Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]
Overview
Benbulbin South East Top is not just a mouthful of a name but a fantastic hike located in County Sligo, Ireland. Standing at 596 meters, this Marilyn offers hikers a taste of Ireland's rugged beauty.
Geology
The fascinating geology of Benbulbin is one of its highlights. Formed from limestone, the mountain is steeped in ancient history, dating back over 300 million years! The rugged cliffs showcase bands of limestone that tell the tale of ancient marine environments. Don’t forget to look for fossils—though they may not be as exciting as a treasure chest, they certainly add character!
Routes
The main route to Benbulbin South East Top is a moderate 3.5 km walk. Starting from the designated car park, hikers can follow the well-trodden path to the summit. The ascent is relatively straightforward, though you'll want to keep an eye out for loose rocks that seem to have ambitions of their own!
Summit Features
At the summit, you'll find a small cairn which makes for a perfect selfie spot against the backdrop of Sligo’s stunning landscape. The rocky outcrop provides the best seat in the house to observe the panoramic views.
Terrain Type
Expect a mix of rocky trails and grassy slopes. As you approach the summit, the terrain can get a bit rocky, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Views
From the top, you can gaze out beyond your wildest dreams at the mighty Benbulbin and, on clearer days, the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Spring and early autumn provide the best visibility, so try to time your visit accordingly.
Hazards
Watch your step! Loose rocks on the path can be tricky, especially during wet weather. Always check the forecast before you set out as conditions can change faster than a squirrel on a sugar rush!
Nearby Summits
Don’t stop with just Benbulbin South East Top! Nearby is the magnificent Benbulbin itself, and further afield, there’s the ladder-shaped Lugnaquilla.
Access
There’s a convenient car park right at the foot of the mountain, making access easy. Public transport is available from Sligo City, though it may take a bit of planning.
Facilities
Nearby Sligo Town has all the amenities you could need: cafes to fuel your adventure, shops for last-minute supplies, and toilets to ensure your hike isn’t interrupted!
History
The name 'Benbulbin' translates to 'the mountain of the hawk' in Irish. This mountain isn't just about hiking; it's steeped in cultural significance, celebrated by W.B. Yeats in his poetry.
Conclusion
Benbulbin South East Top is more than just a peak; it's a slice of Irish heritage wrapped in spectacular scenery. So lace up those hiking boots and enjoy this slice of heaven!
Explore routes near Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Benbulbin South East Top Approach
A straightforward ascent from the car park, following a relatively well-defined path that leads directly to the summit.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
503m
1,650 ft
Prominence
20m
Coordinates
54.3564, -8.4622
G700454
OS Map
16
At the Summit
The summit features a small cairn, providing a perfect backdrop for photos, and a rocky area that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Terrain & Geology
Benbulbin is primarily composed of limestone, which gives it a distinctive flat-topped appearance. Its cliffs are composed of some of the oldest rocks in Ireland, dating back around 300 million years and offering a glimpse into the Earth’s geological history.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Benbulbin itself, also the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name translates to 'the mountain of the hawk', reflecting the local fauna and perhaps the impressive presence of birds of prey in the area.
Historical Significance
Benbulbin is culturally significant in Irish folklore and associated with the great poet W.B. Yeats, who is said to have taken inspiration from its dramatic beauty in his works.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a designated car park at the base of the mountain, clearly marked and easily accessible from the main road.
Public Transport
The nearest bus service operates from Sligo City to the base of Benbulbin, though service may be limited on weekends.
Nearby Facilities
Cafes and toilets can be found in Sligo town, and there are plenty of local shops for supplies.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Loose rocks on the ascent, especially during wet conditions. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas] search or of course create your own walk for Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]
Can I organise a walk to Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas].
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas]?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Benbulbin South East Top [Binn Ghulbain barr soir o dheas] here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: G700454
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
No comments yet. Be the first.