Overview
Sliabh an Iarainn (Irish for “iron mountain”) dominates the landscape east of Lough Allen in County Leitrim. Rising to an elevation of about 585 m, the hill is part of the Cuilcagh range and is renowned for its striking heather‑covered moorland, steep grit slopes and a summit that offers sweeping views of the surrounding lakes and the distant Arigna Mountains. The mountain’s name reflects the rich iron‑ore deposits that were mined here from the 1600s onward, shaping the social and industrial history of the region.
History & Mythology
The mountain’s geological story stretches back over 300 million years. Carboniferous shales and sandstones record a continuous marine sequence that has yielded an extraordinary array of fossils – goniatites, bivalves, trilobites, brachiopods and even occasional echinoids. Patricia Yates’ 1962 study documented nearly 120 fossiliferous sites, many of which are now housed in museums across the UK and Ireland.
Iron extraction began in the early 17th century, with smelting works such as the Cornashamsoge furnace and the Drumshanbo finery forge turning local ore into pig iron that was shipped from Lough Allen. The industry peaked in the 18th century before deforestation and the depletion of charcoal supplies led to its decline. The last Irish iron works, at Creevelea, survived until the mid‑19th century, echoing the mountain’s long‑standing association with metal‑working.
In Irish mythology, Sliabh an Iarainn is linked to the Tuatha Dé Danann, especially the smith‑god Goibniu. The Book of Invasions recounts the divine fleet landing on the summit, and later folklore speaks of Gobán Saor, the legendary smith, plying his trade in the mountain’s mines. These stories add a layer of mystique to the rugged terrain.
What to See & Do
- Acres Lake Visitor Centre – Nestled on the shores of Acres Lake, the centre offers a 12‑minute audio‑visual show that weaves together the region’s railway, canal, lake, and mining heritage. Interactive displays bring the iron‑and‑coal story to life and celebrate the area’s musical traditions.
- Boardwalk & Shannon Blueway – The 600 m boardwalk at Acres Lake forms part of a 6.5 km linear trail that links Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock. Cyclists and walkers can enjoy lakeside scenery while following the historic Shannon Blueway waterway.
- Fossil Hunting – For geology enthusiasts, the lower slopes and exposed shales near the lake provide accessible outcrops where goniatite shells and trilobite fragments can be found. While collecting is discouraged in protected sections, guided walks occasionally run during the summer months.
- Summit Walk – A moderate hike from the lake to the triangulation station at the summit rewards trekkers with panoramic vistas of Lough Allen, the Cuilcagh Mountains and the rolling drumlin countryside. The route traverses peat‑bog plateau, heather moorland and the striking grit escarpment.
- Cultural Landscape – Nearby historic sites include the ruins of the Cornashamsoge furnace, the old Drumshanbo iron forge, and the “Hunger Stone” at the mountain’s base, a folkloric marker said to cause sudden weakness in unwary walkers.
Practical Information
The visitor centre operates seasonally, reflecting the region’s tourist flow. Opening times are:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 14:00 – 18:00 |
| November – March | Closed |
Admission to the centre is free, though donations are welcomed to support ongoing interpretation programmes. Parking is available adjacent to Acres Lake and is free of charge.
Getting there – The centre is reached via the R208 road from Drumshanbo (approx. 2 km north of the town centre). Public transport options are limited; most visitors arrive by car or join a guided day‑tour from Sligo or Carrick‑on‑Shannon.
Accessibility – The visitor centre building is wheelchair‑accessible, with level access to the exhibition hall. The boardwalk is surfaced with compacted timber and is suitable for most mobility aids, though the summit trail involves uneven ground and steep sections and is best attempted by able‑bodied walkers.
Nearby accommodation – Budget lodging and a campsite are available at the Lough Allen Adventure hostel, which offers panoramic views of the mountain and direct access to the boardwalk trail.
Useful links
Whether you are a fossil hunter, a history buff, or simply a lover of dramatic Irish scenery, Sliabh an Iarainn offers a compelling blend of natural wonder and cultural depth.