Description
Probably one of Ireland's most striking mountains is Benbulben. With its height of 526m , Benbulben can be spotted from all around County Sligo.
Benbulben was shaped during the ice age when Ireland was buried underneath glaciers. When the glaciers moved, they shaped the plateau into its distinct formation as we know it today.
Benbulben really stands out with its distinctive large flat-top, making it into Ireland's table top mountain. It forms part of the Dartry mountains. Benbulben is home to a huge variety of plants, some of which can nowhere else be found in Ireland. Many of the plant on the top are arctic-alpine plants which are robust enough to survive the harsh climate.
Deep within the Dartry mountains is Benbulben Barite mine. Once a busy underground world used to unearth barite, the work has long halted and the mines have been closed. While the buildings are long gone, the mine has left old disused mineshaft which are too dangerous to enter (and located on private land) and old rusty pylons and wire ropes once used to transport the barite down the mountain.
One of the legends surrounding Benbulben is al that against the flanks of this majestic mountain, a "fairy door" can be seen which provides the fairies with an entrance to our world. And it is claimed that it is the only place in ireland where fairies are visible to mortals. Even the poet WB Yeats wrote about this famous door referring to it as a white square in the limestone. Who knows, for you to find it and find those dancing fairies.
Facilities:
Small car park at Luke's bridge
Walk/climb:
Climbing Benbulben via Ardnaglass Upper (Luke’s Bridge Route) - distance: Approx 11km return
This route is the long way around to reach the top of Benbulben, but it’s also the one that involves the least steep climbing. Instead of tackling the dramatic cliffs head‑on, you approach the mountain from behind, following a gentler gradient that gradually leads you onto the plateau.
Starting Point: Luke’s Bridge
Drive to Ardnaglass Upper and park at the small pull‑in beside the river, commonly known as Luke’s Bridge. There’s space here for only a couple of cars, so arrive early if you can.
The Approach: Easy, Scenic, and Steady
From the parking area, follow the tarmac road that runs alongside the river. It’s a pleasant, easy start, with the sound of water guiding you uphill. Continue until you reach a small bridge crossing the river.
Cross over, and you’ll pick up a bog road that leads steadily upwards. This section is straightforward and gives you a gentle warm‑up before the real work begins.
Leaving the Track: Into the Bog
At the end of the bog road, the terrain changes. From here, you’ll need to make your way across open bog towards the small river that flows down from the mountain. If you look up, you can usually spot the narrow trail etched along the slope—this is your line of ascent.
Benbulben was shaped during the ice age when Ireland was buried underneath glaciers. When the glaciers moved, they shaped the plateau into its distinct formation as we know it today.
Benbulben really stands out with its distinctive large flat-top, making it into Ireland's table top mountain. It forms part of the Dartry mountains. Benbulben is home to a huge variety of plants, some of which can nowhere else be found in Ireland. Many of the plant on the top are arctic-alpine plants which are robust enough to survive the harsh climate.
Deep within the Dartry mountains is Benbulben Barite mine. Once a busy underground world used to unearth barite, the work has long halted and the mines have been closed. While the buildings are long gone, the mine has left old disused mineshaft which are too dangerous to enter (and located on private land) and old rusty pylons and wire ropes once used to transport the barite down the mountain.
One of the legends surrounding Benbulben is al that against the flanks of this majestic mountain, a "fairy door" can be seen which provides the fairies with an entrance to our world. And it is claimed that it is the only place in ireland where fairies are visible to mortals. Even the poet WB Yeats wrote about this famous door referring to it as a white square in the limestone. Who knows, for you to find it and find those dancing fairies.
Facilities:
Small car park at Luke's bridge
Walk/climb:
Climbing Benbulben via Ardnaglass Upper (Luke’s Bridge Route) - distance: Approx 11km return
This route is the long way around to reach the top of Benbulben, but it’s also the one that involves the least steep climbing. Instead of tackling the dramatic cliffs head‑on, you approach the mountain from behind, following a gentler gradient that gradually leads you onto the plateau.
Starting Point: Luke’s Bridge
Drive to Ardnaglass Upper and park at the small pull‑in beside the river, commonly known as Luke’s Bridge. There’s space here for only a couple of cars, so arrive early if you can.
The Approach: Easy, Scenic, and Steady
From the parking area, follow the tarmac road that runs alongside the river. It’s a pleasant, easy start, with the sound of water guiding you uphill. Continue until you reach a small bridge crossing the river.
Cross over, and you’ll pick up a bog road that leads steadily upwards. This section is straightforward and gives you a gentle warm‑up before the real work begins.
Leaving the Track: Into the Bog
At the end of the bog road, the terrain changes. From here, you’ll need to make your way across open bog towards the small river that flows down from the mountain. If you look up, you can usually spot the narrow trail etched along the slope—this is your line of ascent.
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The Climb: Narrow, Steep, and Direct
Once you reach the river, the route becomes clear. The path climbs straight up the mountainside, following a narrow track that hugs the slope. It’s steep in places and can be slippery after rain, but it’s never technical.
As you gain height, the gradient eases slightly near the river, giving you a moment to catch your breath before the final push.
Once you reach the river, the route becomes clear. The path climbs straight up the mountainside, following a narrow track that hugs the slope. It’s steep in places and can be slippery after rain, but it’s never technical.
As you gain height, the gradient eases slightly near the river, giving you a moment to catch your breath before the final push.
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On the Plateau: The Home Stretch
When you reach the top of the slope, you’ll find yourself on Benbulben’s broad, windswept plateau. Turn right and follow the edge of the escarpment. The walking here is easy and the views are spectacular—Sligo Bay, the Dartry Mountains, and the Atlantic all open out before you.
Continue along the edge until you reach the true summit of Benbulben, marked by a small cairn.
When you reach the top of the slope, you’ll find yourself on Benbulben’s broad, windswept plateau. Turn right and follow the edge of the escarpment. The walking here is easy and the views are spectacular—Sligo Bay, the Dartry Mountains, and the Atlantic all open out before you.
Continue along the edge until you reach the true summit of Benbulben, marked by a small cairn.
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Location
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Mountain Safety: Be Prepared for Irish Weather
Never climb a mountain unprepared. Even on a modest summit , conditions can shift with surprising speed. The Irish weather has a habit of turning from calm to challenging in minutes, and visibility can deteriorate quickly, especially once you leave the shelter of forest and step onto the open hillside. What begins as a pleasant stroll can suddenly feel very different if mist rolls in or the wind picks up.
Carrying proper clothing, a map or navigation app, water, and a charged phone makes all the difference. Good preparation doesn’t just keep you safe—it lets you relax and enjoy the walk, knowing you’re ready for whatever the mountain throws your way. Not sure how to tackle the mountain, contact one of Sligo's outdoor adventure companies who gladly guide you up the mountain.
Carrying proper clothing, a map or navigation app, water, and a charged phone makes all the difference. Good preparation doesn’t just keep you safe—it lets you relax and enjoy the walk, knowing you’re ready for whatever the mountain throws your way. Not sure how to tackle the mountain, contact one of Sligo's outdoor adventure companies who gladly guide you up the mountain.