As the surface rising of Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon Pot’s fame can be traced back to the legendary Finn MacCool and the Fianna, the great warriors of Irish mythology. Legend has it that Síonnan, the daughter of Lodan (a son of the Celtic God of the Sea, Lír), came to the Shannon Pot searching for the great Salmon of Wisdom. The great salmon was angered at the sight of Síonnan and caused the pool to overflow and drown the maiden. Thus the Shannon was created and still bears her name today.

The Shannon Pot is located along the Blacklion to Glangevlin Road (R206) in West County Cavan, approximately 50 minutes from Killeshandra, and marked by brown tourist directional signage. The site provides ample parking, a children’s play area, and a picnic area. Interpretation is available within the car park and at the Shannon Pot. The Shannon Pot is along the Cavan Way, a long-distance walking route that starts at Blacklion and ends in Dowra.