Overview
The Dartry Mountains form a striking dissected karst landscape across the border of County Sligo and County Leitrim. Framed by Lough Melvin, Lough Gill and Lough MacNean, this range is defined by sheer limestone cliffs, deep glacial valleys and a network of rugged ridges. While Truskmore claims the highest elevation, the two peaks that draw most walkers and photographers are Ben Wisken (514 m) and Tievebaun (611 m). Both offer accessible routes, dramatic open moorland and sweeping views across the north-west Irish coastline.
Ben Wisken: The Frozen Wave
Ben Wisken dominates the northern edge of the Gleniff valley, earning its nickname The Frozen Wave from the distinctive undulating crest of its limestone ridge. The peak sits directly opposite the iconic Benbulben, creating one of the region’s most photographed mountain pairings. The ridge is heavily peat-covered, giving it a dark, textured appearance that contrasts sharply with the pale limestone outcrops lower down the slopes.
Walkers typically approach Ben Wisken via the Gleniff Horseshoe, a scenic route that weaves through quiet country roads, forest tracks and open moorland. The circuit rewards visitors with repeated vantage points over the Dartry plateau, the Atlantic coastline and Donegal Bay. On clear days, the view stretches north to the Cliffs of Slieve League and south to the Blue Stack Mountains. The area is also steeped in local folklore, with scattered medieval cashels and stone walls hinting at centuries of rural life. While local legend associates the surrounding cliffs with the mythic lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne, the associated cave is located on private land and the steep, unmarked approach is not safe for public access.
Tievebaun: The White Side
Straddling the Sligo–Leitrim border, Tievebaun (Irish Taobh Bán, meaning “white side”) derives its name from the bright limestone outcrops that dominate its northern face. As the highest independent summit in Leitrim, the mountain features dramatic geological formations including the arrow-shaped Eagle’s Rock and the jagged northern pinnacle known as Hag’s Leap. A low historic stone wall traces the old county boundary along parts of the ascent, offering a subtle reminder of the area’s administrative history.
The classic approach to Tievebaun begins near Glencar Lake, climbing through forest before breaking onto open bog tracks and ridgelines. The route involves steady gradients and sections of soft ground, making sturdy waterproof footwear essential. From the summit cairns, walkers are treated to 360-degree panoramas that take in the Sligo coastline, the Glenade Valley below and the distinct silhouette of Benbulben to the west. The peak is a favourite among hillwalkers for its exposed ridge sections and the sense of remoteness it offers, despite being less than an hour’s drive from Sligo town.
Landscape & Geology
The Dartry range is a textbook example of glacially sculpted karst terrain. During the last Ice Age, massive ice sheets carved deep U-shaped valleys and left behind a plateau of Carboniferous limestone. Thousands of years of weathering and peat accumulation have created the landscape’s characteristic muted greens and browns, punctuated by the pale white of exposed rock.
The limestone soils support a hardy mix of heathland and grassland flora. In spring and early summer, wild thyme, bell-heather and cowslips dot the lower slopes, while sphagnum moss and bog cotton thrive in the wetter hollows. The open moorland provides habitat for red-kites, peregrine falcons and Irish hares, with skylarks and meadow pipits frequently heard during the warmer months. Visitors walking the higher ridges should stay on established tracks to protect the fragile peat and limestone habitats.
Planning Your Visit
- Access & Parking: Free car parks are available at the Gleniff Horseshoe trailhead and near Glencar Lake for the Tievebaun approach. Both are accessible by standard vehicles.
- Getting There: Sligo town is the nearest hub, located roughly 20 km west. Regular local bus services connect Sligo to Gleniff and the Glencar area, though schedules can be limited outside peak season. Driving offers the most flexibility for reaching trailheads.
- Walking Difficulty: Both peaks are graded as moderate. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a relatively gentle circuit, while the Tievebaun route involves steeper climbs and boggy ground that can become slick in wet weather.
- Navigation & Safety: Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry waterproof layers, a map, and a fully charged phone. The higher ridges are exposed, so wind and rain can arrive with little warning. Winter visits are only recommended for experienced walkers familiar with icy, boggy terrain.
- What to Pack: There are no facilities on the mountains. Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a basic first-aid kit and a headlamp if starting early or walking late in autumn.
Nearby Attractions
- Benbulben Forest Walk – A gentle, accessible loop at the foot of Sligo’s most famous mountain, perfect for families or as a warm-up hike.
- Ballygawley Mountains – A short drive north, this limestone range offers additional ridge walks and quiet forest trails.
- Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – Located just east of the Dartry foothills, this ancient passage tomb complex dates back over 5,000 years and is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.
- Sligo Town – Offers a wide selection of B&Bs, hotels, pubs and restaurants. The town’s compact centre and waterfront promenade make it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding hills and coastline.
The Dartry Mountains reward visitors with raw, unfiltered Irish landscape. Arrive early to beat the afternoon winds, keep to the marked paths, and take time at the summit cairns to watch the light shift across the limestone ridges.