Benbulbin

Long enough to get to the top. Bog/ Marsh land at the bottom (coming from Luke’s bridge) so hiking boots are a necessity even on a good day. Nice walk, amazing views all around. Not the toughest walk, mostly grassy and once you’re at the top there’s barely any incline to the summit marker.

Tabletop rock hill top plateau landmark that dominates the local terrain. Need a sunny day to see it shimmer. Cloudy days you see it in mythical mists.

Absolutely surreal mountain. I’ve never seen anything quite like this in my life. It’s just absolutely stunning, and it makes for such a pretty backdrop when driving through Sligo as you can see it in the distance.

🏞️ Benbulben Trail Hike (via Luke’s Bridge) – Key Features & Review --- 🔍 Overview Type: Linear out-and-back hike (not a marked trail) Distance: ~7–9 km round trip (depending on route variations) Duration: 3 to 4 hours return ⏱️ Grade: ⚠️ Strenuous – for experienced hikers only Start Point: Lay-by near Luke’s Bridge, near Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo 🗺️ --- 🌟 Trail Highlights 🧗‍♂️ Direct Ascent of Benbulben: One of the few ways to hike onto the iconic tabletop summit—rare and rewarding. 🌄 Rugged Adventure: Crosses bogland, rock shelves, steep ridges—no signage, no path, just raw terrain. 🌊 Cliffside Vistas: Spectacular views from the summit over Sligo Bay, Donegal, and the Wild Atlantic. 🏔️ Unique Topography: Climb through Benbulben’s stepped sides, formed by ancient glacial erosion. --- ⚠️ What to Expect 🧭 Unmarked Route: This is an unofficial hike—no waymarkers, so map, compass, or GPS essential. 💦 Boggy Ground: Lower sections can be very wet, especially after rain—waterproof boots recommended. ⛰️ Steep Final Push: Final stretch involves navigating rock shelves and steep inclines. 🧱 Sheer Cliffs: Extreme caution required near summit edges—dangerous in fog or high winds. --- ✅ Best For 🥾 Experienced hikers with strong navigation skills 🌬️ Those seeking a remote, wild climb with few (if any) crowds 📸 Anyone wanting a bucket-list experience on Ireland’s most photographed mountain --- ❌ Not Recommended For 🚶 Casual walkers or families ❓ Anyone without navigation and mountain safety knowledge 🌧️ Poor weather days (clouds, rain, or wind can make it hazardous) --- 🧳 Tips & Essentials 🗺️ Map & Compass or GPS: Essential – bring OSI Map Sheet 16 (Sligo) 👢 Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support 🧥 Clothing: Layered and waterproof; weather can shift rapidly 🚫 No Facilities: No toilets, no water, no signs—carry everything you need 🌿 Respect the Land: Stick to open access areas, leave no trace, and avoid farmland unless public right-of-way is clear --- 📅 When to Go ☀️ Late Spring to Early Autumn: Best weather windows 🌄 Early morning start recommended for good light and visibility 🌫️ Avoid after rain or in heavy fog

Incredible views. We had perfect conditions: it had been dry and sunny for about five days prior to our hike; the day of was clear, sunny, and warm. The hike is not easy, but definitely doable with a moderate level of physical fitness. I always use hiking poles. The only “hard” parts are the ascents and descents (same area) which are really less than about 2kms if that. Being on top of that mountain you have been staring up at, the same one Yeats writes about in poems, is incredible. Views to infinity. Final note: we had perfect dry conditions. No way I would do this if it was wet—the ascent and descent would be torture; the boggy mountaintop unenjoyable. Wait for sunny days.

Benbulbin is a striking mountain as you approach it, with its sheer sides and imposing lines on the Sligo skyline. A great hike with fantastic views from the top. It is essential to be prepared for any changes in the weather and recommended to have a good pair of boots as the ground is quite marshy Well worth the effort to get to the top

Great view on a sunny day. And kindly read the sign before heading towards it. Otherwise wonderful experience

Brilliant place. We took the Uber to the forest walk from sligo and had a lovely walk. I would highly recommend it