Overview
Benbulben (Irish: Binn Ghulbain) is impossible to miss. Rising to 526 m (1,726 ft) in the Dartry Mountains, its dramatic table-top plateau cuts a sharp silhouette against the sky. From the N15 road to the shores of Sligo Bay, the mountain has watched over County Sligo for millennia. Today, it draws visitors not just for its striking shape, but for the network of forest walks at its base, the quiet churchyard of Drumcliffe, and its deep ties to Irish mythology and literature.
Walking the Gortarowey Loops
Beneath the mountain’s northern slopes, Coillte has developed a series of well-maintained trails through the Gortarowey forest. The routes start from a free car park off the Barnaribbon crossroads and wind through mature pine and broadleaf trees before opening onto exposed ridges with sudden, panoramic views of Sligo and Donegal bays.
- Benbulben Loop (Red): A 5.5 km circuit that takes roughly 90 minutes. This is the flagship route, climbing gently through the woods before reaching the plateau. Expect steady gradients and uneven, root-covered sections, but the payoff is a 360-degree vista that includes Ox Mountain and the distant cliffs of Slieve League.
- Cashel Loop (Blue): A shorter 4 km walk (about an hour) that passes an early-medieval cashel (stone ring-fort) and offers sweeping coastal views. Ideal for a brisk afternoon stroll.
- Multi-Access Trail: A brief 0.25 km path to a sheltered viewpoint, perfect for families with young children or anyone wanting a quick stop without committing to a full loop.
The trails are clearly signposted with interpretive panels, and a downloadable PDF map is available at the car park. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads near livestock and nesting birds.
Yeats’s Final Resting Place
A short drive south brings you to the village of Drumcliffe, where poet W.B. Yeats chose to be buried. His grave sits in the churchyard of St Columba’s, marked by a simple limestone slab inscribed with his own epitaph: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.” The line comes from Under Ben Bulben, one of his last poems, written with the mountain as a backdrop.
The churchyard itself is a quiet archaeological site, containing a 10th-century high cross, the remains of a round tower struck by lightning in 1396, and fragments of early Christian stonework. After paying your respects, head to the Pink Clover Café in Drumcliffe for tea, cakes, and a chance to browse local craftwork at the Téach Bán Art Gallery.
Ancient Rocks & Arctic Flora
Benbulben’s geology tells a story of ice, sea, and time. During the last Ice Age, the mountain stood above the glacial sheet as a nunatak, its hard limestone cap resisting the erosion that wore down the surrounding landscape. The summit is composed of the Dartry Limestone Formation, while the lower slopes are built from Benbulben Shale. Walkers with a keen eye can spot fossilised sea shells and coral fragments embedded in the rock face.
The shale slopes host a protected Special Area of Conservation, sheltering rare Arctic-alpine plants that survived the retreat of the ice. Stay on the marked paths to protect these fragile species and respect the fragile cliff edges.
Planning Your Visit
- Getting there: Take the N15 north from Sligo town. At the Barnaribbon crossroads, turn right onto the R293; the Gortarowey trailhead is signposted and lies about 11 km from the town centre.
- Parking & Facilities: Free parking is available at the trailhead, along with picnic tables and a toilet block. There are no shops on-site, so bring water and snacks.
- Best time to go: The trails are open year-round, but late spring through early autumn offers the most stable footing and longer daylight hours. The western face catches the sunrise beautifully, while the Gortarowey ridges are prime for sunset photography.
- What to wear: Mountain weather shifts quickly. Waterproof layers, sturdy walking boots, and a windproof jacket are essential, even in summer.
- Accessibility: While the loops are graded as gentle to moderate, the terrain is naturally uneven with roots and stones. The paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, though the short Multi-Access Trail offers a manageable option for those with limited mobility.
- Combine your trip: Benbulben sits on the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a natural stop between coastal drives. Pair it with a visit to the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, wander the sands of Bunduff Strand, or explore the passage tombs at Carrowkeel.