Overview
The Curlew Mountains (An Corrshliabh – “the steep‑sided pointed mountains”) form a low‑lying ridge that separates Boyle in County Roscommon from Castlebaldwin in County Sligo. At 259 m (850 ft) with a prominence of 197 m, they are the third‑highest point in Roscommon and the most southerly summit of the Arigna‑Bricklieve‑Curlew area. The hills are composed of hard Devonian sandstone and conglomerate, which stand out against the surrounding Carboniferous limestone, giving the range its distinctive, steep‑sided silhouette.
From the summit walkers enjoy 360° panoramas over Lough Key, the River Shannon, the rolling boglands and, on clear days, the distant Slieve Bloom range. The ridge also marks the edge of the Lough Key tourism zone and is listed as attraction #4 on the Trek Zone guide.
History / Background
Name
The Irish name corrshliabh predates the English “Curlew” and describes the terrain rather than the bird. Scholars agree the English name is a later, unrelated attribution.
Battle of Curlew Pass (1599)
On 15 August 1599, Irish forces under Red Hugh O’Donnell ambushed an English army of about 2,000 men in the narrow mountain pass. The victory is still commemorated in local folklore and adds a palpable sense of history to the landscape.
Miners Way & Historical Trail
In the 20th century the ridge became part of the Miners Way and Historical Trail, a 118 km walking route that follows old mining tracks from the Arigna coalfields. The trail weaves through the Curlew, Bricklieve and Arigna Mountains, passing prehistoric sites such as the Carrowkeel megalithic tombs, modern wind farms and a stand of Sequoia trees on the Bricklieve slopes.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Summit (259 m) | 360° views of Lough Key, River Shannon, Slieve Bloom; wind‑farm silhouettes on the ridge |
| Walking & Hiking | Well‑marked routes from the R368 lay‑by near Boyle; moderate climb (≈200 m gain over 2 km, ~45 min) to the summit; links to the Beara Breifne Way and the Miners Way |
| Bird‑watching | Heath‑grassland supports the endangered Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Red Grouse |
| Historic sites | Battle of Curlew Pass pass, nearby Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, McDermott’s Castle, Lough Arrow, King House |
| Family activities | Lough Key Forest & Activity Park – treetop adventure course, family‑friendly trails |
Walking the Curlews
The most popular ascent starts at a small car park on the R368 opposite a lay‑by near Boyle. A gentle southern slope leads past open heath, stone walls and occasional rocky outcrops. The trail is moderately strenuous and suitable for day‑hikers; the summit can be reached in under an hour.
Linking Trails
Because the Curlew Mountains sit on the Beara Breifne Way, walkers can extend their trek to neighbouring Corry Mountain and the Bricklieve range. Trailheads are marked with the distinctive orange‑white way‑marking of the long‑distance routes.
Practical Information
- Coordinates: 54°01′00″ N, 8°18′00″ W
- Geology: Devonian sandstone & conglomerate
- Access: Parking available at the R368 lay‑by (Boyle side) and at the Castlebaldwin turn‑off. Both start points are sign‑posted.
- Difficulty: Moderate – steady climb of ~200 m over 2 km; suitable for most walkers with reasonable fitness.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for clear views and active birdlife; winter offers the curlew’s distinctive call across the moorland.
- Facilities: Nearby Lough Key Forest & Activity Park provides restrooms, a café and picnic areas; the town of Boyle offers additional amenities.
- Safety: Weather can change rapidly on the ridge; carry waterproof clothing and a map or GPS. No formal interpretive panels at the battle site, so consider a guidebook for historical context.
Getting There
By car – The ridge is most easily reached via the R368 which runs between Boyle and Castlebaldwin. There are two small, free car parks: one opposite the lay‑by on the Boyle side and another at the Castlebaldwin turn‑off. Both are well sign‑posted from the main road.
Public transport – Regular Bus Éireann services connect Boyle with Castlebaldwin and Sligo. The nearest bus stop is in Boyle town centre; from there a short taxi ride (or a 20‑minute walk) brings you to the R368 trailhead. Check the latest timetables for any seasonal changes.
Nearby Attractions
- Boyle Abbey – A well‑preserved Cistercian ruin just a few kilometres north of the trailhead.
- Arigna Mountains – Part of the same Miners Way network; ideal for a longer walking loop.
- Lough Key Forest & Activity Park – Offers a treetop adventure course, walking trails and picnic facilities; a good spot for families after a mountain walk.
- McDermott’s Castle – Ruins overlooking Lough Key, reachable via a short detour from the main path.
Flora & Fauna
The heath‑grassland of the Curlews supports a range of upland species. Birdwatchers can expect to see the Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, and Red Grouse. In late spring the slopes are dotted with heather, bilberry, and cotton‑grass, while autumn brings a carpet of heather‑blueberries and bog rosemary.
Seasonal Highlights
- Winter – The mournful call of the curlew is most audible across the moorland, creating a dramatic soundscape.
- Spring – Wildflowers such as mountain avens and heather burst into colour, making the walk especially photogenic.
- Summer – Clear days provide the best panoramic views of Lough Key and the Shannon valley.
- Autumn – The changing foliage adds warm tones to the landscape, and the cooler weather makes the ascent comfortable.
The Curlew Mountains combine natural beauty, wildlife, and layered history into a compact yet rewarding destination for anyone travelling through north‑eastern Connacht.