Keash

Description

The small village of keash is well known for its caves. A stunning walk brings you to the caves of Keash, a series of 17 caves found on the side of Keshcorran Hill. The Keash area has a rich history. In Irish mythology, the Caves of Keash were regarded as an important feature of the landscape and were associated with supernatural beings and the otherworld. On top of Keshcorran, a 5000 year old Neolithic passage tomb stands unopened since the day it was closed. Visible from the caves, Feenagh Lough is a tranquil lake surrounded by rolling farmland. Stocked with brown trout, it’s a favourite spot for anglers and a beautiful feature of the landscape for walkers and photographers.
Keshcorran was once the site of the ancient three‑day Lughnasa festival, held in honour of the Celtic god Lugh. This tradition continues today on Garland Sunday, the last Sunday in July, when locals and visitors gather to celebrate heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the hill.

Location

Public Transportation

Bus Eireann Tubbercurry to Boyle (Route 476)

Every Wednesday, there is a Bus Eireann route 476 that services Keash to Boyle & Tubbercurry

Website: www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/476

Walking in Keash

Castle to Cave Camino

Taking place in April, this 34km looped walk takes in the breath taking views along the areas historical roads bringing you by the Caves of Keash, Templevanny, Corricknahorna, Aughanagh, Ballinafad, Bunnadubber, Limnagh Bog,....
All of these locations are steeped in history, folklore, myths and legends.

Keash hillwalk (Caves)

The keash Hillwalk follows a 3.4 km waymarked trail. The trail starts at Keash Hall and the first kilometer will bring you along the old country road towards the entrance.
From here, it is uphill direction caves. Along the route, you get to admire the stunning views of Sligo and beyond. The caves themselves are impressive and the larger caves have easy access.
Heading back along the same route, there is a stunning picnic area beside Keash hall where you can enjoy a well-deserved picnic after your walk.

Note: Some of the land that needs to be crossed is privately owned. Where the owners allow people to walk across their land, it is important to adhere to the signs. During lambing season, the walk might be closed.

See & Do

Caves of Keash

The Caves of Keash are located in the flank 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.
In total, 17 caves are located on the western side of the mountain.
During archaeology work, bones from bears, wolves,... were found. But that is not all, artifacts and human remains were also found. Some of the caves are up to 100 meters in depth.

The Pinnacle (Keash Cairn)

The north end of the flat summit of Kesh Corann is where you can find the pinnacle. It's the highest cairn in County Sligo located at 359 meters above sea level. It's a beautiful example of an unopened , undisturbed Neolithic cairn. The cairn is about 27 meters in diameter, with a gentle curved profile. The ruing of kerbstones is partially buried in the soft turf. It is thought that the cairn covers a passage and chamber of the Carrowkeel type.

Keash King of the Hill

The Keash King of the Hill Run is one of County Sligo’s most distinctive and atmospheric outdoor events — a race that doesn’t just test your legs, but immerses you in one of Ireland’s most storied landscapes. Set beneath the dramatic limestone slopes of Keshcorran Hill, this run blends physical challenge with deep cultural heritage, making it a favourite for runners, walkers, and lovers of wild places. The run takes place around Garland Sunday, the last Sunday in July — continuing the ancient tradition of gathering on Keshcorran Hill for celebration, community, and connection to the land.

Keash Garland Sunday

Garland Sunday is one of the most meaningful and enduring traditions in Keash — a celebration that connects the modern village to thousands of years of ritual, mythology, and community life. Held on the last Sunday in July, Garland Sunday marks the continuation of the ancient Lughnasa festival, once celebrated on the summit of Keshcorran Hill in honour of the Celtic god Lugh.
Long before written history, people gathered on Keshcorran for a three‑day Lughnasa festival. It was a time of feasting, music, athletic contests, and ritual offerings to ensure a good harvest. The hill’s dramatic presence, its mythic caves, and the unopened Neolithic tomb made it a powerful place for celebration.
Today, Garland Sunday remains a cherished community event. Locals and visitors make the climb towards the caves or gather in the village to mark the day with: