Keash Hill and Caves of Keash

Overview

Keash Hill rises above the village of Keash in north‑west County Sligo, forming the western shoulder of Keshcorran Hill in the Bricklieve limestone uplands. Its sheer white cherty cliffs are punctuated by sixteen dark‑mouth chambers – the Caves of Keash – that contrast dramatically with the pale rock and have become one of the most photographed spots on the Wild Atlantic Way. A well‑marked 3.4 km out‑and‑back trail leads walkers from the Keash Hall car‑park to the first cave and onward to panoramic viewpoints over Sligo’s fields, the Atlantic coast and the Dartry Mountains. The hill’s summit is crowned by the massive, unopened Neolithic cairn known locally as the Pinnacle.

History & Background

Excavations begun in 1901 by Robert Francis Scharff, R. J. Ussher and Robert Lloyd Praeger revealed a rich sequence of deposits. Ice‑Age fauna – brown bear, arctic lemming, Irish elk and grey wolf – have been dated to around 10 000 BC, while a bear bone from c. 6000 BC and a horse bone from c. 400 BC show continued use into the Bronze Age. Human remains span the Neolithic to the early medieval period, including five teeth, a male humerus, bone needles, a stone celt, bronze pins and a stone axe. Radiocarbon work confirms the caves were visited for at least twelve millennia.

Archaeologists interpret the site’s functions as changing over time. In the Neolithic the caves may have served excarnation rituals linked to the passage‑tomb cairn on the summit. Iron‑Age layers contain clusters of animal and human teeth, suggesting votive offerings associated with Lughnasa celebrations to the god Lugh. Early medieval strata hold a hearth, Scandinavian‑style comb fragments and a cross‑bow bolt beside a tibia, hinting at temporary habitation and a possible violent end for a fugitive.

The caves are equally rich in myth. The Cath Maige Mucrama records that future High King Cormac mac Airt was born at a well at the foot of Keshcorran and raised by a she‑wolf in what is now called “Cormac’s Cave”. Fionn mac Cumhaill appears in three tales involving the caves – seeking the otherworld smithy of Lon Mac Líomha, being captured by the Tuatha Dé Dannan, and fleeing with Diarmuid and Gráinne. A 1779 diary even likens the cavern to the “Hellmouth” of Rathcroghan, where a runaway calf allegedly dragged a woman into the darkness. These legends cement the caves’ reputation as portals to the Otherworld.

What to See & Do

• Explore the chambers – The trail’s first and largest opening (Cave A) is easily reached from the car‑park. A foot‑worn path leads to several named chambers:

  • Coffey Cave (Cave J) and Plunkett Cave (Cave P), named after early excavators.
  • Hermit’s Bedroom (Cave E), a 19th‑century hermit’s refuge.
  • Other accessible caves are marked on the information boards; deeper chambers remain sealed for safety.

  

• Panoramic viewpoints – From the steep brow of Keash Hill, walkers enjoy sweeping vistas across the rolling fields of Sligo, the Atlantic coastline and the distant Dartry peaks.

• The Pinnacle – Although the Neolithic cairn is closed to the public, its distinctive silhouette dominates the skyline and can be admired from several outlooks along the route.

• Archaeological insight – Near the trailhead, information panels summarise the prehistoric discoveries, giving context to the landscape’s long‑standing human presence.

Practical Information

• Distance & difficulty: 3.4 km (out‑and‑back), classified as Strenuous, with a total ascent of 88 m. The path includes a short, steep section with a few steps.
• Waymarking: Red arrows on black discs guide the route; a kissing gate marks the entrance to the off‑road section.
• Access & parking: The trailhead is at the Keash Hall car‑park opposite St Kevin’s RC Church, with roughly twenty roadside spaces and additional parking near the parish hall. The route is signposted from the R295 (Ballymote → Boyle) – turn left before the Eastern Harps GAA pitch.
• Restrictions: Dogs are not permitted on the off‑road sections as the trail crosses working farmland.
• Safety: Recent monitoring has identified a risk of falling rocks on the sheer face surrounding the caves; walkers should heed warning signs and avoid standing directly beneath overhangs.
• Facilities: No permanent facilities exist on the hill; visitors should bring water, sturdy footwear and a torch for interior cave viewing.

Getting There

Keash lies about 12 km north‑west of Ballymote and 20 km south‑west of Sligo town. The most convenient route is via the R295, turning left onto the local road signposted for Keash Hall. Public transport is limited; the nearest Bus Éireann stop is in Ballymote, from where a local taxi can complete the short drive. For those driving, the car‑park at Keash Hall provides free roadside parking.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the caves, consider extending your day with other Sligo highlights:

• Benbulben – iconic tabletop mountain with several walking routes.
• Bricklieve Mountains – the broader limestone range that includes Keash Hill.
• Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – one of Ireland’s largest prehistoric burial sites, just a short drive north.
• Caves of Kesh – another impressive limestone cave system on the neighbouring Keshcorran ridge.
• Ballysadare River – for a scenic riverside walk and salmon fishing.

These sites can be linked together for a full‑day itinerary exploring Sligo’s rich archaeological landscape and dramatic scenery.