Ox Mountains – Including Slieve Gamph Hills

Overview

The Ox Mountains, locally known as Slieve Gamph or Saint Patrick’s Mountains, form a forty‑mile spine that sweeps west‑southwest from just south‑west of Ballysadare to the Mayo border, where they blend into the adjoining Slieve Gamph hills. The range dominates the western horizon of County Sligo, overlooking Ballisodare Bay and the Atlantic coastline. Its geology is a mosaic of limestone, gneiss, granite and other metamorphic rocks, cloaked in heather‑covered slopes, upland bogs, mixed forest and scattered sheep‑grazed pastures.

History & Background

The mountains carry a deep spiritual legacy. Early Christian tradition records that Saint Patrick himself founded modest chapels on the slopes and blessed a series of holy wells that still draw locals seeking quiet reflection. In the 19th century, modest lead and copper mines dotted the lower slopes; their abandoned shafts now stand as silent reminders of a brief industrial phase that never scarred the landscape.

Archaeological surveys reveal an even older human story: stone circles, burial cairns and other Neolithic‑to‑Bronze‑Age relics pepper the hills, testifying to millennia of settlement. Over the centuries the upland has supported a pastoral way of life, with sheep farming on the higher ground and the River Moy rising near Cloonacool, feeding thriving fisheries downstream.

What to See & Do

Walking & Hillwalking

• Knockalongy summit – the most popular ascent, reachable from Drumsheen or the road near Ballysadare. The climb weaves through blanket‑like heather and offers intermittent Atlantic vistas and, on clear days, the distant Twelve Bens of Donegal.
• Ridge walk – an unmarked but rewarding trek along the spine from Ballysadare to the Mayo border, passing Annatoran, Cloonacool and other lesser summits. A 1:25 000 OSNI map is essential.
• Sligo Way – an 80 km long‑distance trail that begins at Lough Talt near Lavagh and threads through the heart of the Slieve Gamph area before joining the Western Way to Dromahair. The first three sections showcase sweeping panoramas over the surrounding countryside.
• Lake Loop – a circular, largely level walk around Lough Talt, suitable for buggies and accessible to wheelchairs with a little effort. Information boards highlight local flora and fauna, and a picnic spot invites a rest.
• Gorterslin Loop – a longer circuit that combines road sections with semi‑forested tracks above Gorterslin, heading toward Mullany’s Cross. Trailheads are clearly signposted.

Mountain Biking

The Ox Mountains are a recognised mountain‑bike playground. A marked single‑track loop starts near Coolaney (the same area shown in the hero image) and follows ridgelines, forest tracks and low‑level farm roads. The route is graded moderate, suitable for families with older children and experienced riders alike. Local bike clubs run regular group rides during the summer months, and the trail is highlighted each year during Sligo Bike Week, when a series of organized rides cross the range.

Scenic Drives

The Ox Mountain Scenic Route winds along the lower slopes, offering frequent pull‑outs for photography. The narrow but well‑maintained road contrasts dark, craggy ridges with bright, verdant valleys below, making it ideal for a leisurely drive.

Fishing

• Lough Fossa (Aclare) – a high‑altitude lake accessed via a steep climb; free to fish, it yields good‑sized trout.
• Owengarve River – flows through Curry, providing a three‑mile stretch of brown trout beneath well‑developed banks, stiles and bridges.
• Owenmore River – rises near Gurteen, passes Templehouse Lake and joins the Ballysadare River, supporting both trout and salmon, especially downstream of the Owenbe.

Landscape & Wildlife

The mix of upland bog, marshland and mixed forest creates habitats for red‑breasted merganser, meadow pipit and a variety of lichens and mosses. Bird‑watchers will appreciate the occasional sighting of peregrine falcon soaring over the crags.

Events & Festivals

• Sligo Bike Week (June) – a county‑wide celebration of cycling that includes several routes through the Ox Mountains, ranging from short family loops to a challenging 60 km ridge ride. Check the official Sligo Bike Week programme for exact dates and start points.
• St Patrick’s Well Blessing (March) – local communities hold a modest ceremony at one of the historic wells on the mountain slopes, a tradition that continues each year.

Practical Information

• Getting there: The nearest towns are Ballysadare and Tubbercurry. From Dublin, take the M4 to the N4, then the N17 to Sligo and follow signs to the Ox Mountains Scenic Route.
• Parking: Small free car parks are available at the trailheads near Coolaney, Ballysadare and the Lough Talt visitor area. Spaces are limited in summer, so arrive early.
• Maps & navigation: OSNI 1:25 000 series (sheet 2) covers the whole range. The Sligo Way is way‑marked with yellow arrows; other routes rely on cairns and occasional signage.
• Transport: Public buses run to Ballysadare and Tubbercurry; a car is recommended for accessing trailheads and scenic pull‑outs.
• Best season: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable weather and full colour of heather and wildflowers. Winter walks are possible but require sturdy boots, waterproof clothing and a compass.
• Safety: Weather can change rapidly on exposed ridges. Carry a map, compass, warm layers, and let someone know your intended route. Some mining shafts are unsafe – keep to marked paths.
• Accommodation: Bed‑and‑breakfasts and self‑catering cottages are available in Ballysadare, Tubbercurry and the villages of Drumcliff and Drumshanbo.

Nearby Attractions

• Carrowkeel Megalithic Complex – a short 30‑minute drive north, offering a cluster of passage tombs dating back to 3500 BC.
• Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – one of Ireland’s largest stone‑age burial sites, located near Sligo town and easily combined with a day‑trip to the mountains.
• Benbulben – the iconic table‑mountain west of the Ox range; the Benbulben Forest Walk provides a contrasting landscape of limestone cliffs and forest trails.

Whether chasing ancient legends, summiting rugged peaks, or casting a line into crystal‑clear waters, the Ox Mountains and Slieve Gamph hills offer a compact yet diverse wilderness experience in the heart of Connacht.