Benbulbin is probably Sligo’s most recognisable feature and is certainly worth a visit while you are travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. The tabletop mountain towers some 520 meters over Sligo city and dominates the landscape of the area. This looped trail takes in Benbulbin Head and Kings Mountain providing fantastic views of the local surroundings on the way.
Park at Luke’s Bridge to the north of the mountain to start this moderate to strenuous looped hike to the top of Benbulbin. While not waymarked, the trail is pretty clear, but is marshy wet and slippery in parts so bring good hiking boots and a stick. The loop is around 14.3Kms, and has an elevation gain of approximately 550m for which you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The Dartry mountains to the east and Knocknarea and the Atlantic coast to the west.
Benbulbin Legends
Steeped in legend, Benbulbin is said to have been the home of the mighty Fianna warrior band, the most popular legend being that of Diarmuid and Grainne. The two lovers eloped together before Grainne was due to marry Fionn MacCool, the head of the Fianna and he pursued them all over Ireland, finally catching up with them in County Sligo.
The warrior chief tricked Diarmuid into fighting a wild boar, which ultimately killed him. As he lay dying, Fionn’s sons beseeched Fionn to gather water from a nearby waterfall to cure Diarmuid, but the water trickled out of Fionns hands before he could get back to Diarmuid (whether by accident or design, no-one really knows) and the young man died in the shadow of Benbulbin.
Hiking Benbulbin
To start your own Benbulbin adventure, park at Luke’s Bridge to the north of the mountain. While not waymarked, the trail is pretty clear, but is marshy wet and slippery in parts so bring good hiking boots and a stick. The loop is around 14.3Kms, and has an elevation gain of approximately 550m for which you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Dartry mountains, Lough Gill and the North Mayo-Sligo coastline.
Total Climb 550m Distance 14.3Km Time 3 hours Grading Moderate to strenuous Recommended: hiking boots, snack, water, wet weather clothing
As always please be mindful of local farming activity and leave no trace. For maps and more information: Benbulbin and Kings Mtn Loop
