Overview
Tievebaun (Irish: Taobh Bán, meaning “white side”) rises to 611 metres (2,005 ft) on the border between County Leitrim and County Sligo. It is the third-highest summit in the Dartry Mountains and the highest independent peak in Leitrim, though the county’s absolute high point sits on the nearby Truskmore ridge. Classified as both an Arderin and a Vandeleur-Lynam peak, Tievebaun is a favourite among hill-walkers who prefer quieter, less crowded trails to the more famous Benbulbin. The mountain’s defining feature is its pale limestone, which catches the light and gives the summit its name.
The Route & Terrain
The standard approach is an 18.5 km loop that typically takes around seven hours to complete, with a total ascent of 680 m. This is a serious mountain walk, graded as hard, and requires confident navigation skills. The route begins at the first car park on the north shore of Glencar Lough, just inside the Leitrim boundary (grid reference 757 436).
From the parking area, you follow a steep forest track that climbs the southern edge of the Dartry Plateau. After passing through a stile, the path transitions to a bog track that skirts cut-away peatland before opening onto the high moorland. Heading northeast, you’ll cross open ground that reveals the dramatic limestone cliffs dropping into the Glenade Valley. The county boundary is clearly marked by a low stone wall that guides your contour northward toward the summit. Near the top, the wall gives way to a fence, and the final pull-up to the cairns is short but steep.
Key Features & Views
The eastern and northern faces of Tievebaun are dominated by sheer limestone drops and distinctive rock formations. Eagle’s Rock is the most striking: a startlingly white, arrow-shaped outcrop that points steadily uphill and stands out against the darker moorland. On the northern side, The Hag’s Leap is a rugged pinnacle that draws photographers looking for dramatic foregrounds. The summit itself is marked by twin cairns on the Leitrim side and a solitary cairn at the exact spot height of 611 m.
On clear days, the panoramic view is exceptional. You can look south across the Sligo coastline, spot the towering cliffs of Slieve League across Donegal Bay, and see Benbulbin’s flat top to the west. Below, the glacial Glenade Valley stretches out, offering a sense of the mountain’s scale. Historically, this area served as a natural boundary between territories, and the stone wall you walk alongside still marks that ancient divide.
Practical Information & Safety
- Access & Parking: Reach the start point via the N16 Sligo–Manorhamilton road. After 7 km, turn off for Glencar Lake and follow the signed lane for another 4.5 km to the north-shore car park. Parking is free but space is limited to a small number of vehicles. There is no admission fee for the mountain.
- Navigation: Carry Ordnance Survey Discovery Series sheet 16. GPS coordinates for the summit are 54.396817 N, -8.357749 W. The MountainViews database lists the grid reference as G76856 49898. A map and compass are essential, as mist can roll in quickly over the plateau and obscure the stone boundary wall.
- Weather & Timing: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Pack waterproof layers, sturdy boots, and extra insulation. The summit is best visited in dry conditions. For photography, early morning and late evening light often cast long shadows across the limestone, highlighting the rock formations.
- Hazards: The open moorland contains bog holes and sinkholes. Stick to the established track and avoid cutting corners. The final ascent to the cairn involves a steep scramble that may challenge those unused to rugged terrain.
Nearby Stops
If you have time after descending, the walk connects naturally with other local landmarks. The Glencar Waterfall is a short distance away and features an information panel displaying W. B. Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child.
For another high-point challenge, the Truskmore ridge offers a different perspective of the Dartry Plateau. The Glenade Valley and the distinctive silhouette of Benbulbin are also within easy reach for extending your day in the hills. Plan your descent carefully to arrive at the car park before late afternoon, as the forest track can be muddy and the N16 is a busy route.