Overview
The Ballygawley Mountains are part of the Ox Mountains, a low but rugged chain of gneiss and paragneiss south of Sligo town. Nothing here is high, yet the hills look out over Sligo Bay towards Benbulben and Knocknarea. The highest summit, Sliabh Dá Éan, ‘mountain of two birds’, gives the range its Irish name.
The terrain is double hills, shallow valleys and scattered stone outcrops.
Marked woodland walks
For a walk nearby, use the Union Wood trailhead and pick a marked woodland loop. Sligo Walks lists a moderate 5.5 km loop and asks visitors to keep dogs on a lead. Stay on the waymarked paths. The wider hills are not a public access area, so do not set off across open land to find summits or cairns.
The hills are at their best in late summer, when the heather turns deep purple, and in early autumn, when the gorse goes gold against the grey stone. The trails can be slick underfoot in late autumn and winter, so bring sturdy boots and a light waterproof even on a clear day.
The Sligo Way
The Sligo Way crosses the Ballygawley area between Collooney and Slish Wood. Check its current notice for the diversion through Union Wood, follow the signs and arrange your return if walking a linear section. Stay on the waymarked route.
Ancient stones and folklore
The landscape around the Ballygawley Mountains is part of the Cúil Íorra peninsula, settled by Neolithic farmers. Neolithic passage-graves are recorded in these hills, and the great tombs at Carrowmore lie below.
The western peak takes its name from the Cailleach Garavogue, the landscape goddess said to have lived in the chambered cairn up there. In one story she befriended the mad king Sweeney; the two turned into geese and dived into Lough Dá Gé, the Lake of the Two Geese, a small hill lake that folklore calls bottomless.
For a managed visit to prehistoric tombs in the area, check Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery for the current season and visitor information.
Getting There & What to Explore Next
Ballygawley village lies south of Sligo town, and the mountains rise close by. Public transport is limited, so a car or a local taxi is the reliable option. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in the hills, so download an offline map before you head out.
After your walk, the surrounding area offers plenty of context for the landscape you’ve just explored:
- Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – a large Neolithic tomb complex a few kilometres west of the mountains.
- Cúil Íorra Peninsula – the wider archaeological landscape that encompasses Carrowmore and its satellite monuments.
- Bricklieve Mountains – home to the Carrowkeel passage-tomb complex.
- Carrowkeel – another major megalithic complex to the south.
- Benbulben Forest Walk – a gentle loop with views of Benbulben and the surrounding hills.