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. Feenagh lough is a lovely lake that can be easily spotted from the Caves of Keash. This lake is stocked with brown trout.
Keshcorran was the location of the ancient pagan three-day festival Lughnasa in honour of the Celtic god Lugh. The festival takes place on garland Sunday, the last Sunday in July.
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. Feenagh lough is a lovely lake that can be easily spotted from the Caves of Keash. This lake is stocked with brown trout.
Keshcorran was the location of the ancient pagan three-day festival Lughnasa in honour of the Celtic god Lugh. The festival takes place on garland Sunday, the last Sunday in July.
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.
2025 Registration
All of these locations are steeped in history, folklore, myths and legends.
2025 Registration
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.
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
For the Community
Keash playground is a fabulous playground where you can also find a few handy picnic benches
|
Next to keash Hall is a fabulous picnic area where on a sunny day, you can relax and admire the stunning countryside
|
Keash Recycling centre is nearby Keash Hall and the church. There is easy parking at the recycling centre.
|
|
|
|
|