Overview
The Benbulben Forest Walk is a popular, easy‑grade loop that showcases some of County Sligo’s finest scenery without demanding a strenuous climb. Covering 5.5 km (3.4 mi) and taking roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, the trail winds through a shaded pine forest before opening onto spectacular views of the flat‑topped Benbulben mountain, Donegal Bay and, on a clear day, the distant Slieve League cliffs. The path is well‑marked, largely flat with a total gain of 82 m, and suitable for families, casual walkers, dog owners and anyone seeking a quick immersion in Sligo’s dramatic landscape.
Getting There & Access
By car – The walk is reached via the N15 north of Sligo. After passing Drumcliff (where W.B. Yeats is buried) turn left onto the minor road to the forest recreation area. There are two free car parks:
- Main Car Park – about 400 m from the road, space for ~20 cars. This is the most frequently used entry point.
- Gortarowey Car Park – located nearer the Cashelbaun ringfort; a newer, larger lot that also serves the short “Cashel Loop”.
Both car parks are free of charge. The access road is narrow and has a low‑height gate, so larger motorhomes may find it difficult to turn around – a short detour to a larger lay‑by on the N15 is advisable.
Public transport – Regular Bus Éireann services run from Sligo Bus Station to Drumcliff; from there a short taxi ride (or a 15‑minute walk) brings you to the trailhead. Check the latest timetable on the Bus Éireann website.
Cycling – Bike‑rental shops in Sligo town can provide mountain‑bikes; the approach involves a short climb but the forest roads are suitable for hybrid bikes.
Route Options & Waymarking
The loop is sign‑posted with red arrows and a series of information boards (newly installed by Coillte in 2023). Walkers can choose from three main variations:
- Full Forest Loop – 5.5 km, the classic route described above.
- Yeats Trail spur – a 5 km side‑loop that follows the national Yeats Trail and returns to the main path.
- Cashel Loop – a 4 km shortcut that takes you directly to the Cashelbaun ringfort and back, useful for a shorter walk or to break up the main circuit.
All routes are wheelchair and buggy friendly, although a few kissing gates require a gentle lift. The trail surface is a compacted gravel/forest‑road mix; a few short asphalt sections appear near the car parks.
Flora & Fauna Highlights
The mixed coniferous woodland supports a surprising diversity:
- Rare plants – Arctic‑origin species such as Tea‑leaf Willow (Salix phylicifolia) cling to the north‑facing rock gullies. The fringe‑loving Fringed Sandwort (Arenaria ciliata) can be spotted on exposed scree.
- Invasive rhododendron – Large stands of non‑native rhododendron bloom pink‑purple in May‑June, but Coillte crews are actively removing them to restore native biodiversity.
- Birdlife – Choughs, curlews, and occasional raptors (buzzards, peregrine) are common, especially in the early morning. Red‑foxes and hares roam the forest floor.
The scent of pine and the chorus of birdsong give the walk a tranquil ambience, perfect for nature‑photography and quiet reflection.
Nearby Attractions
Benbulben Forest Walk sits in the heart of Sligo’s “Yeats Country”, making it easy to combine with other highlights (all within a 20‑minute drive):
- Devil’s Chimney – Ireland’s tallest waterfall (150 m), reachable via a short steep loop.
- Glencar Waterfall – a picturesque cascade that inspired Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child.
- Gleniff Horseshoe – a glacial valley with dramatic cliffs and sea views.
- Lissadell House & Gardens – historic estate on Sligo Bay with stunning coastal backdrop.
- Raghly Harbour – engineered by Alexander Nimmo, a good spot for bird‑watching (brent, red‑throated diver).
These sites are linked in the internal guide where possible, for example the Devil’s Chimney is mentioned in the Benbulben article.
Practical Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5.5 km (3.4 mi) |
| Estimated time | 1 h 30 min (full loop) |
| Difficulty | Easy (suitable for families, dogs, wheelchair users) |
| Elevation gain | 82 m |
| Highest point | 183 m |
| Trail type | Compact gravel/forest‑road (5.3 km) with short asphalt sections |
| Parking | Main Car Park (≈20 spaces) and Gortarowey Car Park (larger, near ringfort) – free |
| Facilities | No on‑site toilets; nearest public facilities in Drumcliffe village (≈2 km) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair and buggy friendly; a few kissing gates require assistance |
| Season | Open year‑round; best views and wild‑flower colour in spring (April‑June) and autumn foliage (September‑October) |
| Dog policy | Dogs allowed on a lead, especially near the ringfort and wildlife areas |
| Map | Official Coillte trail map available for download from the Coillte website (search “Gortarowey Forest Recreation Area”) |
Tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes – the forest floor can be uneven and muddy after rain.
- Bring a wind‑proof jacket – the ridge can be breezy even on mild days.
- Early morning gives the best light for photography and quieter wildlife spotting.
- If you’re visiting with a motorhome, park at the larger lay‑by on the N15 and walk the short access path to the Gortarowey entrance.
Enjoy a gentle stroll through pine‑fringed woods, step back into early‑medieval history, and soak in the iconic silhouette of Benbulben – one of Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders.