Overview
Tievebaun (Irish: Taobh Bán, “white side”) is a 611 m (2,005 ft) mountain straddling the border of County Leitrim and County Sligo in the Dartry Mountains. Classified as both an Arderin and a Vandeleur‑Lynam, it is the third‑highest summit in the Dartry range and the highest independent peak in Leitrim, though the county’s overall high point lies on the Truskmore ridge. The mountain is renowned for its sheer limestone cliffs and distinctive pinnacles – notably Eagle’s Rock and The Hag’s Leap – that dominate the eastern and northern faces.
History & Background
The name Taobh Bán reflects the striking white limestone outcrops that give the mountain its bright appearance, especially the arrow‑shaped Eagle’s Rock that stands out against the surrounding moorland. Historically the area has been a natural boundary; a low stone wall marks the county line as you ascend, later giving way to a fence near the summit. The peak has long attracted hill‑walkers seeking a less‑trodden alternative to the more famous Benbulbin, yet it offers equally dramatic scenery.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eagle’s Rock | A startlingly white limestone outcrop that looks like a giant arrow pointing uphill. |
| The Hag’s Leap | A rugged pinnacle on the northern side, popular with photographers. |
| Summit Cairns | Twin cairns on the Leitrim side and a solitary cairn marking the spot height (611 m). |
| Panoramic Views | From the summit you can see the Sligo coastline, Slieve League across Donegal Bay, Ben Bulbin to the west, and the glacial Glenade Valley below. |
| Cultural Touches | An information panel near the upper Glencar Waterfall bears W. B. Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child. |
The classic 18.5 km loop described by The Irish Times begins at the Glencar Lake north‑shore car park. After a steep forest road that climbs the southern edge of the Dartry Plateau, a stile leads onto a bog track that skirts the cut‑away peatland before opening onto the moorland. Heading northeast across the bog, walkers encounter the dramatic limestone cliffs that line the Glenade Valley, then contour northwards toward the summit. The route is marked by a fine stone wall that follows the county boundary, offering a clear visual cue as you approach the twin cairns.
Practical Information
Starting point – The first car park on the north shore of Glencar Lake, just inside the Leitrim boundary (grid reference 757 436). Access is via the N16 Sligo‑Manorhamilton road; after 7 km turn off for Glencar Lake, then follow the signed lane for another 4.5 km to the parking area.
Route details – The full circuit is 18.5 km with a total ascent of 680 m and an estimated walking time of seven hours. The terrain varies from steep wooded slopes to open bog and moorland, with sections of rough ground near the summit. The walk is classified as hard; a map, compass and appropriate navigation skills are recommended.
Maps & navigation – Ordnance Survey Discovery Series sheet 16 covers the area. GPS coordinates for the summit are 54.396817 N, ‑8.357749 W (PeakVisor). The mountain is also listed on the MountainViews database (grid reference G76856 49898).
Parking & access – The Glencar Lake car park is free and provides space for a small number of vehicles. No admission fee is charged for the mountain itself.
Nearby attractions – After descending, consider visiting the Glencar Waterfall (with Yeats’s poem panel) or the nearby Truskmore summit for a further high‑point experience. The Glenade Valley and Benbulbin are also within easy reach for additional scenic walks.
Seasonal notes – The summit offers excellent light for photography during the early morning (approximately 06:41‑08:11) and late evening (19:05‑20:35) as indicated by PeakVisor’s sunrise/sunset windows.
Safety – The route includes bog holes and sinkholes; stay on the marked track, especially across the open moorland. The final ascent to the cairn involves a short steep pull‑up that can be challenging for those unaccustomed to rugged terrain.
Useful links
- PeakVisor Tievebaun page – 3‑D maps and GPS data.
- MountainViews summit entry – technical details and user comments.
- Ordnance Survey Discovery Series sheet 16 – detailed topographic map.