Keash Hill Trail

Walk Category: Upland Walk
Walk Grade: Strenuous
Walking Terrain: Country Road,
Mountain Trail
Waymarking: Red Arrows
Trailhead: Keash Church Carpark

Length: 3.4km
Ascent: 88m
Time: 1hr
Suggested Gear: Sturdy walking boots, fluids and snacks
Longitude: 54.050685
Latitude: -8.445581

Directions to the Trailhead

Starting in Ballymote, take the R295 towards Boyle. After approximately 7.5km turn left just before the Eastern Harps GAA pitch. This will bring you to St. Kevin’s RC Church, where roadside parking is available. Note that parts of this route are along a public road and that care is required along the route.

The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 25

The Route

Walk from the carpark along the road parallel to Keshcorran Mountain, which is to your right. Pass through a kissing gate at the entrance to the walk proper, walk through the field and follow the path to the Caves. Note that sections of the climb (which is short) are relatively steep and that some steps have been installed to help the walker through this section.

*We recommed that you excerise care when walking along the brow of the hill as this is a steep incline and the grass can sometimes be slippery underfoot, particularly after rainfall. Walking boots are recomended.

Mythology of the Caves of Keash

The Caves of Keash are embedded into the flanks of Keshcorran Mountain, which itself is capped by a large un-opened cairn. This is known locally as the Pinnacle, and can be seen from many parts of Co. Sligo.
Seventeen caves are located on the western side of the mountain. The hill and it’s surroundings feature in a number of legendary tales including a story that tells of the birth of Cormac Mac Airt. Tradition says that Cormac Mac Airt was the most famous of the legendary kings of Ireland and was born at a well beneath the caves. His mother had given birth to him while trying to escape from Lughaidh Mac Conn who had killed her husband. While they lay sleeping baby Cormac was carried off by a wolf whose den was in a cave now known as Cormac’s cave. Cormac was discovered years later playing on all fours outside the caves with wolf cubs. Cormac went on to become a famous High King of Ireland.

Did you know?
Keshcorran is the highest hill in the Bricklieve/Curlew area and the 894th highest in Ireland. Keshcorran is the most northerly summit in the Bricklieve/Curlew area and also the most westerly.

Nearby walks you might like

Ballymote Heritage Trail

Trail links a range of historical sites, including
the Franciscan Abbey and Ballymote Castle

Carrowkeel

Hillside paths leading to passage tombs older than ‘The Pyramids’.

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4 responses to “Keash Hill Trail”

Martina McDermott

July 5, 2021

It’s such an amazing attraction and a very easy climb for moderately fit. Great parking and signage. And the views are breathtaking.

Reply
Brendan McGettrick

December 7, 2019

I’ve done this walk a few times in the last 12 months on my way back to my home in Naas from my original home town of Ballymote. Having been reared only a few miles away, it’s amazing it’s taken me so long to just go and do it. Breathtaking views and really interesting to get into the caves too. Up and down in 30 minutes with the family and then on to Foxes for lunch, great combination.
Well done to the local Keash community for getting the work done on the path.

Reply
Catherine

August 1, 2019

Lovely walk up to see the Caves of Keash with rewarding views. The best views are actually from the first two caves . Bring a torch if you want to see into the caverns, some are interconnecting.
The path is steep with loose gravel in parts so if you have walking poles they are useful . In dry weather it’s a bit skiddy on the loose grit and in wet I would imagine it’s slippery. Sturdy footwear therefore very advisable. (In hindsight perhaps some sections would be safer as actual steps!? )
The ‘car park ‘ is actually the wide area of road just before St Kevin’s Church opposite The White Hall. There are no facilities there.
Thanks very much to the landowners for allowing access up to the Caves . Much appreciated. Lovely afternoon walk.

Reply
Colin Quinn

June 3, 2019

I have climbed this many times and one section of this is much more difficult to ascend/ descend than it was prior to the second lot of ‘upgrade’ works. The incline is very sharp and it is far too easy to slip on descent. It is a steep section on the path before arriving at the caves. Steps (as previously) would’ve been a better option. Any argument that it makes it more accessible wouldn’t wash as the the slope is far too severe to consider any sort of wheeled access. This really needs to be revisited before an accident happens. Apart from this the walk is excellent, the caves are well worth a visit, and the views are great.

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