Dartry Mountains

The Dartry Mountains are a compact mountain range in northwest Connacht, Ireland, straddling Counties Sligo and Leitrim. The range is notable for its steep escarpments and plateau-like summits.

Hikers and day visitors use the area for short to moderate walks, ridge scrambles and shoreline views; the range includes the distinctive table-top Benbulben (about 526 m) and the higher Truskmore (about 647 m). Glencar Valley and its waterfall provide an accessible scenic stop and routes onto the lower slopes.

The landscape was shaped by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age and rests on Carboniferous sandstones and limestones; upland areas have long been used for sheep grazing and local agriculture. Human paths and field boundaries on the lower slopes reflect centuries of pastoral use.

Geographically the Dartry Mountains lie on the coastal plain overlooking Sligo town, in the north of Connacht. The range forms a prominent backdrop to the Sligo area and is reached via local roads and valley approaches.

• Viewpoints: Best views are of the range’s escarpment and plateau from roads and viewpoints around Sligo town and from the roadside approaches to Glencar Valley.
• Summit heights: The range has two prominent summits with known heights of about 526 m for Benbulben and about 647 m for Truskmore.

What to See#

• Benbulben: The distinctive table-top peak at the western end of the range, rising to about 526 m and forming a steep northern escarpment that is visible from Sligo town.
• Truskmore: The highest point in the range, reaching about 647 m and forming part of the upland plateau that crowns the massif.
• Glencar Valley: A steep glaciated valley on the southern side of the range that contains a well-known waterfall and serves as an accessible approach for walks onto the lower slopes.
• Benwiskin and subsidiary ridges: A series of subsidiary ridges and summits to the east and south of Benbulben that are used for hill walking and grazing.

The Dartry Mountains are a range in northwest Connacht (mainly counties Sligo and Leitrim), accessible from the town of Sligo and smaller local villages. The area is best reached by car - drive from Sligo town to local trailheads and park there, then follow short walks to viewpoints and ridges. Public transport to specific trailheads is limited, so use local buses, taxis or private transport to reach starting points.

• Use the Gleniff Horseshoe and Benbulben approaches as your primary access routes-those well-known circuits provide clear parking/put-in points and the classic views of the Dartry escarpments.
• Aim for early starts or weekday visits to avoid weekend crowds at the popular viewpoints and trailheads; the main scenic areas can fill up quickly on fair days.
• Look for glacial landforms and limestone pavements along the ridges-these geological features are the range's signature and easy to miss if you stick only to the summit views.