Caves Of Keash Walk

0.8 miles (1.3 km)

This short walk visits the Caves Of Keash in the County Sligo village of Keash.
The trail begins in the parking area to the east of the caves. The route then climbs gradually up the lower slopes of Keshcorran Mountain, where a marked trail leads towards the caves. The route is fairly short but involves a steady ascent across open pasture, with sheep grazing on the hillsides and wide views opening out across the surrounding countryside as you gain height. On a clear day you can see towards Lough Arrow, the Bricklieve Mountains and the plains of Sligo.
The caves themselves form a striking line of openings along the limestone cliff. They were created by natural processes over thousands of years and have long been associated with Irish mythology, featuring in stories linked to Cormac Mac Airt and other figures of legend. Archaeological finds from the caves include bones of early animals such as bear, wolf and lynx, showing they provided shelter since prehistoric times.
Exploring the caves offers a sense of both history and drama, with the largest openings providing fine vantage points over the valley below. Care is needed as the ground can be uneven and slippery, but the short climb is well rewarded with the combination of views, mythology and geology. Returning by the same path, the walk gives a memorable glimpse of one of County Sligo’s most atmospheric sites within a compact and accessible route.
Head north east and there's another splendid historical highlight at Carrowkeel in the Bricklieve Mountains. The site includes a cluster of Neolithic�passage tombs�dating from the 4th millennium BC.