, O'Duibhain, O Seaghdhannain and Clann Mhic Anuisce lived on the hill known as Craobh Ui Fhadachain, where the Muintear Fhuadachain used to be.  Giolla Tosa asked for tribute which they could not provide.  He then ordered the arrest of Ma Guinnsionnain and all the tribe present to set an example also had them sent to Port Dobhrain.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> They proceeded then to have all the heads of the seven tuaths bound and fettered and sent to Port Dobhrain to extract the eric that they owed .<ref name=HistoryofEnniskillen/><ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> After this tour of the county, O Domhnaills men camped at the top of Gleann Dorcha (dark valley) and then at Srath na d'Tarbh in the townland of templenaffrin which is named after the fight of the two bulls, Donn Cuailgne and Finnbheannach. Eventually the tribute from all seven Fermanagh tuaths was paid with eric (compensation) at Port Dobhrain, the Maguires royal residence at Knockninny.<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> An eric of 700 milk cows was levied on O'Flanagan as a balance for the 700 men Maguire had employed to enforce his tribute collection who had come from Tyrconnell (Donegal).<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/> The new Flannagan together with the heads of the seven tuaths were then made swear allegiance to McGuidhr and the new Flannagan was officially recognized. There then followed three days of feasting  "to the high, to the lowly, to the laity, to the clergy, to the druids, to the ollambs in the royal household, and to the Tyrconnell (Tir Chonnail) party".<ref name=The-Maguires-of-Fermanagh/>

Later historical accounts of Túath Rátha described the region as extended from Belmore mountain to [[Belleek, County Fermanagh|Belleek]] and from [[Lough Melvin]] to [[Lough Erne]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Topographical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla Na Naomh O'Huidhrin |volume=i |publisher=Irish Archaeological and Celtic Society Dublin |editor=O'Donovan, John |year=1862 |url=http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/b4.php}}</ref><ref name=ihm-airghialla>{{cite web |title=The Three Collas and the Kingdom of Airghialla (Oriel) |publisher=Ireland's History in Maps |url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlkik/ihm/colla.htm |access-date=2009-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Irish Pedigrees; or, the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation |author=O'Hart, John |edition=5 |publisher=Duffy |year=1892 |url=https://archive.org/details/irishpedigreeso02ohagoog |quote=Irish Pedigrees; or, the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. |isbn=1-112-18998-X}}</ref>

In 1483, Boho is mentioned in The Annals of Ulster upon the death of John O'Fialain (Ua Fialain), "the Ollam in poetry" of the sons of Philip Mag Uidhir (McGuire) and [[herenagh]] of Botha.<ref>{{cite book |author=Unknown |title=Annals of Ulster, Part 106 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100001C/text106.html |editor=Pádraig Bambury |editor2=Stephen Beechinor |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606024700/http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100001C/text106.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Again in ''[[Annals of the Four Masters]]'' ([[Mícheál Ó Cléirigh]], 1487) the area is mentioned on the death of Teige (Tadhg), the son of Brian Mac Amlaim Mag Uidhir (McGuire), son of Auliffe Mag Uidhir, who had first been Parson of Botha, and then Vicar of Cill-Laisre (Killesher)<ref>{{cite book |title=Annals of the Four Masters, Part 12 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100005D/text012.html |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Unknown |title=Annals of Ulster, Part 110 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100001C/text110.html |access-date=2009-04-23 |editor=Pádraig Bambury |editor2=Stephen Beechinor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606025033/http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100001C/text110.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1498 there are reports of Maine, the son of Melaghlin, son of Matthew Mac Manus, slain in Botha-Muintire-Fialain, by the sons of Cathal Ua Gallchobair (O'Gallagher).<ref>{{cite book |title=Annals of the Four Masters, Part 13 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100005D/text013.html |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Annala Rioghachta Éireann: Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland Volumes 5 and 6, History To 1603 |author=O'Clery, Michael |author2=O'Clery, Cucogry |author3=O'Mulconry, Ferfeasa |author4=O'Duigenan, Cucogry |author5=O'Clery, Conary |author6=O'Donovan, John |publisher=Hodges, Smith |year=c. 1861}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Unknown |title=Annals of Ulster |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100001A/ |editor=Pádraig Bambury |editor2=Stephen Beechinor}}</ref> There is also mention in 1520 of Nicholas, the son of Pierce O'Flanagan, Parson of [[Devenish Island|Devenish]], who was "unjustly removed from his place by the influence of the laity, and died at Bohoe".<ref name=annals-four-masters-part2>{{cite book |title=Annals of the Four Masters, Part 2 |url=http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100005E/text002.html |access-date=2009-04-16 |isbn=0-940134-14-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917223330/http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T100005E/text002.html |archive-date=17 September 2009 |url-status=dead |last1=O'Clery |first1=Michael |year=2003 }}</ref> In 1552 there is a mention of Tadhg, the son of Tadhg, son of Eoghan O'Ruairc, who was slain in treachery in Bothach-Ui-Fhialain, by the Davine, son of Lochlainn.<ref name=annals-loch-ce />

Boho is again mentioned during the inquisition of church lands held during the reign of [[James I of England]] in 1609–1610, described as Boghae.<ref name=ua-patent-rolls-james-i>{{cite book |title=Patent Rolls of James I p. 383 Pat. 16 James I (XXXI) |year= 1610 |url= http://www.ulsterancestry.com/ua-free-Fermanagh_Herenaghs.html |access-date=2009-04-20}}</ref> At that point in time, the land was divided amongst [[Sept (social)|septs]], the head of which was a herenagh who paid tribute to the bishop of [[Clogher]]. The herenagh in Boho at that time was known as O'Fellan and under him was another sept "in the nature of a herenagh", called Clan McGarraghan (Mac Arachain).<ref name=ua-patent-rolls-james-i /><ref name="TheFermanaghStory">The Fermanagh Story: a documented history of the County Fermanagh from the earliest times to the present day - Enniskillen: Cumann Seanchais Chlochair, 1969</ref> O'Fellan is described as having a free 'tate' or [[tathe]], called Karme ([[Carn, County Fermanagh|Carn]]), to himself, and another, called Rostollon, which was divided among his sept of 'doughasaes' equally. The document also describes an area of land called KillmcIteggart or Farrennalter, one part of which belonging to the [[parson]], and the other to the [[vicar]].<ref name=ua-patent-rolls-james-i />

In 1610 the area of Boho is described as extending into the [[barony (Ireland)|barony]] of Clonawley (Clanawley), whose limits are bounded by the lands of Aghara in the west, Sleveamwell Hill in Clanawley in the east, the river of Bealaghmore in the north, and by Ourae mountain, also to the north.<ref name=ua-patent-rolls-james-i /> By 1837, before parish boundaries were altered, the parish was still quite large and was described as containing 2,581 inhabitants, comprising {{frac|15,058|1|2}} statute acres, of which {{frac|6,151|1|4}} are in the barony of Magheraboy and {{frac|8,907|1|4}} in that of Clanawley.<ref name=lewis-topo-dictionary>{{cite book |title=A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland |volume=i |publisher=S. Lewis & Co |year=1837 |url=http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/b4.php}}</ref> In those times this area also included the village of [[Belcoo]].<ref name=lewis-topo-dictionary /> In more recent times due to restructuring the parish grew smaller until the mid-19th century when it contained 51 townlands.<ref name=boho-heritage-map>{{cite book |editor=Burns, G. |title=Welcome to Boho |chapter=Boho Heritage Map |publisher=Boho Heritage Organisation |year=2006}}</ref> Today the number of townlands in the area stands at 46.<ref name=proni-townlands>{{cite web |title=List of townlands in Boho Parish |publisher=[[Public Records Office of Northern Ireland]] |url=http://applications.proni.gov.uk/geogindx/parishes/par054.htm |access-date=2009-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727083754/http://applications.proni.gov.uk/geogindx/parishes/par054.htm |archive-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The name of a nearby school, [[Portora Royal School]] in Enniskillen (established 1618),<ref>{{cite web |title=History: 1608–1862 |publisher=[[Portora Royal School]] |url=http://www.portoraroyal.co.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=1851&parentid=1851 |access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref> is purported to be derived from the Irish {{lang|ga|Port Abhla Faoláin}}, meaning "landing place of the apple trees of {{lang|ga|Faolán}}". This may refer to {{lang|ga|[[Bhotha Mhuintir Uí Fhialáin]]}}, a tribe that inhabited the Boho area.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sammon, Patrick |title=Oscar Wilde and Greece: Notes |publisher=The OSCHOLARS Library |url=http://www.oscholars.com/TO/Appendix/Library/sammon.htm |access-date=2009-03-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512082149/http://www.oscholars.com/TO/Appendix/Library/sammon.htm |archive-date=12 May 2008 }}</ref>
<br/>
In the mid-17th century, historical records mention John McCormick, son of Cormick, who received a grant of land at Drumboy, Boho. It is stated that he gave evidence against Lord Conor Maguire at his trial for treason and was later appointed as one of the commissioners who took evidence on the massacres of 1641. After his death, his estates in Boho and Cleenish were left to his wife and nephew William McCormick.<ref name="TheFermanaghStoryp437">The Fermanagh Story: a documented history of the County Fermanagh from the earliest times to the present day - Enniskillen: Cumann Seanchais Chlochair page 437, (1969)</ref>

==Demographics==
===2011 Census===
The 2011 census combined the villages of Boho, Cleenish and Letterbeen into the same ward.<ref>{{cite web |title=Census 2011 Population Statistics for Boho Cleenish And Letterbreen Ward |url=https://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Boho%20Cleenish%20And%20Letterbreen@Partial%20match%20of%20location%20name:%20@Partial%20Match%20Of%20Location%20Name:%20%20Boho%20Cleenish%20And%20Letterbreen@4? |website=NINIS |access-date=21 December 2019}}</ref> 
On Census Day (27 March 2011) the usually resident population of Boho Cleenish And Letterbreen Ward was 3,185 accounting for 0.18% of the NI total.
 
* 99.40% were from the white (including Irish Traveller) ethnic group;
* 55.23% belong to or were brought up in the Catholic religion and 41.22% belong to or were brought up in a 'Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related)' religion; and
* 38.15% indicated that they had a British national identity, 36.73% had an Irish national identity and 31.15% had a Northern Irish national identity*.
*Respondents could indicate more than one national identity
 
On Census Day 27 March 2011, in Boho Cleenish And Letterbreen Ward, considering the population aged 3 years old and over:
 
* 11.88% had some knowledge of Irish;
* 4.13% had some knowledge of Ulster-Scots; and
* 0.85% did not have English as their first language.

== Places of interest ==

=== Boho High Cross ===
[[File:High Cross Boho.jpg|right|thumb|Boho High Cross, June 2009, Toneel North, Boho]]The High Cross in Boho graveyard (grid ref H1167 4621) is on an eminence overlooking the Sacred Heart Church (patron St {{lang|ga|Feadhbar}} or [[St Faber]]) in the [[townland]] of Toneel North.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Crawford |first=Henry S. |title=A Descriptive List of Early Irish Crosses |journal=[[Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland]] |volume=37 |year=1907| page=197 |url=https://archive.org/stream/journalroyalsoc01unkngoog#page/n225/mode/1up/search/boho |access-date=2010-11-04}}</ref><ref name=uja-62>{{cite journal |last1=Donnelly |first1=Colm |last2=MacDonald |first2=Philip |last3=Murphy |first3=Eileen |last4=Beer |first4=Nicholas |date=2003 |publication-date=2005 |title=Excavations at Boho High Cross, Toneel North, County Fermanagh |journal=Ulster Journal of Archaeology |volume=62 |pages=121–42}}</ref> It may date from the 10th century and comprises a weathered sandstone shaft.<ref name=qub-caf2002>{{cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Colm |last2=MacDonald |first2=Philip |last3=Murphy |first3=Eileen |last4=Beer |first4=Nicholas |title=Excavations at Boho High Cross |publisher=School of Archaeology and Palaeoecology, [[Queen's University, Belfast]] |url=http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/CentreforArchaeologicalFieldworkCAF/Reports/DataStructureReports/Filetoupload,64239,en.pdf |year=2002 |access-date=2010-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613161746/http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/CentreforArchaeologicalFieldworkCAF/Reports/DataStructureReports/Filetoupload%2C64239%2Cen.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2011 }}</ref> Excavation of the cross have suggested that it was moved to its present position in 1832, when the site was first reused for Roman Catholic worship, the new church being built in the original graveyard slightly south of the old one.<ref name=uja-62 /><ref name=qub-caf2002 />

The west face of the cross shaft depicts the presentation of the John the Baptist in the Temple. The central figure holds a child in their arms and is accompanied by a figure either side. Above this carving is the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist with the River Jordan flowing between their feet.<ref name=ucc-docs-of-ireland>{{cite web |title=High Cross at Boho |publisher=[[University College Cork]] |work=Documents of Ireland |url=http://publish.ucc.ie/doi/tandi/Boho1-N080#navtop |access-date=2009-04-27}}</ref> The East face of the cross shaft depicts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden together with a tree and serpent who is looking at one of the figures.<ref name=ucc-docs-of-ireland /> The accompanying socketed base of red [[sandstone]] in which the shaft rests measures 90 x 88&nbsp;cm at ground level and 62&nbsp;cm in height.<ref name=ucc-docs-of-ireland /> There is conjecture that the base of the cross is a [[bullán]] which men would resort to in cases of childless marriages.<ref>{{cite book |author=Wood-Martin, William Gregory |title=Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland: A Folklore Sketch; a Handbook of Irish Pre-Christian Traditions |publisher=Longmans, Green and Co |year=1902 |volume=2 |page=247 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B0W-gRqS3XEC&q=boho+graveyard+prechristian&pg=RA2-PA247}}</ref> The existing doorway of the nearby [[Church of Ireland]] at Farnaconnell is thought to have originated from the pre-reformation church at Toneel North.<ref name=blennerhassett-clogher-microform>{{cite web |author=Blennerhassett, Rev. Canon James |title=Clogher clergy and parishes microform: being an account of the clergy of the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Clogher from the earliest period with historical notices of the several parishes churches etc |location=Kilsaran Rectory, Castlebellingham |year=1929 |url=https://archive.org/stream/MN5034ucmf_0/MN5034ucmf_0_djvu.txt}}</ref>

=== Reyfad Stones ===
{{Main|Reyfad}}
[[File:Reyfad Stones.jpg|left|thumb|Cup and ring markings on the Reyfad Stones in Boho]]

The Reyfad Stones date from the neolithic age and are engraved with [[cup and ring mark]] inscriptions similar to those at [[Newgrange]]. The stones have been designated as a scheduled monument by the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (SM 210:13).<ref name=NIscheduledMonuments>{{cite web|title=Scheduled Monuments Blue List |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/blue_list_as_at_13-08-13_-_no_b-files_number.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427110939/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/blue_list_as_at_13-08-13_-_no_b-files_number.pdf |archive-date=27 April 2015 }}</ref> The stones are located in a field approximately 500 meters behind the Sacred Heart Church in Boho. Access is by permission.<ref>{{cite book |title=Ireland: an Oxford archaeological guide to sites from earliest times to AD 1600|author1=Andrew Halpin |author2=Conor Newman |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2006 |page=8|isbn=978-0-19-280671-0 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Irish Quaternary Studies Online Project |publisher=IRQUAS |url=http://www.maqqi.supanet.com/archaeology/archaeology.htm |access-date=2009-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510143722/http://www.maqqi.supanet.com/archaeology/archaeology.htm |archive-date=10 May 2008 }}</ref>

=== Noon's Hole ===
{{Main|Noon's Hole}}
Noon's Hole lies approximately {{convert|5|km|mi|0}} north west of the centre of Boho. At {{convert|81|m|ft}}, this pothole is the deepest daylight shaft in [[Ireland]].<ref name=cofac /><ref name=ukcaves-nilongest>{{cite web |title=N Ireland – Longest caves |publisher=UK Caves |url=http://www.ukcaves.co.uk/region-nireland-longest |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref>

=== Aghanaglack Tomb ===
{{Main|Aghanaglack}}
[[Image:Dual Court Tomb Boho.jpg|left|thumb|Dual Court Tomb, Aghanaglack, Boho]]
This Neolithic dual court tomb was discovered by Prof. Oliver Davies(1938).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Davies, O. |year=1939 |title=Excavation of a horned cairn at Aghanaglack, Co. Fermanagh |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland |volume=69 |pages=21–38 |publisher=[[Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland]]}}</ref>

=== Boho Waterfall ===
This is located at the entrance of Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest.<ref name=discover-briefne-boho>{{cite web|title=Boho Heritage Sites |publisher=Discover Briefne |url=http://www.passport-breifne.com/Attractions/Attractionindetail.cfm/showme/33 |access-date=2009-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807173427/http://www.passport-breifne.com/Attractions/Attractionindetail.cfm/showme/33 |archive-date=7 August 2008 }}</ref> [[File:Pollnagollum Cave Waterfall.jpg|right|thumb|300x400px|Waterfall over Pollnagollum, Boho]]

=== Boho Caves ===

{{Main|Caves of the Tullybrack and Belmore hills|Boho Caves}}

Boho caves are the seventh longest cave passage system in Northern Ireland and have been designated as an ASSI.<ref name=BohoASSI>{{cite web|title=Area of Special Scientific Interest |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/protected_areas_home/new_assi_landing_page/county_fermanagh-2/boho_assi.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091008/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/protected_areas_home/new_assi_landing_page/county_fermanagh-2/boho_assi.htm |archive-date=18 May 2015 }}</ref> They are the only example of a joint-controlled maze cave in Northern Ireland.<ref name=BohoASSI/> They also contain the only Irish modern-day record of the cave-dwelling water beetle (Agapus biguttatus).<ref name=BohoASSI/>

=== Belmore Forest ===
Belmore forest (Grid ref:H127418) on the slopes of [[Belmore Mountain]] is a coniferous forest that covers approximately 863.99 ha (2134.96 acres). It is included in the UNESCO [[Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark]]. The forest contains Forestry houses, Coolarkan Quarry and Pollnagollum Cave.

=== Balintempo Forest ===
Balintempo forest is predominantly a coniferous [[forest plantation]] with areas of blanket bog and rocky outcrops of sandstone. Together with the forests of Carrigan, Big Dog, Conagher and Lough Navar they form the largest continuous tract of coniferous forest in Northern Ireland. The forest also forms part of the [[Ulster Way]] and the [[Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark]]. The area is notable for Aghanaglack chambered cairn.

=== Eagle's Knoll Cairn and Moylehid Ring ===
{{Main|Moylehid}}
This neolithic site associated with the townland of [[Moylehid]] contains the Eagle's Knoll Cairn passage tomb and the Moylehid ring cairn. These are scheduled historic monuments.

=== The Linnet Inn ===

The Linnet Inn, situated near Boho Cross-Roads (glack cross) is over 200 years old<ref name=boho-heritage-map /> and is one of the few remaining [[thatched]] [[public house]]s in [[Ireland]]. It contains a classic style open hearth fire and a unique "cave bar" in homage to the local caves designed and constructed by its previous owner, Brian McKenzie.<ref name=cofac /> 

== Places of spiritual significance ==
The Boho area is replete with sacred/religious sites, from the present age such as the [[Church of Ireland]] at Farnaconnell and the Sacred Heart Church in Toneel North, to older pre-reformation churches. There were also places of worship which were historically situated outside conventional buildings that were used in times of religious and political strife, when the need for secrecy was paramount.

=== Boho Sacred Heart Church ===
[[File:Sacred Heart Church graveyard overlooking Boho countryside.JPG|left|thumb|Sacred Heart Church graveyard overlooking Ross Lough in Boho]]
Built by the Rev Nicholas Smith in 1832, in townland of Toneel North possibly on the site of some ancient religious site. This is a four bay hall with a squared rubble gable and billcote renovated in 1913.  The site is notable for the 10th-century High Cross.<ref name=NorthWestArchitecture>{{cite book |title=North West Ulster: The Counties of Londonderry, Donegal, Fermanagh and Tyrone |publisher=Yale University Press|year=1979|pages=564 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IqDHhSIue1IC|isbn=0300096674}}</ref>

=== Boho Parish Church of Ireland ===
Built in 1777 in the townland of Farnaconnell. A small three bay tower and hall church with round headed windows.   The church was restored in 1830 and contains elements of medieval church 1&nbsp;km north in archway entrance to the vestibule.   (Grid Ref: N54.35475 W007.81112)<ref name=NorthWestArchitecture/>

=== Unknown Church ===
There may have been a third traditional church in Boho parish called Templemollem or the Church of the Mill, which is mentioned in the Survey of 1603 and in the Inquisition of 1609.<ref name=blennerhassett-clogher-microform /> This was the chapel of ease called Templemullin on a tate of land owned by the sept of the McGaraghan which had an annual tribute to pay to the former [[Lisgoole Abbey]] of five gallons of butter and one axe.<ref name=ua-patent-rolls-james-i /> It is also thought that the pre-reformation church in Toneel North may have been built on an even older a pre-Christian [[pagan]] [[amphitheatre]].<ref name=blennerhassett-clogher-microform />

=== Unenclosed Religious Places   ===
Outdoor places of worship which were common in the 18th century could be found in [[Aghakeeran]] where there was a Mass Garden and in nearby [[Aghanaglack]] during the same period, where there was a Mass Cave "Prison".<ref name=clones-graveyard-doc>{{cite web |title=Clones Graveyard Document |publisher=Rootsweb Ancestry |url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nirfer2/Documents/Cemeteries/ |access-date=2009-04-24}}</ref><ref name=sage-flanagan-churches>{{cite web|title=Fermanagh Area Churches & Graveyards |work=Vignette Sage Database |publisher=Sage, Vynette |author=Flanagan, Wm.J. |url=http://www.fermanagh-gold.com/docs/cd1/Fermanagh%20Cemeteries/Fermanagh%20Area%20Churches%20%26%20Graveyards%20compiled%20by%20Wm.J.Flanagan.xls |format=XLS |access-date=2009-04-24 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In [[Knocknahunshin]] there are records of a Mass Garden; this may refer to a place known locally as the Mass Rock.<ref name=clones-graveyard-doc /><ref name=sage-flanagan-churches /> During the 18th century, in the parish of Boho (Inishmacsaint), there was a Mass Garden in [[Tullygerravra]].<ref name=clones-graveyard-doc /><ref name=sage-flanagan-churches /> In earlier periods, around the time of [[James I of England|James I]]'s inquisition into church lands, there were Mass Altars at Drumgamph, Fintonagh (which was also in the parish at this time) and Killyhoman.<ref name=clones-graveyard-doc /><ref name=sage-flanagan-churches />

=== St Fabers Well and St Fabers Bullan  ===
{{Main|Saint Faber}}
Situated in the townland of [[Killydrum]], St Fabers Well and Bullan are associated with the patron saint of the local Sacred Heart Church.

== Agriculture ==

=== Livestock and crops ===
Boho is mainly a pastoral area devoted to grazing animals.

[[File:Red cow on limestone pasture in Boho.JPG|thumb|Red [[shorthorn]] cow grazing on limestone grassland on the Boho hills|alt=Red cow grazing on limestone grassland]]
One of the difficulties encountered in [[livestock]] farming in the Boho area (aside from the high rainfall) is that limestone grassland is low in [[copper]], [[selenium]], [[phosphorus]] and [[magnesium]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Animal health and welfare in the Burren |work=Vets Workshop, 13 September 2007 |url=http://www.burrenlife.com/docs/Burren%20Vets%20Workshop%20Report%20-%20Animal%20Health%20&%20Welfare%20Issues%20on%20Burren%20Winterages.pdf |access-date=2009-03-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006145716/http://www.burrenlife.com/docs/Burren%20Vets%20Workshop%20Report%20-%20Animal%20Health%20%26%20Welfare%20Issues%20on%20Burren%20Winterages.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2008 }}</ref> These minerals are supplemented for cattle during the winter months.

There is little arable land in Boho and this is usually set aside for domestic use. Due to low farming revenues, there are few full-time farmers in the area and many having more than one occupation. The positive side to this low intensity agriculture is that Boho retains a high diversity of environmentally important species that are in decline on a national scale. These species are typically found in fen meadows, species rich hay meadows, pastures and semi-natural habitats.<ref>{{cite web|author=Armstrong, Jayne |title=Flower Rich Hay Meadows Flourish in Fermanagh |publisher=Countryside Management Branch, [[Department of Agriculture and Rural Development]] |url=http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_management_main/pubs/cmbpress/cmbpress07/flower-rich-hay-meadows.htm |access-date=2009-03-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205023913/http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_management_main/pubs/cmbpress/cmbpress07/flower-rich-hay-meadows.htm |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jeanelle |last=McFetridge |title=Fermanagh – first class hay meadows |publisher=Countryside Management Branch, [[Department of Agriculture and Rural Development]] |url=http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_management_main/pubs/cmbpress/cmbpress05/first_class_hay_meadows.htm |access-date=2009-03-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205015612/http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_management_main/pubs/cmbpress/cmbpress05/first_class_hay_meadows.htm |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref>

Some areas of land in Boho are managed under the [[Environmentally Sensitive Area]] (ESA) scheme, with more (ecologically) significant areas being designated as [[Area of Special Scientific Interest|Areas of Special Scientific Interest]] (ASSI) or as [[Special Area of Conservation|Special Areas of Conservation]] (SAC). Farmers receive ESA payments for low-intensity farming, i.e. cutting a [[meadow]] after the grass and wild herbs have seeded (ESA scheme).<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Critchley, C. N. R |author2=Burke, M. J. W |author3=Stevens, D. P. |title=Conservation of lowland semi-natural grasslands in the UK: a review of botanical monitoring results from agri-environment schemes |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=115 |pages=263–278 |year=2004 |doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(03)00146-0 |issue=3 }}</ref> Livestock (cows) were traditionally fed hay in the winter months as far up as the early 1980s, but modern methods of [[silage]] has overtaken this practice due to its higher nutritional value.

== Geological and hydrological environment ==
There are also three mountain peaks in Boho, namely Belmore {{convert|398|m|ft|abbr=on}}, Tullybrack, {{convert|386|m|ft|abbr=on}} (incorporating Glenkeel, {{convert|373|m|ft|abbr=on}} and Knockmore, {{convert|277|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=osni-discoverer-17 /><ref name="lewis-topo-dictionary"/><br/>
The area of Boho is replete with karst features such as [[pothole]]s, [[limestone pavement]], dry valleys due to the predominant [[limestone]] bedrock which gives it significance at a national level. The specific types of bedrock take their names from local townlands such as Carn Limestone, Knockmore Limestone and Knockmore Sandstone.<ref name=escr-main>{{cite web |title=Earth Science Conservation Review |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] |url= http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/index.html}}</ref><ref name=niea-knockmore-geodiversity>{{cite web|title=The Knockmore Scarpland Geodiversity Profile |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape/6/6-geo.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121223223932/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape/6/6-geo.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-23 |access-date=2009-05-12 }}</ref>

=== Karst features ===
{{Main|Caves of the Tullybrack and Belmore hills}}
There are three principal cave/[[karst]] systems in the Boho area, namely the Boho Caves, [[Reyfad]]–Glenkeel and [[Noon's Hole]]–Arch Cave system, situated under the mountains of [[Belmore Mountain|Belmore]], Tullybrack and [[Knockmore]] respectively. Many of these caves were first explored by local people, but the first detailed exploration and [[Cave surveying|surveying]] of any caves in the area was undertaken by two cavers known as [[Édouard-Alfred Martel]] (the father of French [[speleology]]) and naturalist [[Lyster Jameson]] in 1895.<ref name=martel-1897>{{cite book |author=Martel, E.-A. |year=1897 |title=Irlande et cavernes anglaises |publisher=Delagrave |location=Paris |language=fr}}</ref>

Amongst the most notable caves beneath Belmore are [[Boho Caves]], Aghnaglack Cave, Aghnaglack Rising, Pollbeg, Pollkeeran and Pollnagollum Coolarkan.<ref name=escr-belmore-boho>{{cite web |title=Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands; Boho |work=Earth Science Conservation Review |publisher=Habitas |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.asp?item=1159 |access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>

Within the Tullybrack area are Braad Dry Valley, Carrickbeg (Bunty Pot), Fairy Cave, Ivy Hole, Little Reyfad, Mad Pot, Murphy's Hole, Oweyglass Caves, Pollbeg, Pollmore, Pollnacrom, Polltullybrack, Rattle Hole, Reyfad Pot and Seltanacool Sinks.<ref name=escr-main /><ref name=niea-knockmore-geodiversity />

The most notable caves in the Knockmore region include [[Noon's Hole]], Arch Cave, Aughakeeran Pot, Crunthelagh Sink, Killydrum Sink, Old Barr Sink, Pollanaffrin and Seltanahunny Sink.<ref name=escr-main /><ref name=niea-knockmore-geodiversity />

{{wide image|Panoramic view of some of the Hills of Boho.jpg|2000px|Panoramic view of some of the hills of Boho.
|alt=Panorama of grassy hills interspersed with limestone features and farm tracks.}}

=== Rivers and Loughs ===
Rivers passing through Boho include the [[Sillees River]] which runs from Lough Navar Forest Park to [[Lower Lough Erne]] and its tributaries, the Screenagh and Boho Rivers.<ref name=escr-bbt-noonsarch-summary>{{Cite journal |title=Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands; Noon's Hole-Arch Cave |journal=Earth Science Conservation Review |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.asp?item=1161 |access-date=2009-08-07 }}</ref> There are also five major streams which drain into the Reyfad/Carrickbeg catchment area and are linked to the Carrickbeg resurgence.<ref name=escr-bbt-noonsarch-summary /> One of these streams, entering Polltullybrack (second entrance to Reyfad Pot), is known as the Reyfad stream.<ref name=escr-bbt-noonsarch-summary />

There are four loughs associated with the civil parish of Botha, including Lough Nacloyduff ({{lang|ga|Loch na Cloiche Duibhe}}) which is in the townland of [[Clogherbog]] and Lough Acrottan ({{lang|ga|Loch an Chrotáin}}) in [[Glenkeel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lough Nacloyduff |publisher=Placenames database of Ireland |url=http://www.logainm.ie/Do.aspx?parentID=100014&typeID=L&placeID=121020&uiLang=en |access-date=9 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706031254/http://www.logainm.ie/Do.aspx?parentID=100014&typeID=L&placeID=121020&uiLang=en |archive-date=6 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lough Acrottan |publisher=Placenames database of Ireland |url=http://www.logainm.ie/Do.aspx?text=Lough+Acrottan |access-date=9 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706031319/http://www.logainm.ie/Do.aspx?text=Lough+Acrottan |archive-date=6 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are two other lakes associated with older parish boundaries, those of Carran and Ross Loughs.

Lough Nacloyduff (meaning the lake of the Dark Pit or digging) is about {{convert|1|acre|m2|adj=on}} in surface area. To the north on Knockmore Mountain are some yellow sandstone cliffs which contain "the lettered caves". These three caverns, two of them artificial in appearance, include [[ogham]]ic style writing on their walls, consisting of crosses and star like shapes inside rectangles.<ref>{{cite book| last=Wakeman| first=William F.| title=Lough Erne, Enniskillen, Belleek, Ballyshannon, and Bundoran: with Routes from Dublin to Enniskillen and Bundoran, by Rail or Steamboat| publisher=Mullany, John| location=Dublin| year=1870| page=125| url=https://archive.org/stream/lougherneennisk00wakegoog#page/n139/mode/1up| access-date=2011-02-12}}</ref>

=== November 2009 flooding ===
{{Main|November 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods}}

The Boho is also prone to regular flooding. One of the most recent events was in November 2009. With water in [[Lough Erne]] at its highest level since records began,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/fermanagh-suffers-worst-ever-flooding-14571051.html |title=Fermanagh suffers worst ever flooding |newspaper=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=2009-11-24}}</ref> the Sillees River, which flows through the parish, burst its banks causing traffic disruption for several days. The flooding affected Corr Bridge, Drumaraw, Muckenagh, Carran Lake, Samsonagh and Mullygarry. Killyhommon Primary School had to be closed as drivers struggled to negotiate floods.<ref>{{cite web|author=Fermanagh Herald |author2=Austin Lynch |date=10 November 2009 |title=Residents fear flooding will.. |url=http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/FH/free/331771371179534.php |publisher=North West of Ireland Printing and Publishing Company |access-date=2009-11-29 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

== Flora and fauna ==

=== Flora ===
As a consequence of the local geology and low intensity farming practices, the Boho area has a high biodiversity of floral habitat types that is almost unparalleled in the whole of Northern Ireland as evidenced by the number of Areas of Special Scientific Interest, provisional ASSI's (pASSI), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) and proposed [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty|Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty]] (pAONB).<ref name=escr-main /><ref>{{cite web|title=West Fermanagh Scarplands ASSI |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/assisitedetails?id=ASSI201 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Boho ASSI |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/assisitedetails?id=ASSI144 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=West Fermanagh Scarplands SAC |publisher=[[Joint Nature Conservation Committee]] |url=http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/sac.asp?EUCode=UK0030300}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/protected_areas_home/aonb.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915150340/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/protected_areas_home/aonb.htm |archive-date=15 September 2010 }}</ref> These range from open freshwater lakes to high [[calcareous grassland]]s and upland bogs.

[[Fen|Fen meadow]] is a classic Boho habitat type, consisting of wet fields locally described as a bog meadow, typified by the species devil's-bit [[scabious]], bog thistle, sedges and occasionally [[tormentil]], [[purple moor grass]] and rushes (''[[Juncaceae]]''). In Northern Ireland, this type of terrain only covers 0.4% of the total land area and has decreased by 18% over the last ten years mainly due to the 21% decrease in Fermanagh coverage.<ref name=nics-calcareous-grassland>{{cite web |title=Calcareous Grassland |work=Northern Ireland Countryside Survey 2000 |publisher=[[University of Ulster]] |url=http://www.science.ulst.ac.uk/nics/PRIMARY/SENT/s06.htm |access-date=2009-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720034759/http://www.science.ulst.ac.uk/nics/PRIMARY/SENT/s06.htm |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Limestone pavement Boho.JPG|thumb|Limestone grassland in the foreground of Boho hills]]
In more upland areas, drier habitats include calcareous grassland, which is very rare in a Northern Ireland context covering only 0.1% of the total land area, and which in only ten years, between 1990 and 2000, underwent a 7% decrease in coverage.<ref name=nics-calcareous-grassland /> Calcareous grassland is species rich, typified by blue moor-grass, wild-mountain thyme, [[lady's bedstraw]], [[fairy flax]] and lady's-mantle as well as [[fescue]] grasses, [[sweet vernal grass]], bent grass, [[crested dog's-tail]] grass, carnation sedge [[Cyperaceae]] and devil's-bit scabious on the thin layer of soil which covers the limestone rock.<ref name=nics-calcareous-grassland /><ref name=doe-action-calcareous>{{cite web |title=Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plan Calcareous Grassland |publisher=[[Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)]] |url=http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/information/foi/recent-releases/publications-details.htm?docid=2714 |access-date=10 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217173849/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/information/foi/recent-releases/publications-details.htm?docid=2714 |archive-date=17 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Within this type of habitat, limestone pavement can also often be found, which can promote an even greater diversity of species.

Limestone grassland habitat in Northern Ireland is exclusive to County Fermanagh from the Boho–Knockmore region to [[Cuilcagh Mountain Park]], this habitat and its associated karst features are so environmentally important that the latter Marble Arch region was designated part of the [[European Geoparks Network]], the [[Global Network of National Geoparks]] and the world's first International Geopark, consequently adding international significance to the Boho landscape.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Mountain Park |publisher=[[European Geoparks Network]] |url=http://www.europeangeoparks.org/isite/geopark/33,1,0.asp?mu=1&cmu=6&thID=0 |access-date=2009-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515145627/http://www.europeangeoparks.org/isite/geopark/33%2C1%2C0.asp?mu=1&cmu=6&thID=0 |archive-date=15 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Geopark News: the Worlds First International Geopark! |year=2008 |publisher=[[Fermanagh District Council]] |url=http://www.fermanagh.gov.uk/index.cfm?website_Key=47&Category_key=134&Page_Key=553 |access-date=2009-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615161719/http://www.fermanagh.gov.uk/index.cfm?website_Key=47&Category_key=134&Page_Key=553 |archive-date=15 June 2011 }}</ref> In Boho, this type of land is often associated with [[dry stone wall]]s, built from limestone, which are constructed in a peculiarly local style and are equally important source of [[biodiversity]].

There are large areas of bog in Boho, typified by species such as [[bell heather]], [[cross-leaved heath]] and [[Calluna|ling]] (common heather).<ref name=nics-dry-bog>{{cite web |title=Dry Bog |work=Northern Ireland Countryside Survey 2000 |publisher=[[University of Ulster]] |url=http://www.science.ulst.ac.uk/nics/PRIMARY/SENT/s15.htm |access-date=2009-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720034806/http://www.science.ulst.ac.uk/nics/PRIMARY/SENT/s15.htm |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally species such as [[sundew]] (which are carnivorous) and [[bog asphodel]]s can be found.<br/>
The [[forest|woodlands]] of Boho consist of a mixture of plantation woodlands and semi-natural broadleaf woodlands (mainly [[fraxinus|ash]] and [[hazel]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cooper |first1=A. |last2=McCann |first2=T. |last3=Meharg |first3=M. J. |title=Sampling Broad Habitat change to assess biodiversity conservation action in Northern Ireland |journal=Journal of Environmental Management |volume=67 |issue=3 |pages=283–290 |year=2003 |doi=10.1016/S0301-4797(02)00180-9 |pmid=12667477 }}</ref><ref name="NICS 2000">{{cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=A. |last2=McCann |first2=T. |title=The Northern Ireland Countryside Survey 2000 – Summary Report on Broad Habitats |date=November 2000 |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/nics2000report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813132634/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/nics2000report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 August 2011 |access-date=2009-03-17 }}</ref>

As well as these rich ecological resources, Boho is well known for its small field sizes, which provide many field boundaries of hedges and dry stone walls.<ref name=nics-calcareous-grassland/>

==== Scheduled species ====
[[File:Epipactis palustris - Keila.jpg|thumb|Marsh helleborine]]
Added to the importance of the above habitats, the Boho area includes large numbers of rare and protected plant species specified as priority species by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, including Irish eyebright (''[[Euphrasia]] salisburgensis'' var. ''hibernica'') which is located on the western edges of Boho near [[Knockmore]] cliffs,<ref name=ni-scheduled-species-irish-eyebright>{{cite web |title=''Euphrasia salisburgensis'' – Irish Eyebright |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=14729 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> small white orchid (''Pseudorchis albida''), also known as the white mountain orchid,<ref>{{cite web |title=''Pseudorchis albida'' – small-white orchid |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2311 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> [[blue-eyed grass]] (''Sisyrinchium bermudiana''), which belongs to the American element of the Irish flora i.e. those plants being absent from any other part of Eurasia but exist in North America,<ref>{{cite web |title=''Sisyrinchium bermudiana'' – Blue-eyed grass |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2263 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> green-flowered helleborine (''[[Epipactis phyllanthes]]''),<ref>{{cite web |title=''Epipactis phyllanthes'' – green-flowered helleborine |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2293 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> Cornish heath (''[[Erica vagans]]''),<ref>{{cite web |title=''Erica vagans'' – Cornish Heath |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3913 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> which is found near Boho, yellow bird's-nest (''[[Monotropa hypopitys]]''),.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Monotropa hypopitys'' – Yellow Bird's-nest |work=Northern Ireland's Priority Species |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3921 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref>

Other notable species to be found in the area include Swedish pouchwort (''[[Calypogeia]] suecica''), a bryophyte last found in [[Aghahoorin]] near Boho in 1961,<ref>{{cite journal| last=Fitzgerald| first=J. W.| year=1962| title=''Calypogeia suecica'' (Arn. & Pers.) K. Mull. Growing on peat| journal=[[Irish Naturalists' Journal]]| volume=14| issue=18}}</ref> [[Ophrys apifera|bee orchid]], (''Ophrys apifera''),<ref>{{cite web |title=''Ophrys apifera'' Hudson – Bee orchid |work=Flora of Northern Ireland |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=2315 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> mountain avens (''[[Dryas octopetala]]''),<ref>{{cite web |title=''Dryas octopetala'' L. – Mountain Avens |work=Flora of Northern Ireland |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3365 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> marsh helleborine, (''[[Epipactis palustris]]'')<ref>{{cite web |title=''Epipactis palustris'' (L.) Crantz. – Marsh Helleborine |work=Flora of Northern Ireland |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=2288 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> and bird's-nest orchid (''[[Neottia nidus-avis]]'')<ref>{{cite web |title=''Neottia nidus-avis'' (L.) Rich. – Bird's-Nest Orchid |work=Flora of Northern Ireland |publisher=[[National Museums Northern Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=2301 |access-date=2010-11-02}}</ref> located in proximity to Boho Caves.

==== Microbiota ====
[[Microbiota]] or microscopic organisms specifically associated with the Boho alkaline/radon environment include a bacterium known as ''Streptomyces'' sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1.<ref name="StreptomycesMcG1">{{cite journal |title=A Novel Alkaliphilic Streptomyces Inhibits ESKAPE Pathogens |journal=Frontiers in Microbiology  |volume=9 |doi=10.3389/fmicb.2018.02458 |year=2018 |last1=Terra |first1=Luciana |last2=Dyson |first2=Paul J. |last3=Hitchings |first3=Matthew D. |last4=Thomas |first4=Liam |last5=Abdelhameed |first5=Alyaa |last6=Banat |first6=Ibrahim M. |last7=Gazze |first7=Salvatore A. |last8=Vujaklija |first8=Dušica |last9=Facey |first9=Paul D. |last10=Francis |first10=Lewis W. |last11=Quinn |first11=Gerry A. |page=2458 |pmid=30459722 |pmc=6232825 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
{{Main|Streptomyces sp. myrophorea}}
This species of ''[[Streptomyces]]'' was isolated from an old local soil [[cure]] that dates back to the Reverend James McGirr, the Christian parish priest of Boho in 1803.<ref name=StreptomycesMcG1 /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fowler |first1=Julian |title=The churchyard cure that really works |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-46651702 |publisher=[[BBC]] |language=en |date=29 December 2018}}</ref> In [[antibacterial]] tests, this ''Streptomyces'' has been shown to inhibit the growth of many [[multi-drug resistant]] pathogens including [[carbapenem]] resistant ''[[Acinetobacter baumannii]]'', [[vancomycin]] resistant ''[[Enterococcus faecium]]'', and [[methicillin]] resistant ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' ([[MRSA]]).<ref name=StreptomycesMcG1 />

These antibiotic producing species have also been found in other locations in the area such as ''Streptomyces'' sp. CJ13 which has been found to inhibit the growth of multiresistant Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as well as the yeast ''Candida''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Quinn|first1=Gerry A.|last2=Abdelhameed|first2=Alyaa M.|last3=Alharbi|first3=Nada K.|last4=Cobice|first4=Diego|last5=Adu|first5=Simms A.|last6=Swain|first6=Martin T.|last7=Castro|first7=Helena Carla|last8=Facey|first8=Paul D.|last9=Bakshi|first9=Hamid A.|last10=Tambuwala|first10=Murtaza M.|last11=Banat|first11=Ibrahim M.|date=2020-12-27|title=The Isolation of a Novel Streptomyces sp. CJ13 from a Traditional Irish Folk Medicine Alkaline Grassland Soil that Inhibits Multiresistant Pathogens and Yeasts|journal=Applied Sciences|language=en|volume=11|issue=1|pages=173|doi=10.3390/app11010173|issn=2076-3417|doi-access=free|hdl=2160/8b5fc428-b8dc-46f8-b198-f18f5eb90a63|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

=== Fauna ===
Non-domestic animals in the Boho area include the [[Irish hare]], wild [[goat]]s, [[fox]]es, [[badger]]s, [[red squirrel]]s, [[rat]]s, [[Mouse|mice]] and [[shrew]]s and the occasional [[pine marten]].<ref name=breedingbird-stone>{{cite news |title=Breeding bird survey (Environment and Heritage Service Research and Development Series) |last=Stone |first=R. |year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Knockmore Scarpland Biodiversity Profile |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape/6/6-bio.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805074805/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape/6/6-bio.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-05 }}</ref> Amongst Northern Ireland's priority species are [[Daubenton's bat]] (''Myotis daubentoni'') which was observed in a nursery roost located in [[Boho Caves]] in July 1895.<ref name=priority-daubetons>{{cite web|title=Northern Ireland's Priority Species: Daubeton's Bat |publisher=Habitas |url=http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5094 |access-date=2009-03-17 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Bird species are also well represented in Boho. In 1998 the number of breeding species recorded in a random transect of Boho was 26 and in 1999 that number was 27.<ref name=breedingbird-stone /><ref>{{cite news |title=Breeding bird survey (Environment and Heritage Service Research and Development Series) |last=Burns |first=S. |year=1999}}</ref>

With regards to the [[palæontology|palæontological]], the complete skeleton of an Irish stag (''[[Cervus elaphus]]'') was retrieved from the area and is now housed in the [[National Museum of Ireland|National Museum]] in [[Dublin]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Irish Red Deer |journal=The Irish Naturalist |volume=Oct–Nov |pages=133–139 |year=1918 |author=Scharff, R. F. |publisher=[[Royal Zoological Society of Ireland]] |url=https://archive.org/stream/irishnaturalist27roya/irishnaturalist27roya_djvu.txt |access-date=2009-05-15}}</ref>

== Folk tales ==
There are many stories of originating from the Boho area which tell of [[faerie]]s, faerie bushes, banshees, swallow holes (potholes) and ancient stones.<ref name=glassie-ballymenone>{{cite book |author=Glassie, Henry H. |title=Passing the time in Ballymenone: culture and history of an Ulster community |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-253-20987-0 |page=806| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7FKF1pGbEjsC&q=origins+of+belcoo&pg=RA1-PA165}}</ref>

One recurring mention is of a [[changeling]] or faerie who has a prodigious talent for music. The author (or the teller) of the tale states that the faerie has a particular flair when it comes to musical instruments, traditionally the fiddle or the pipes. He develops such a gift that anyone who listens will be enchanted by the music (like the Greek myth of the [[Siren (mythology)|siren]]s). Commenting on the appearance of the faerie, the story teller recounts that he saw him living with two old brothers beyond the "dogs well" and he looked like a "wizened wee monkey" ...the story teller estimates his age to be around 10 or 11 years but it appears that he could still could not walk, rather, "bobbed". His gift on the tin whistle was second to none, his particular penchant being long-forgotten tunes. All of a sudden he disappeared, never to be heard of by the story-teller again.<ref>{{cite web |title=Irish Fairies: Changelings |publisher=Hidden Ireland |url=http://www.irelandseye.com/paddy3/preview3.htm |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref>

There are other folk tales surrounding St Febor or [[St Faber]], who placed a curse on Baron O Phelans castle in Boho causing it to sink into the earth although there are no reports as to where in the area this castle was located.<ref name=glassie-ballymenone /> Some of these tales are recounted in the old country song, "{{lang|ga|Ma na Bh Fianna}} (Monea) – The Plain of the Deer".<ref>{{cite web |title=Melodious Accord |author=McGraw, Jim |url=http://www.cranfordpub.com/recordings/mcgrath.htm |access-date=2009-08-07}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* [[James Gamble (industrialist)|James Gamble]], later American emigrant and co-founder of [[Procter & Gamble]], was born in the Boho rectory in 1803.<ref name=culture-ni>{{cite web|url=http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/YourArea.aspx?location=540 |title=Your Area: Derrygonnelly |publisher=[[Culture Northern Ireland]] |access-date=2009-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609021823/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/YourArea.aspx?location=540 |archive-date=9 June 2008 }}</ref>

== Bohos around the world ==
Places that share the same name as Boho around the world include Boho (also known as Fort Boho) in [[Bari Region|Bari]], [[Somalia]] {{Coord|11.933333|N|50.883333|E|region:SO_type:city|name=Boho}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Boho, Bari, Somalia |publisher=Traveling Luck |url=http://travelingluck.com/Africa/Somalia/Bari/_64122_Boho.html#local_map |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref> Ras Boho, Somalia {{Coord|11.933333|N|50.916667|E|region:SO_type:city|name=Ras Boho}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Ras Boho |url=http://www.hobohideout.com/somalia/ras-boho/ |access-date=2009-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711172734/http://www.hobohideout.com/somalia/ras-boho/ |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Uadi Boho, Somalia {{Coord|4.333333|N|45.383333|E|region:SO_type:city|name=Uadi Boho}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Uadi Boho |url=http://www.hobohideout.com/somalia/uadi-boho/ |access-date=2009-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711172740/http://www.hobohideout.com/somalia/uadi-boho/ |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> as well as Boho, Leyte, [[Philippines]] {{Coord|11.31667|N|124.3333|E|region:PH_type:city|name=Boho}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Boho, Leyte, Philippines |publisher=Traveling Luck |url=http://travelingluck.com/Asia/Philippines/Leyte/_1724400_Boho.html#local_map |access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref> and Boho, Australia {{Coord|36.696659|S|145.771354|E|region:AU_type:city|name=Boho}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boho Australia |url=http://www.hobohideout.com/australia/boho |access-date=2009-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711172757/http://www.hobohideout.com/australia/boho |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of places in County Fermanagh]]
* [[List of civil parishes of County Fermanagh]]
* [[List of townlands in County Fermanagh]]
* [[List of towns and villages in Northern Ireland]]
* [[List of towns and villages in Northern Ireland]]
* [[Muintire-Fialain]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |editor-last = Elliott |editor-first = David R. |title = Births, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials in Boho Parish, Church of Ireland, County Fermanagh (1840–1879) |series=Irish Genealogy Series |year =  2006|url = http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/ireland/resources/332003.htm |isbn = 978-0-9781764-2-6 |access-date = 24 September 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080908003038/http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/ireland/resources/332003.htm |archive-date = 8 September 2008 |url-status = dead }}
* {{Cite book |editor1-last=Bannon |editor1-first=Edel |editor2-last=McLaughlin |editor2-first=Louise |editor3-last=Flanagan |editor3-first=Cecilia |title=Boho Heritage: A Treasure Trove of History and Lore |publisher=Boho Heritage Organisation |date=November 2008 |isbn=978-0-9560607-0-9}}

=== ''Boho Heritage'' book ===
A local group of historians who formed The Boho Heritage Organisation in 2004, launched a book about the area on 17 April 2009. It features over 250 pages and 500 pictures of Boho and is entitled ''Boho Heritage: A Treasure Trove of History and Lore''. This book is available for a limited time from the Linnet Stores, next to The Linnet Inn.

== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Boho, County Fermanagh}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110727083754/http://applications.proni.gov.uk/geogindx/parishes/par054.htm Public Records Office of Northern Ireland: List of townlands in Boho Parish]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080807173427/http://www.passport-breifne.com/Attractions/Attractionindetail.cfm/showme/33 Discover Breifne: Boho Heritage Sites]
* [https://archive.today/20121223192843/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/print/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape/6.htm Northern Ireland Environment Agency: The Knockmore Scarpland]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081201141005/http://www.shadowsandstone.com/gallery/3534139_GGH9W Shadows and Stone: Reyfad, Co. Fermanagh photo gallery]

{{County Fermanagh}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Civil parishes of County Fermanagh]]
[[Category:Fermanagh and Omagh district]]
[[Category:Villages in County Fermanagh]]