Overview
This is the easy way to stand right under Benbulben without climbing the thing. The mountain’s flat, fluted top is the most recognisable skyline in Sligo, and this 5.5 km (3.5 mile) loop through Coillte forest gets you beneath its north face on a flat gravel track in about an hour and a half. No steep pull, no scrambling – just a walk in the woods that happens to have one of Ireland’s best mountain backdrops at the far end. Olympic swimmer Mona McSharry, who grew up in the area, names it as her favourite Sligo walk.
Be clear about what it is, though: a forest-road loop, not a wild mountain trail. For much of the way you’re walking under pine with the mountain hidden, and the big reveal comes near the eastern edge. If you only have time for one stop, it’s the viewpoint where the trees break – so walk with that at the back half of the loop rather than rushing it. The area has had recent upgrades too, with new information boards, parking and general infrastructure, and there are three route lengths to choose from if the full circuit is more than you want.
The Walk & What to See
The trail begins near the main car park, descending gently into a canopy of Corsican and Scots pine. The forest floor is a soft mix of compacted gravel and pine needles, making for easy walking even after a wet week. As you follow the red waymarks, the woodland gradually thins, revealing glimpses of the open hills beyond.
About halfway through the loop, the path passes Cashelbaun Ringfort, an early-medieval stone fortification that has stood on this ridge for over a millennium. The ringfort sits in a grassy clearing, offering a quiet moment to step back in time before the trail continues toward the higher viewpoints.
The real payoff comes as you reach the eastern edge of the forest. Here the trees break completely, giving an unobstructed view of Benbulben, the rolling hills of Drumcliffe, and on the clearest days out to Inishmurray Island, Classiebawn Castle and the Slieve League cliffs in Donegal. The contrast between the dark pine canopy and the pale, weathered rock of the mountain is striking, especially in the low light of late afternoon.
Keep an eye on the ground as well as the skyline. The slopes above the forest hold Arctic-alpine plants left behind by the last Ice Age, among them the rare Fringed Sandwort, which grows almost nowhere else in Ireland; hares, foxes and choughs are all regulars. The quiet hollow of Glencarbury, just to the north, was a working baryte mine from 1894 right up to 1979 – hard to picture now.
Getting There & Parking
The forest is located just off the N15, north of Sligo town and a short drive past Drumcliffe village, where W.B. Yeats is buried. Follow the signposts for the forest recreation area; the access road is narrow and winds gently uphill, but it is perfectly manageable for standard cars.
There are two free car parks to choose from:
- The Main Car Park sits close to the road junction and is the most commonly used entry point for the full loop.
- Gortarowey Car Park is located slightly further in, closer to the ringfort and the upper viewpoints. It tends to be quieter and is useful if you only want to complete a shorter out-and-back section.
Both lots are free to use. If you are arriving in a larger motorhome or camper van, the turning spaces are tight and there is a low-height gate on the access road. It is usually easier to park at a larger lay-by on the N15 and walk the short approach to the trailhead.
Public transport options are limited in this rural stretch. Bus Éireann services stop in Drumcliffe, but you will need to arrange a taxi or a brisk 15-minute walk to reach the forest entrance.
Practical Tips
- Footwear: The trail is well-maintained, but sections can become soft or muddy during winter months. Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots are recommended.
- Weather layers: The Atlantic weather changes quickly. Even on mild days, the ridge and open viewpoints can be windy. Bring a waterproof jacket and a fleece.
- Best time to visit: Early morning offers the quietest atmosphere and the best light for photography, as the sun catches the pine branches and the mountain face. Spring brings fresh green undergrowth, while autumn turns the canopy to gold and russet.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome on the entire route. Keep them under control near the ringfort and in areas where ground-nesting birds may be active.
- Facilities: There are no toilets or refreshment kiosks inside the forest. Plan to use facilities in Drumcliffe or nearby Grange before you head out.
Exploring Further
The Benbulben Forest Walk sits in a corner of Sligo packed with history and natural beauty. If you have more time, combine it with a visit to the Gleniff Horseshoe, a dramatic glacial valley loop just a few miles away. For a touch of literary history, drop down to the churchyard at Drumcliffe, about 4 km back down the road, to see Yeats’s grave under the mountain he asked to be buried beneath. Further afield, the ancient passage tombs at Carrowmore and the coastal elegance of Classiebawn Castle make excellent additions to a day trip.
Download a trail map from the Coillte website before you set out, as phone signal is patchy under the trees, and time your loop so the viewpoint at the eastern edge falls in the late afternoon, when the low sun rakes across Benbulben’s north face.