Truskmore – Ireland’s Highest Point in Sligo & Leitrim

Overview

Truskmore (Irish: Trosc Mór) rises to 647 m (2,123 ft) and is the highest peak in both County Sligo and County Leitrim. It sits on the plateau that forms the heart of the Dartry Mountains, a rugged range that also includes the iconic Benbulbin. The summit straddles the county border, with the Sligo high‑point cairn positioned beside the RTÉ television‑transmitter compound and the Leitrim marker a short walk away on the edge of a sheer drop. From the top you can see the rolling Dartry ridges, the distant sea cliffs of Slieve League, and, on a clear day, the patchwork of fields and lakes that characterise north‑west Ireland.

History & Transmission Site

The mountain’s modern fame stems from the Truskmore television transmitter, which began service on 1 February 1962 as the second of Ireland’s original five Telefís Éireann sites. The original 135‑metre mast carried 405‑line VHF broadcasts; by November 1963 it was upgraded to 625‑line transmissions. FM radio arrived in 1966, and additional television services were added in 1978 and 1996. A new 175‑metre mast replaced the original structure in 2009 in preparation for the digital switchover. Since the analogue shutdown on 24 October 2012, Truskmore now transmits the Saorview DTT service and a suite of national FM stations, covering much of north‑west Ireland and parts of western Northern Ireland. The site is owned and operated by 2RN, a subsidiary of the public broadcaster RTÉ.

What to See & Do

County High‑Points

The summit hosts two cairns that mark the highest points of Sligo and Leitrim. The Sligo cairn sits immediately beside the TV‑mast compound at 647 m, offering a shaded spot beneath the antenna cables. The Leitrim cairn, at 631 m, is perched on the edge of a steep cliff and is marked by a modest stone pile. Both markers provide excellent photo opportunities, especially when the sun illuminates the surrounding plateau.

Views and Landscape

From the cairns you can sweep across the Dartry Mountains, spotting the jagged silhouette of Benbulbin to the west and the gentle rise of Tievebaun to the north. The road itself winds past unused livestock grates and occasional sheep, adding a pastoral charm to the ascent. The Gleniff Horseshoe loop, which brings you under the base of Truskmore, also passes an old Barytes Mill – a perfect spot for a brief picnic if you wish to stretch your legs before the final climb.

The Transmission Mast

While the mast is a functional piece of infrastructure, its sheer size (175 m) makes it an impressive landmark. Visitors often watch the maintenance crew operate the wire‑elevator that services the antenna – a rare glimpse into the workings of Ireland’s broadcast network.

Getting There & Parking

Truskmore is accessed via a paved but narrow road that climbs from Ballaghnatrillick. The ascent is 9.0 km (5.59 mi) with an elevation gain of 599 m. The average gradient is 6.65 %, but the final 4 km steepens dramatically, reaching a maximum gradient of 22 % – one of the steepest public roads in the country. The road is divided into two character‑stages: a gentle lower section followed by a steeper upper stretch that zig‑zags up the mountain’s side. The last portion of the road is private property owned by RTÉ and is blocked by a barrier, so the public portion ends at the mast compound.

Parking at the summit is extremely limited; the small lay‑by beside the gate can accommodate only one to three cars. Early arrival is advisable, especially in the summer months when the loop attracts hikers and motorists alike. There is no admission fee and the site is open year‑round. No visitor facilities (toilets, café) are provided on‑site, so plan accordingly. Dogs are welcome on the road and at the cairns but should be kept on a leash near the cliff edges.

Walking & Cycling Routes

The paved road itself is popular with cyclists seeking a challenging climb; the steep upper section offers a rewarding workout and spectacular views. For walkers, the summit cairns form a short, well‑marked loop that can be completed in 30‑45 minutes. The broader Gleniff Horseshoe loop (≈ 30 km) incorporates Truskmore, Tievebaun, Benbulben and the scenic valleys of Gleniff, making it ideal for a full‑day hike.

Seasonal Tips

Clear, sunny days in late spring to early autumn provide the best visibility of the coastline and distant peaks. In winter the road can be icy, especially on the upper section, so sturdy footwear and caution are essential. Autumn brings colourful foliage across the Dartry plateau, offering a different photographic palette.

Nearby Attractions

• Benbulben – the iconic tabletop mountain, reachable via the Gleniff Horseshoe loop.
• Gleniff Horseshoe – a 30 km scenic drive and walking circuit that showcases the best of the Dartry range.
• Lough Allen – a large lake popular for boating and fishing; the adventure centre at Drumshanbo is a short drive from the Truskmore road.

Practical Information

Road Statistics

Navigation

The public road is clearly sign‑posted from Ballaghnatrillick. Follow the signs for the “TV‑mast access road” and continue until you encounter the gate. The gate is about 2 m high; most visitors simply step over it using the gate’s frame as a makeshift ladder. From there the road leads directly to the cairns and the mast compound.

Safety Notes

The Leitrim cairn sits beside a cliff edge; stay well back from the precipice, especially when fog reduces visibility. The summit area can be boggy, particularly after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The wind can be strong near the mast, but the site is generally safe for families and casual walkers.

Truskmore offers a unique blend of natural beauty, engineering history, and the satisfaction of standing on the highest point of two Irish counties. Whether you are a hill‑walker, a broadcast‑enthusiast, or simply seeking a dramatic viewpoint, the mountain’s paved road and panoramic outlook make it a rewarding day‑trip in the heart of the Dartry Mountains.