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Dartry Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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The Dartry Mountains are a striking limestone range in northwestern Ireland, spanning the counties of Sligo and Leitrim. Their most famous landmark is Benbulben, an iconic flat-topped mountain that is often compared to Ayers Rock in Australia due to its vertical slopes. However, the highest peak in the range is actually Truskmore, which rises to 647 metres. Geologically, the mountains are composed of Carboniferous limestone, which has been eroded into dramatic plateaus and steep cliffs over millions of years. This terrain supports a unique array of arctic-alpine flora not found elsewhere in Ireland, including rare species like the marsh saxifrage. The Dartry Mountains are also rich in cave systems and distinctive geological features such as the Gleniff Horseshoe. Culturally, the area is inseparable from the poet W.B. Yeats, who is buried in the village of Drumcliff under the shadow of Benbulben. The landscape inspired many of his famous verses. Today, the range is a prime destination for hikers and climbers, offering challenging routes and panoramic views over the Atlantic. The entire area is a designated protected site to preserve its delicate ecosystems and rare plant species.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Castle Car · Keelogyboy Mountain · Leean Mountain
Nearby: Manorhamilton (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	7	7	9	11	13	15	15	14	12	9	8
Rain mm	141	109	99	76	92	94	107	118	102	129	151	149

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This visually prominent mountain group is usually approached using local rural lanes originating from the broader Sligo area. Starting nodes are often physically small, slightly difficult to locate, and mandate the use of private transport.

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Best season

The summer months are definitively the safest block of time for visits due to significantly drier ground and extended daylight hours. Over winter, the distinctly flat mountain plateaus are wildly exposed to severe rolling storms.

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Terrain & paths

Walkers encounter exceedingly steep sheer cliff faces yielding to extensive, flat upper plateaus that are often incredibly boggy and unmarked. Route finding across these vast, soft expanses is highly demanding both physically and mentally.

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What to bring

Because the ground remains heavily saturated even in summer, high-quality waterproof mountain boots are an absolute strict necessity. A physical map and dependable compass are vital to avoid becoming wholly lost within the expansive bogs.

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Parking

Parking across this somewhat uncommercialized territory is frequently restricted to tiny unpaved lay-bys or grassy verges. Visitors must continuously ensure they leave all agricultural access gates completely unblocked for local farmers.

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Safety

Hiking too near the massive cliff edges during periods of poor visibility is mortally dangerous and strictly must be avoided. Dense cloud layers can blanket the plateau, rendering compass-only navigation absolutely necessary within minutes.

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Time needed

A comprehensive exploration traversing the main upper plateaus usually necessitates roughly four to seven hours of arduous effort in rough terrain. Simple strolls exploring the basal valleys are naturally manageable in significantly less time.

Geography

Coordinates

54.30000, -8.30000

Facts

Highest peak: Truskmore (647 m)
Famous for the flat-topped Benbulben
Geology: Carboniferous limestone plateaus
Home to rare arctic-alpine flora
Burial place of poet W.B. Yeats nearby
Significant cave systems and karst features

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Parke's Castle4 km · SWExplore →

Lough Gill6 km · WExplore →

Sligo Industrial Park12 km · WExplore →

Manorhamilton13 km · EExplore →

Rosses Point17 km · WExplore →

Grange18 km · NWExplore →

Strandhill19 km · WExplore →

Bundoran20 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Dartry Mountains (5)

Castle Car 🏰 castle

Castle Car, a ruined castle in the Dartry Mountains overlooking a lake.

Keelogyboy Mountain📍 landmark

A mountain peak in the Dartry Mountains of County Sligo.

Leean Mountain📍 landmark

A peak in the Dartry Mountains known for its rugged terrain.

Fawnlion Hillfort 🏺 historical

Archaeological remains of an ancient hillfort in the Dartry Mountains.

O'Rourke's Table 🌿 nature

A distinctive flat-topped mountain offering panoramic views of the surroundings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which famous mountain belongs to the Dartry Mountains?

The striking flat-topped mountain Benbulbin is the most famous part of this range.

Are there caves there?

Yes, at the base of some slopes, there are cave systems, such as near the Gleniff Horseshoe.

Is the terrain suitable for cyclists?

The Gleniff Horseshoe loop road is convenient for road cyclists and gives great views.

What is the legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne?

It is said the fleeing couple sought refuge in the caves of these mountains.

What is the weather like there?

Often windy and rainy; clouds frequently get caught on the high cliffs.

Dartry Mountains: where is it located?

Dartry Mountains is located in Ireland.

Dartry Mountains: what is there to see?

Highlights include Castle Car, Keelogyboy Mountain, Leean Mountain.

Dartry Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Dartry Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Dartry Mountains are a striking limestone range in northwestern Ireland, spanning the counties of Sligo and Leitrim.

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