An easy, family-friendly 5.5km looped gravel trail circling beneath Ireland's most distinctive table mountain, with sweeping views across Donegal Bay to the Slieve League cliffs.
Waymarked with red arrows, this gravel path takes about 1.5 hours. Start from the main car park, climb gently through woodland, then emerge to stunning close-up views of Benbulben's sheer limestone flanks before veering seawards for panoramas over Donegal Bay. The return leg passes through native woodland and past the ruins of Cashelbaun ringfort.
A early-medieval stone ringfort (c. 400–1100 AD) sits along the southern section of the loop. A short spur path leads into the enclosed rings where walls once stood. An information panel explains the site's history — this was a high-status dwelling for an extended family and their livestock.
A short, level gravel path from the main car park suitable for wheelchair users and families with buggies. It delivers the classic head-on view of Benbulben without tackling the full loop.
A Yeats Trail installation marks the poet's deep connection to this landscape. W.B. Yeats is buried just 4km away at Drumcliffe churchyard, beneath the headstone reading 'Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. / Horseman, pass by!' — his final wish to rest 'under bare Ben Bulben's head.'
Several junctions along the trail let you shorten the walk. The Yeats Trail spur (5km) and Cashel Loop (4km) are both signposted. Paths on your left as you walk also cut back to the trailhead if you're short on time.
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