Benbulben

DISCOVER THE TABLE MOUNTAIN OF IRELAND

Benbulben, also known as Ben Bulben or Benbulbin, is an impressive flat-topped mountain. It is located north of the town of Drumcliff and is also known as County Sligo’s ‘Table Mountain’.

Part of the Dartry Mountains range, Ben Bulben rises dramatically 517 metres (1,696 feet) from the valley below.

Originally a large ridge, the mountain was formed by moving glaciers during the Ice Age. The upper layer, which includes the steeper sides of Benbulben, is made of a hard limestone.

Due to the mountain’s height, a wider variety of vegetation is found in the local ecosystem, including alpine plants. Some of the plant life here can’t be found anywhere else in Ireland.

You’ll easily see the rise from the valley below. Scale it and you will enjoy magnificent views from the top as well. The hike to the top is accessible via a marked trail. However, it is not an advisable walk to take on without a guide or proper experience.

Benbulben features in many folk tales due to its intriguing shape. You may have also read about it in the poem “Under Ben Bulben” by famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats.