Directions to the Trailhead
Take the N15 from Sligo towards Donegal. After approx. 10km, a signposted turn to the right brings you uphill along a narrow road to a large car park right beneath Benbulben (526m).
The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 16
Ireland’s most distinctive table mountain, Benbulben is one of the most recognisable features anywhere on the Wild Atlantic Way. Part of the Dartry range, which 320 million years ago was under sea level. Gradually it formed into raised plateaux, eventually taking its current unique shape during more recent ice ages.
The steeper sides of Benbulben are formed from large amounts of limestone, with the smoother sides composed of shale. The unusual landscape houses an equally eclectic mix of flora and fauna, including Arctic alpine plants, wild hares, foxes and choughs. Despite being on land, Benbulben has fossils of sea creatures including brachiopods, caniniid corals and bryozoan.
The fields beneath the sheer slopes of the mountain are owned by a number of local farmers who graze sheep here throughout the year. These can often be seen climbing up towards the very steepest slopes, navigating their way with great dexterity along the narrow clifftop paths, grazing as they go.
The lands here are owned by Coillte, the national body responsible for the majority of Ireland’s forests. Here at Benbulben Forest Walk, trail management and maintenance are shared between Coillte and Sligo County Council.
The Route
The start of the walk brings you slightly uphill along a gravel path until spectacular views of the mountain are revealed to your right. Follow this path, which brings you in through an area of woodland. The path veers left towards the sea. This part of the walk offers spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean, towards the ancient island of Innismurray, further along towards Classiebawn Castle in Mullaghmore and – on a clear day – views of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League across the bay in Donegal.
Bearing right as you turn for home, you descend along a newer section of path which meanders downhill, before turning back to the left where you meet a minor road. You’ll pass the ruins of a Cashel (caiseal) – a fortified dwelling of our early ancestors – and return via native woodland to the starting point.
The Yeats Connection
Sligo is known as Yeats Country, in tribute to the great poet WB Yeats, who wrote so much about Sligo in his poetry and writings. Yeats’ grave is located just 4km from here in Drumcliffe. After he died in France in 1939, he was buried there, but left instructions that, in time, he should be reinterred in his native Sligo, ‘under bare Ben Bulben’s head.’ After the end of World War II, his remains were brought by ship to Galway, and from there by road, where thousands turned out to line the road between Sligo and Drumcliffe as Yeats made his final journey home.
Little wonder that Yeats chose Sligo as his final resting place. His mother was from the county, and he was a regular visitor here throughout his life. He was constantly drawn to the landscape and mythology of Sligo, a place steeped in stories and lore which provided the canvas for many of his greatest poems – The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Down by the Salley Gardens and The Stolen Child.
*Sections of this route cross Coillte property, for up to date information on diversions/closures due to tree felling, please visit www.coillteoutdoors.ie
Ireland’s Olympic medallist takes us on her favourite Sligo walk.
Nearby walks you might like
Streedagh Beach
A linear coastal route along an impressive 3km long sandy beach
Mullaghmore Head
A popular beach with excellent views of Slieve League, Benbulben and Benwiskin.
Sligo Walks Podcast 015 – Mona McSharry
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- Minimise the effects of fire
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