Sligo Geological marvels

Geological Marvels

Discover a huge boulder which is split in two, go on the hunt for fossils at Serpent's Rock, admire benbulben, Ireland's tabletop mountain.

Rock formations

Easkey Split Rock

The huge boulder, which is split in 2 is approx 6.5 meters by 2.5 meters, and it is believed that the rock was carried down from the Ox Mountains by the retreating glaciers at the end of the ice age. But local folklore tells the story of Fionn Mac Cumhaill who arrived on top of the Ox Mountains where he was challenged by another strong man called Cicsatoin to compete in a rock throwing competition.
The challenge was to reach the sea, but Fionn's rock fell short which made him angry. In anger, he pulled his sword and split the rock in two.

Kings Gully (Chasm)

High on the flanks of the fabulous Dartry mountain range is kings Gully. And not to far from Kings Gully, you can find a rock feature which is actually part of Slievemore rather than Kings mountain.
The chasm is approx. 300 meters long and is easy enough to walk through, but carrying on to the back of the chasm, you will need climbing experience and gear.
The chasm is flanked by 2 vertical rock walls which seem to go up forever.
In order to reach this geological feature, you will need to put the hiking boots on and walk/climb towards the chasm. We recommend making a day trip from it and starting at the small car park nearby Glencar waterfall and following the ridge high above Glencar waterfall.

Serpent's Rock

The landscape at Ballyconnell in Co.Sligo is rugged. On the calmest of days, waves crash against the rocks and deliver a great spectacle.
It is here where years of waves crashing onto the rocky shores have exposed fossils at Serpent's rock.
On a stormy day, waves can be seen showcasing their power and destruction at this coastline, living up to the name of " Wild Atlantic Way"
These waves have over the years exposed hundreds of fossils, and a quick walk towards the coastal rock formations will showcase fossils from the Carboniferous period. The fossils which can be found are Caninia coral. It is the huge amount of fossils which have given the name "Serpent's rock".
Another coral which can be easily observed is Lithostrotion coral.