Ballaghnatrillick: Dartry Mountains, Trails and History

Ballaghnatrillick lies near the coast and at the foot of, or in the shadow of, the Dartry Mountains. The surrounding area brings together mountain scenery and coastal views as distinct experiences. From the Gleniff Horseshoe near Ballintrillick, you can enjoy views over Donegal Bay; at Gleniff Mill, Benwiskin comes into view on the return to the mill. This gives you a choice of a longer route or a separate circular walk when planning your outings.

Gleniff Horseshoe and Gleniff Mill

The Gleniff Horseshoe is a 10-kilometre single-track route. You can explore it by car, on foot or by bicycle; the Gleniff Horseshoe offers coastal views over Donegal Bay. The 1.5-kilometre circular walk at Gleniff Mill follows forest tracks and the bank of a river. Benwiskin comes into view on the return to the mill. At the starting point of the Gleniff Mill circular walk, only the foundations of Gleniff Barytes Mill are currently visible.

At 10 kilometres compared with 1.5 kilometres, the route lengths can be compared directly; at the same time, a single-track route and a circular walk along forest tracks are different types of route. This lets you choose outings according to your preferred distance and mode of travel, without inferring a walking time from the information provided.

Local history and accommodation

Local history can also be encountered in specific buildings and place names. Ballintrillick Bridge in Keeloges, Ballintrillick, is listed in the Record of Protected Structures for County Sligo. An old ruin stands in the townland of Keelogues in Ballintrillick; its walls and the surrounding grounds are now used as a cemetery.

If you are looking for a holiday rental as a base, your interests in outings can help determine where you stay: the area offers a longer route, a shorter circular walk and local historical sites as distinct points of interest. A Local Link bus runs through Ballintrillick; check the current timetable before travelling. Benwiskin Centre is an eco-friendly hostel in a rural setting in Ballintrillick and can be rented in its entirety by groups. The bus connection is relevant to mobility planning, while exclusive group rental is a separate accommodation option.

County Sligo as a wider region

Those looking beyond the immediate area to County Sligo as a region in its own right will find other highlights there. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs; more than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. Sligo Abbey offers a different historical perspective: a Dominican friary with extensive surviving medieval remains of its church, sacristy and chapter house.

Streedagh Beach in County Sligo is a 3-kilometre sandy beach linking Streedagh Point with Connor's Island. Sand dunes and an estuary there support a diverse flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part in these activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Templeboy, Collooney, Drumcliff, Ballymote, Gorteen, Tiratick, Lavagh, Curry

For the main travel overview: County Sligo.