Ireland · Sligo · Walking

Benbulben Summit Walk

12km · Strenuous · 4-5 hrs

12km distance
4-5 hrs duration
Strenuous
150 eco hotels nearby

Walk guide

Benbulben Summit Walk

Benbulben (525m) is one of Ireland's most recognisable mountains — a flat-topped table mountain rising from the Sligo plain, immortalised in the poetry of WB Yeats. The summit plateau walk follows the cliff edge above Drumcliff Bay, where Yeats is buried in the churchyard directly below. The limestone plateau supports rare alpine plants and the views extend to Donegal, Mayo and the Atlantic. The approach via Glencar Waterfall adds additional scenery.

Walk highlights

🏔️

Yeats grave at Drumcliff church visible below

🌊

WB Yeats — bare Benbulben head from his poem

🦅

Summit plateau rare alpine flora including mountain avens

🌿

Views to Donegal, Mayo and the Atlantic

Walk details
Distance12km
Duration4-5 hrs
DifficultyStrenuous
CountySligo
Nearest hotelsSligo
Hotels nearby150
From€62/night

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About Benbulben Summit Walk

Where is WB Yeats buried?
Drumcliff churchyard, directly below Benbulben. His gravestone: Cast a cold Eye / On Life, on Death. / Horseman, pass by!
Is Benbulben a difficult walk?
Strenuous — the summit plateau requires navigation skills and experience.
Can I see the sea?
Yes — Sligo Bay, Donegal Bay and often the Donegal highlands.
Is there a safe path?
The northern approach via Glencar is the most established. Follow paths and avoid cliff edges.
Where to stay?
Sligo town (15km, 150 hotels from 62 euros) or Drumcliff village (3km). Book through IMPT.

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