A Perfect 2-Day Benbulben Road Trip Itinerary

Benbulben, Sligo's striking flat-topped mountain, is not just a natural wonder but the spiritual heart of Ireland’s northwest. To truly appreciate its beauty, you need time – not just to drive the scenic roads that encircle it, but to pause & wander.

This 2-day road trip itinerary blends the best of Sligo’s landscapes, history, and local flavors, making it the perfect slow-travel escape.

Day One: Sligo Town to Drumcliffe and Benbulben’s Base

Morning: Sligo Town – Culture and Coffee

Start your adventure in Sligo town. For breakfast, stop at Shells Café (on Strandhill Beach if you don’t mind a detour) for a hearty start with homemade scones, thick Irish butter, and rich coffee.

Before leaving town, dive into its artistic and literary soul:

• Visit the Yeats Society Sligo to gain insight into the poet’s connection with this landscape.

• Wander through Sligo Abbey, where medieval ruins stand as a reminder of centuries past.

With your cultural fix complete, pick up a picnic lunch from Lyons Café and Bakeshop – their freshly made sandwiches and pastries are perfect for a mid-drive snack.

Midday: Drumcliffe & Yeats’ Grave

Drive 10 minutes north along the N15 to Drumcliffe. The churchyard here is home to W.B. Yeats’ final resting place, marked with his simple yet powerful epitaph: “Cast a cold Eye / On Life, on Death. / Horseman, pass by!”

Take a moment to explore the round tower and high crosses nearby – reminders of Drumcliffe’s ancient monastic past.

Afternoon: Benbulben Forest Walk

From Drumcliffe, continue north to the Benbulben Forest Walk, a 5km loop at the mountain’s base. This gentle trail offers stunning views of Benbulben’s limestone cliffs and out to Donegal Bay.

Time your visit for late afternoon to catch the best forest glow!

Evening: Dinner in Sligo

Return to Sligo town for a relaxed evening.

• Where to eat: Try Hooked for modern Irish comfort food (their fish tacos are a must) or Eala Bhán, a riverside restaurant specializing in locally sourced dishes like Atlantic salmon and lamb.

• Optional nightcap: Pop into Thomas Connolly’s, one of Sligo’s oldest pubs, for live music and a creamy pint.

  
  

Stay overnight in Sligo. The Glasshouse Hotel offers chic riverside views, while The Driftwood (just outside town) is perfect for a boutique experience.

Day Two: Waterfalls, Wild Coastlines, and Horseshoe Drives

Morning: Glencar Waterfall and Lake

Wake early and head east towards Glencar Waterfall, just over the border into County Leitrim (20 minutes from Sligo). This 15-metre cascade, immortalised by Yeats in The Stolen Child, is best seen in the quiet of morning. A short path leads you to the base of the falls.

Enjoy a coffee or breakfast pastry at Glencar Tea Shed, overlooking the lake.

Midday: Gleniff Horseshoe Drive

From Glencar, take the scenic Gleniff Horseshoe, a six-mile loop road nestled into the Dartry Mountains. This drive is nothing short of cinematic, with cliffs, abandoned cottages, and Benbulben’s northern face visible.

We recommend the ruins of a 19th-century mill, half-swallowed by ivy as a photo stop here!

For lunch, head to Harrison’s Bar & Restaurant in Cliffoney – a cosy spot serving classic Irish dishes like seafood chowder and brown soda bread.

Afternoon: Mullaghmore Peninsula

Drive 10 minutes north to Mullaghmore Peninsula. On a clear day, the views stretch across Donegal Bay with Benbulben watching from behind.

Highlights:

• Classiebawn Castle, once the holiday home of Lord Mountbatten, stands dramatically against the horizon.

• Walk along Mullaghmore Beach, a stretch of sand loved by walkers and surfers!

Evening: Sunset and Farewell to Benbulben

As your road trip draws to a close, circle back towards Sligo via the Wild Atlantic Way route. On a fine evening, stop at Rosses Point for a final coastal stroll. Watching the sun dip behind Benbulben and the distant mountains is the perfect way to end your journey.

For dinner, book Coach Lane at Donaghy’s, known for its steaks and traditional Irish hospitality. If you prefer something light, Rugantino serves excellent wood-fired pizza with a local twist.