Description:
Slieve Daeane is one of those Sligo mountains that rewards curiosity. Tucked between the villages of Ballygawley and Ballintogher, it rises gently above the surrounding forests and farmland, forming part of the low but characterful Ballygawley Mountains. With a height of 275m and a prominence of 217m, it doesn’t boast dramatic cliffs or a lofty summit. It offers something arguably better: a peaceful, unhurried walking experience with wide‑open views that unfold gradually as you climb.
The mountain sits just east of Lough Gill, and on a clear day the summit area gives you sweeping glimpses across:
Facilities:
Car park (Union Wood or Slish Wood)
Picnic benches
Walk/climb:
Most of the ascent is a gentle, almost meditative wander along the picturesque Sligo Way, where firm forestry tracks and clear waymarking make progress easy. But the character of the walk changes the moment you step off the trail and onto the open mountain. The tidy path gives way to rough, uneven ground, and the terrain becomes noticeably more rugged. Heather, grass, and patches of soft bog underfoot demand a bit more attention, and the gradient stiffens just enough to remind you that you’re earning the summit. It’s not technical or dangerous, but it has that unmistakable wild Sligo feel.
Slieve Daeane is one of those Sligo mountains that rewards curiosity. Tucked between the villages of Ballygawley and Ballintogher, it rises gently above the surrounding forests and farmland, forming part of the low but characterful Ballygawley Mountains. With a height of 275m and a prominence of 217m, it doesn’t boast dramatic cliffs or a lofty summit. It offers something arguably better: a peaceful, unhurried walking experience with wide‑open views that unfold gradually as you climb.
The mountain sits just east of Lough Gill, and on a clear day the summit area gives you sweeping glimpses across:
- The shimmering waters of Lough Gill
- The Ox Mountains to the south
- Sligo Bay and the Dartry range to the north
- A patchwork of forests, bogland, and quiet rural townlands
Facilities:
Car park (Union Wood or Slish Wood)
Picnic benches
Walk/climb:
Most of the ascent is a gentle, almost meditative wander along the picturesque Sligo Way, where firm forestry tracks and clear waymarking make progress easy. But the character of the walk changes the moment you step off the trail and onto the open mountain. The tidy path gives way to rough, uneven ground, and the terrain becomes noticeably more rugged. Heather, grass, and patches of soft bog underfoot demand a bit more attention, and the gradient stiffens just enough to remind you that you’re earning the summit. It’s not technical or dangerous, but it has that unmistakable wild Sligo feel.
Slieve Daeane
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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.