Benbulbin — Local services in County Sligo

🏞️ 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...

Park up at Luke’s Bridge, 5km north of Drumcliffe, to begin your Benbulben adventure. Walk past glacial tracks, wild gullies and babbling streams as you make your way to the flat-topped summit. Benbulbin is an established walking destination. If climbed by the north face, it is a hazardous climb. That side bears the brunt of the high winds and storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean. However, if approached by the south side, it is an easy walk, since that side slopes very gently. From the summit there are views over the coastal plain of north County Sligo and the Atlantic ocean. The land adjacent to the western edge of the ridge is privately owned farmland and not accessible to the general public. However, there is a paved path up the south face to the east near Glencar Waterfall just over the County Leitrim border.Look out for unique flora and fauna, including Fringed Sandwort which dates back to the Ice Age. If you love adventure and hike you should visit this place. It's most adventures hike I have done so far. No particular trails no particular path. This place is muddy, slippery and on few places full of water as well. Please be sure while going on this hike your shoes are proper and you have supporting sticks as well with you. On the top view is very beautiful and satisfactory. Even on the top you could feel water on grass. Be sure your hiking shoes are proper. Perfect place for adventures people. But after all struggle and hard work you will get what you were looking for. Awesome...

Wonderful hiking area with a lot of breathtaking views. We had the wonderful walk from almost Luke's Bridge to the top and back. It was almost 10 km and 3 hours with some break for photos and the snow front. In the spring, particularly in March, the path was wet and boggy. The proper hiking water-resistant shoes needed. Also should notice, the trail is not marked, and sometimes it's hard to find it at all. Basically, the trail can be divided into four parts. First, from Lucas Bridge to peat fields, it's the great comfortable country road along the stream. Second, the dirt road through peat fields. It was really muddy in our case. Third, climbing through the grassy-rocky part next to the stream. Sometimes the path was difficult to find, and the best reference point was the stream. Fourth, the flat part across the plateau. There were beautiful views, no path, no elevation. So, we had a great experience despite quite bad weather. Spent much time on the plateau with beautiful views and some snow clouds. Also, had some problems with the closed road by the local farmer. The police came to us just we parked, and explained the situation and helped us with parking. But, that's the price you pay for an all alone hiking experience in the storm at the start...