Overview & Landscape
The Curlew Mountains (An Corrshliabh in Irish, meaning “the steep-sided pointed mountains”) form a distinctive low-lying ridge that separates Boyle in County Roscommon from Castlebaldwin in County Sligo. At 259 m (850 ft), the range is the third-highest point in Roscommon and the most southerly summit of the wider Arigna–Bricklieve–Curlew massif.
Geologically, the hills are composed of hard Devonian sandstone and conglomerate. This rock is significantly more resistant to erosion than the surrounding Carboniferous limestone, which explains why the Curlews rise as a sharp, rugged upland feature against the softer, rolling boglands of the midlands. From the summit, walkers are rewarded with uninterrupted 360° panoramas that stretch across Lough Key, the River Shannon, and the distant Slieve Bloom range.
History & The Battle of Curlew Pass
Despite the English name, the mountains have no direct botanical link to the bird. Scholars note that corrshliabh predates the anglicisation and strictly describes the terrain’s steep, pointed profile. The bird’s name was likely attached later through folk etymology.
The ridge holds a more significant place in Irish military history. On 15 August 1599, during the Nine Years’ War, Irish forces led by Red Hugh O’Donnell ambushed an English army of roughly 2,000 men in the narrow mountain pass. The Irish victory halted the English advance and remains a celebrated moment in local folklore.
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the engagement, the striking metal sculpture The Gaelic Chieftain by artist Maurice Harron was erected in 1999 on a high ridge overlooking the pass. Situated just off the N4, this imposing monument depicting a charging horseback warrior is a prominent local landmark, with an adjacent lay-by and picnic area offering a safe point for motorists to stop, admire the sculpture, and enjoy panoramic views over the mountains and Lough Key. There are no other formal interpretive panels at the site, but the narrow, heather-clad gorge still carries a palpable sense of the terrain that shaped the battle’s outcome.
Walking the Ridge
The Curlews are a straightforward, rewarding hike that fits easily into a day trip. The most popular ascent begins at a small, free car park just off the N4 opposite a lay-by on the Boyle side. From here, a well-trodden path climbs steadily southwards across open heath, dry stone walls, and occasional rocky outcrops.
- Distance & Elevation: Approximately 2 km one-way with a climb of around 200 m.
- Time: 45–60 minutes to the summit, depending on pace and weather.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Suitable for most walkers with reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear.
- Waymarking: The ridge forms part of the Beara Breifne Way and connects to the Miners Way & Historical Trail. Orange-and-white route markers guide walkers along the longer-distance paths.
Because the ridge lacks formal trail infrastructure, navigation is straightforward but requires attention to weather conditions. The summit is exposed, so visibility can drop quickly in mist or rain.
Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights
The heath-grassland habitat supports a range of upland species, making the Curlews a quiet but productive spot for birdwatchers. The Eurasian curlew is the area’s namesake and best-known resident, alongside common snipe and red grouse.
Seasonal changes dramatically alter the walking experience:
- Spring: Late March to May brings carpets of cotton grass, bilberry, and heather. Mountain avens and early orchids begin to appear on the sheltered slopes.
- Summer: Clear, dry days offer the best long-distance views. The higher temperatures make the steady climb comfortable, and the heather starts to bud.
- Autumn: Cooler temperatures and crisp air are ideal for hiking. The landscape turns warm gold and russet, and bird activity peaks before migration.
- Winter: The moorland is often quiet, but the curlew’s distinctive, descending call echoes clearly across the frost-bound slopes. Visitors should carry waterproofs, layers, and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Practical Information
- Coordinates: 54°01′00″ N, 8°18′00″ W
- Admission: Free entry
- Parking: Two small, unmarked lay-bys with space for a few cars. One is just off the N4 near the Boyle side; the other is near the Castlebaldwin turn-off. A dedicated parking lay-by is also available at the Gaelic Chieftain monument. Do not block access tracks.
- Facilities: There are no toilets, cafes, or shelters on the ridge. The nearby Lough Key Forest & Activity Park offers toilets and a café, while Boyle town centre has full amenities.
- Safety: Weather on the exposed sandstone ridge can change rapidly. Carry a fully charged phone, waterproof outer layers, and a physical map or offline GPS. The terrain is generally solid but can be slippery when wet.
Getting There
By car – The N4 provides direct access between Boyle and Castlebaldwin. Follow signs for Lough Key and turn off onto the minor road that climbs toward the ridge. Both trailhead lay-bys and the Gaelic Chieftain monument are easily accessed from the main road.
By public transport – Bus Éireann services run regularly between Sligo and Dublin, stopping in Boyle and Castlebaldwin. The nearest stop to the Boyle trailhead is in Boyle town centre. From there, a short taxi ride or a walk along the old road brings you to the trail start. Check current timetables, as rural services can vary seasonally.
Nearby Attractions
The Curlew Mountains sit within a dense cluster of historical and natural sites, making it easy to build a full day out of the hike:
- Boyle Abbey – A well-preserved 13th-century Cistercian ruin just a few kilometres north of the trailhead, set in peaceful parkland.
- Arigna Mining Experience – Part of the same Miners Way network, this centre details the 400-year history of coal and iron extraction in the region.
- Carrowkeel Megalithic Site – A UNESCO-listed complex of passage tombs over 5,000 years old, easily reachable via the historical trail network.
- Lough Key Forest & Activity Park – Offers a treetop adventure course, waymarked forest trails, and picnic areas. Ideal for families after a mountain walk.
- King House – A restored 19th-century country house and garden open seasonally, located just south of the ridge.
Plan to allow at least three hours for the round-trip hike, with extra time if you intend to visit Boyle Abbey or stop at Lough Key. The ridge is best tackled early in the day to avoid afternoon winds and to maximise visibility across the Shannon valley.