Overview
The Benbulben Forest Walk is one of County Sligo’s most accessible ways to experience the Atlantic landscape. Stretching roughly 5.5 km (3.4 miles) as a gentle loop, the trail cuts through mature pine and mixed woodland before opening onto clearings that frame the unmistakable flat-topped silhouette of Benbulben. It is a favourite with families, dog walkers, and photographers who want the dramatic backdrop of the mountain without tackling its steeper hiking routes.
Managed by Coillte, the forest recreation area provides a shaded, largely flat route that feels worlds away from the busy N15 just a few minutes’ drive south. The path is well-trodden, clearly signposted, and dotted with information boards explaining the local ecology and history. You can comfortably complete the full circuit in just over an hour, though most visitors linger at the viewpoints to watch the light shift across the pines and the distant coastline.
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 you an unobstructed panorama of Benbulben, the rolling hills of Drumcliffe, and on exceptionally clear days, the Atlantic horizon stretching toward 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.
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 vibrant green undergrowth, while autumn turns the canopy into shades of 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, walk down to the cemetery at Drumcliffe to see Yeats’s grave overlooking the river. Further afield, the ancient passage tombs at Carrowmore and the coastal elegance of Classiebawn Castle make excellent additions to a day trip.
Check local tide times and weather forecasts before heading out, and download a trail map from the Coillte website for offline navigation. With its mix of woodland shade, ancient stone, and open Atlantic views, the Benbulben Forest Walk remains one of the most straightforward and rewarding ways to experience this part of Ireland.