Exploring Ancient Sligo, Benbulben part i (full episode Tracks & Trails)

Irish writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan, well known for his travels books and TV series, undertakes two looped walks in County Sligo; one around Benbulben Mountain and the other on Streedagh Beach.

Manchán’s first trek is the Benbulben forest park trail, called the Cashel Loop. The Benbulben forest walk is nearly 16km from Sligo town and is located just outside of the village of Grange. This part of County Sligo is on the Wild Atlantic way and is also the setting of Ireland’s best known folklore and legends.

The writer WB Yeats drew on many of these stories for his poems. The woodland in Benbulben forest park is also interesting from an ecological perspective; it is a good example of Ireland’s natural biodiversity and is home to native trees, flora and fauna.
Eily Kilgannon is a retired local schoolteacher and knows well the myths and legends that derive from this part of County Sligo. Manchán also meets archeologist Sam Moore, who has a special interest in this area. In terms of ancient monuments and relics, Sligo is steeped in old history.

Grade
Easy. Red arrows.

Distance
5.5km

Terrain underfoot
Forest path, road path.

Highest Point
60m

Suitable for Everyone.

Notes
Carpark available.