1. Benbulben Mountain
Enjoy superb views of Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim and even Mayo from the top of Benbulben. This iconic 526m tabletop mountain is part of the Dartry mountain range and the most visible landmark and attraction in North Sligo.
According to local mythology, Benbulben was called after an Irish king called Conal Gulban and is also the setting of several Irish legends involving Fianna warriors such as Diarmuid and Gráinne.
Benbulben has some wonderful flora and fauna which you can keep an eye out for on your hike including wild hares and foxes. In addition, Benbulben is the only location in Ireland where Fringed Sandwort (Arenaria Ciliata) a perennial herb has been found.
Our Bed & Breakfast lies at the foot of Benbulben and you can climb it from our front door. Talk to Marita & Ian about the best routes for your Benbulben hike.
2. Benbulben Loop at Gortarowey
Gortarowey forest recreation area is only a 20-minute quiet laneway walk from our Bed & Breakfast.
Once at Gortarowey, there are two different trails that you can walk, a Cashel Blue Loop which is 4 km and a Red Benbulben Loop which is 5.5km. There is also a multi-access trail at the site.
It’s worth walking the Benbulben Loop for the amazing views of the northern side of the mountain. The Benbulben Loop also takes in the shorter Cashel Loop which includes a historical Cashel site, and all three trails have great views over the Wild Atlantic bays of Sligo and Donegal.
3. The Devil’s Chimney
The Devil’s Chimney starts to flow at 492 feet on the south side of the Dartry Mountains and is thought to be Ireland’s tallest waterfall.
The waterfall’s Irish name is Sruth an Aghaidh an Aird which literally means flows backwards. The reason the waterfall is given this name is that during wet and windy weather the water can be seen blowing up and back over the mountain edge.
There is a small car park at Devil’s Chimney, and from there you can walk the short 1.2km trail up to a wonderful viewing point and get a closer look at the waterfall. The Devil’s Chimney is a 15-minute drive from Benbulben Farmhouse B&B.
4. Glencar Waterfall
Glencar Waterfall on the Sligo Leitrim Border has been made famous by WB Yeats and his poem ‘The Stolen Child.
Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand,
For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.
The waterfall is 50ft high and can be accessed by a short walk through picturesque woodland from a car park on the shores of Glencar Lake. Glencar Waterfall is a 17-minute drive from our Sligo Bed and Breakfast.
5. WB Yeats Grave
Visit the grave of WB Yeats at Drumcliff Church, this famous poet was inspired by the beautiful landscape of County Sligo and spent many happy times visiting the area.
Yeats is buried at his chosen resting place at the foot of Benbulben mountain where his headstone is inscribed with the famous self-penned epitaph: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.”
This site at Drumcliff also has the remains of a round tower and a high cross constructed in the 11th when there was a Christian monastery on site.
WB Yeat’s grave is a short 5-minute drive from our B&B.
6. The Gleniff Horseshoe
The Gleniff Horseshoe is a scenic route located in Gleniff nearby. It is named for its horseshoe-shaped route, which takes visitors through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
The route itself is about 10 kilometers long and takes about half an hour to drive, or two and a half hours to walk, depending on how often you stop to take in the views. Along the way, you'll pass by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain views.
One of the highlights of the drive is the iconic Benwiskin mountain, which towers over the valley at 514 meters. Another notable feature is the Diarmuid and Grainne's Cave, which is located near the base of Benwiskin and can be accessed via a short hike from the main road.
Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a beautiful drive, this scenic route is sure to impress.
7. Mullaghmore
