Walk the Benbulben loop
A red-arrow waymarked, 5.5 km looped forest trail graded easy, with just 20 m of ascent over roughly 1.5 hours. From the car park the gravel path climbs gently before the mountain opens up on your right.
Benbulben Forest Walk
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About
An easy 5.5 km looped forest trail at the foot of Benbulben, the flat-topped table mountain that dominates Sligo's coast, mixing quiet woodland, a ruined ring fort and wide views over Donegal Bay.
Things to Do
Coast and Donegal Bay views
Where the path turns seaward you look over the Atlantic towards the island of Innismurray, Classiebawn Castle at Mullaghmore and, on a clear day, the Slieve League sea cliffs across the bay in Donegal.
The cashel ring fort
The homeward section descends along a newer stretch of path, passes the ruins of a cashel, a fortified dwelling of early settlers, and returns through native woodland to the start.
Picnic at the trailhead
The trailhead has a car park, picnic area and information boards, and the level gravel path suits families, though there are no toilets on site. Sturdy shoes, snacks, water and a phone are the suggested kit.
See Benbulben up close
The trail skirts the base of the mountain, giving almost vertical views of its ribbed limestone flanks. The land here is Coillte forest, grazed by sheep that pick their way along the steepest slopes.
Yeats Country
W.B. Yeats is buried at Drumcliffe, about 4 km from the trailhead, under 'bare Ben Bulben's head'. His grave is an easy add-on to the walk.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking: Large main car park at the trailhead, reached from the N15 about 10 km north of Sligo by a signposted right turn and a narrow road uphill. The access road is too narrow for buses or motorhomes.
- Food: Nothing on site beyond the picnic area. The nearest services are at Grange, and Henry's Restaurant is a short walk from the trail.
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