Gleniff Horseshoe, waiting for Gandalf. Arrived back at the car, had a quick lunch of pasta and tuna, and headed for home. So continuing our series of local loops, one day cycle trips in Ireland, let us take you to Gleniff, a valley in north County Sligo. The mountains and the waterfalls. Ideal to drive around or walk around if the... It is located off the main N15 road between Bundoran and Sligo. Gleniff Horseshoe. Gleniff Horseshoe. Went to see my sister in law complete the Dublin city marathon a few weeks back. The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It is a short half an hour drive from Ocean Heights B&B and when you get there make sure to travel clockwise around the loop for the best views. Kids. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a 9km looped drive in a valley of mountains. Go left at a yield sign for about 1km, until you come to another junction. We were lucky enough to have had our bikes with us and while it was a toughish ascent up to the loop, boy were we delighted that we stuck with it. I arrived at The Benwiskin Centre which is where I planned to park my car. Climb the Gleniff Horseshoe-Truskmore via Ballintrillick County Sligo by bike : Gleniff Horseshoe-Truskmore profile, route with kilometer posts, difficulty ranking, … Here's a taster of magical Gleniff Horseshoe of County Sligo, Ireland, where the legendary love story of Diarmuid and Grainne draws to an end. It was absolutely lashing rain so I sat in the car for about five minutes until it eased. Hotels near Gleniff Horseshoe: (3.17 mi) Benbulben Farmhouse B&B (6.93 mi) Down Yonder Luxury Bed & Breakfast (7.75 mi) Pearse Lodge B&B (9.00 mi) Ocean Heights B&B (8.24 mi) Park House Bed & Breakfast; View all hotels near Gleniff Horseshoe on Tripadvisor Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave, high up above the ruins of an old schoolhouse, drew my eye as I wondered how such a perfect looking cave got up there. Tievebaun and Truskmore to the left and the back of Benbulben and Benwiskin to the right. i am amazed that we had not heard of this loop before as we travel to Sligo a lot. Some people drive it in both directions.This was one of the highlights of our trip...... Off the beaten track but wow. Boat Trip – The Rose of Innisfree, lough Gill. Geared up and bag packed, I jumped in the car as the first spots of rain of the day fell on me. The roads were completely clear so it took me a lot less time than expecting to hit Sligo Town. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. 12.30 p.m. So this will be old hat to some of you. Reached the signpost for the beginning of the Gleniff loop. Mullaghmore Head. I hope it remains the unspoilt treasure in Yeats country that it is. Do. Hotels near Gleniff Horseshoe: (5.08 km) Benbulben Farmhouse B&B (11.09 km) Down Yonder Luxury Bed & Breakfast (12.40 km) Pearse Lodge B&B (14.40 km) Ocean Heights B&B (13.19 km) Park House Bed & Breakfast; View all hotels near Gleniff Horseshoe on Tripadvisor I felt the same exhilaration, but also knew that another immediate adventure through the Gleniff Horseshoe may have been too much for our senses and we wanted to savor our great first experience of it. It is a short 20 minute drive from Mount Edward Lodge and when you get there make sure to travel clockwise around the loop for the best views. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a gorgeous glacial valley on the north side of Dartry mountains, about 22km north of Sligo town. It’s quiet, serene, and filled with mythical history. The veil seems very thin there and preserving that wonder is important. ... One misty day in November, my friend and I drove the Gleniff Horseshoe and absolutely loved it. Veer left at yield sign southwards towards mountain for 1km to next junction. I was thinking of taking a detour to Achill Island on the way home. And we found the magic bit of the road where when you take the handbrake off you go up the hill. Tievebaun and Truskmore to the left and the back of Benbulben and Benwiskin to the right. The backdrop is breathtaking and the strong wind that day added to the enchanted feeling of the place. I can include that in my summit climb trip and make it an overnighter. This is one of the highest caves in Ireland and is one of the beds of the fleeing lovers in the Fenian mythical cycle. This wonderful drive (can also be a walk or cycle) in north Sligo features a magnetic road, the wonderful cliffs and view of Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave. There was no cross-country or orienteering – it was all asphalt walking. Gleniff Horseshoe, Ballintrillick: See 70 reviews, articles, and 126 photos of Gleniff Horseshoe on Tripadvisor. The Horseshoe Road in Gleniff is a lovely scenic 8km looped drive or cycle, deep in the Dartry Mountains of Co Sligo. One misty day in November, my friend and I drove the Gleniff Horseshoe and absolutely loved it. It’ll probably be a 2.5/3 hour drive from my house in Galway. The Wild Atlantic Way route which is over 1600 miles long (2,600 km) is divided into 14 stages for easier orientation. The hike went as planned. A long walk uphill, some changes in clothing (the rain started sweeping towards me from Benwiskin) and I made my way into what I can only presume used to be a corrie. It was only when I got to the top of the horseshoe, after about that the unique majesty of the place showed itself. You will also visit an acient Megalithic site, Creevykeel Court Tomb, at Cliffony which dates back to 4000 BC. It takes about an hour, and there are plenty of places to pull off and take photos. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. There are also forest walks which start from the Old Mill site. Fishing – Angling Guide County Leitrim. Sligo Abbey, Gleniff Horseshoe, Caromore Megalithic tombs, Parks Castle. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The walk is 10km long and can easily be completed in 2 hours on foot. The Gleniff Horseshoe loop is a valley in North Sligo known for it’s breath taking scenery and dramatic landscape. Couldn’t find an OSI 16 map anywhere in town – means that I have to stick to the loop walk. It is located off the main N15 road between Bundoran and Sligo. There’s also a section that’s a ‘Magic Hill’, where cars roll uphill. Take a walk, or a ride on the wild side along the 13.5km Gleniff Horseshoe loop and enjoy rugged and dramatic scenery that stretches all the way up to Ulster and beyond. The first leg of the horseshoe-shaped loop offered some nice scenery – looking up at the distant mountains, gullies running down each. The Route Turn left at Centre for about 1.5km to junction. That is until you do it on a misty day (happened to me a couple of months ago) and you can barely see out the window… This drive (or walk/cycle) takes you on a roughly 10km loop that’s enveloped from start to finish by spectacular mountain and forest views. When we saw the view of the mountain, we both immediately thought of the Cirque de Gavernie in the Pyrenees which we hiked some years back. Stunning Cycle - See 70 traveller reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Ballintrillick, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Stunning Cycle - See 70 traveler reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Ballintrillick, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Experience the Gleniff Horseshoe. I’d hoped that I could use the map to get to the summit of Benwiskin and Ben Bulben but, due to my unfamiliarity with the area, I’m going to play it safe and stick to the trail. Activities. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Probably not feasible for a one-day trip. Happy Days ,Bundoran Waterworld and Adventure centre, RulaBula, Lough Key Forest Park, Eagles Flying, Sligo Sports Center, Gaeity Cinema. the bikes. The view up to Diarmuid and Grainne's cave in the back of the Ballintrillick or Gleniff Horseshoe. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. GLENIFF HORSESHOE Directions Turn left at Centre for about 1.5km to junction.Veer left at Yield sign southwards towards mountain for 1km to next junction.Continue straight following sign for Gleniff Horseshoe Valley.You will reach a beautiful picnic area at the old Mill site. Such a scenic route hidden in the middle of Sligo. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a closed loop on-road cycle route along the base of Benbulben Mountain with some of the most spectacular scenery that Sligo has to offer. This is one of the highest caves in Ireland, with one of the widest mouths, and has fabulous views out across the valley to the northwest. ... Cycling – Yeats Lodge is on the North West cycle trail route. Gleniff Horseshoe. Cycle around Lough Gill, a stunning lake which has featured in WB Yeats poems. There was no traffic which helped us enjoy this narrow road scenic delight. read more, When you drive around in the loop you need to stop so many times because everytime you see the... The next stop on the tour is the Gleniff Horseshoe scenic drive in the valley between Truskmore (647m), Benwiskin (514m) and the Kings Mountain plateau. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a 9km looped drive in a valley of mountains. Cycle – Electric Bike Trails, Cycling Guide. Gleniff Horseshoe & Mullaghmore Harbour The Gleniff Horseshoe is a closed loop on-road cycle route along the base of Benbulben Mountain with some of the most spectacular scenery that Sligo has to offer. Surfing – Bundoran Surf Co. 4×4 – Wild Atlantic Crusades. The whole mountain range north of Ben Bulben is stunning. Part of the Silvermore Mountain in County Sligo, the Gleniff Horseshoe is a six-mile single lane road loop endowed with spectacular sceneries. To take the walk, you’ll need to take the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive, a paved road, accessible to cars and buses, which will allow you to explore the surrounding area and take in the fabulous views.. Gleniff Horseshoe: Excellent drive off N15 near Sligo - See 70 traveller reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Ballintrillick, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.co.uk. Gleniff Horseshoe. Two options either or both well doing ,its a nice 10km loop along quiet roads with spectacular mountain views if walking or driving take a detour by way of the Benwisken Trail. Gleniff Horseshoe drive. When I woke up again at 8 a.m. it had stopped raining and was mostly cloudy. I woke up quite early – about 4 a.m. – and almost bailed because it was raining. Gleniff Horseshoe: Reminded us of the Pyrenees. When you drive around in the loop you need to stop so many times because everytime you see the... Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird - The Devil's Chimney. ( Log Out /  The road requires only an average level of walking and has the advantage of being little used by vehicles. Along the drive or walk can be clearly seen the dramatic cliffs containing the cave that served as a hiding place for mythical runaway lovers Diarmuid and Grainne.This epic tale of young love is best read over a steaming hot Whiskey or cooling pint of Guinness once the day’s driving is done. ... We are proud to launch our new cycle tour " The ElecTrek Picnic" Choose an electric bike, one of 3 mapped routes and a healthy picnic. The Gleniff Horseshoe is not a horseshoe at all but a six-mile loop of single lane road surrounded by spectacular mountain views. We were lucky enough to have had our bikes with us and while it was a toughish ascent up to the loop, boy were we delighted that we stuck with it. Take a trip around Glencar and walk up to some of the beautiful waterfalls. Apparently, as high up the mountain as it is now, the cave system was formed underwater millions of years ago – fossils of ancient sea creatures are proof of this. Visibility was very poor so the only indication that the monster was there was the fact that there were two different shades of grey in the sky. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. This route will also take you through County Leitrim where you can visit Parke's castle. lifestyle. Park at the Benwiskin Centre and start walking left out of there for about 1.5km. the routes the bike shed. Absolutely incredible scenery; not to be missed. Gleniff Horseshoe is one of seven glens that spread out like spokes on a wheel with Manorhamilton as the hub. Ben Bulben loomed over Sligo as I approached. There was no traffic which helped us enjoy this narrow road scenic delight. I geared up with waterproofs, strapped the Olfi (a couple of tests to run on it for work) to the strap of my backpack and headed off. I skirted around the bottom of Ben Bulben until Benwiskin came into view. read more. You can do GHD either direction. It is an hour's motoring tour par excellence and not without connections to myth and legend as well as a sprinkling of what can only be described as cynical humour. The Horseshoe is about 20km from Sligo town, 20km from Bundoran and 60km from Enniskillen, the three biggest urban centres in the region. What a day out and all for only €40 p/p. And this is why I had earlier presumed that I was walking in a corrie. discover the route. Lough Talt ( Log Out /  So peacefull and quiet now, its hard to believe now but this area was a hive of industry and mining up until the 1950's. It felt like a truly “thin place” where nature wishes to remain unspoilt. Poor visibility in the morning and no map meant I couldn’t climb Benwiskin, so I stuck to the Gleniff Horseshoe Trail. Canoe – Adventure Gently. North of Sligo, this is a six-mile loop of single lane road that’s located in the center of a mountain range. Walk or cycle the Gleniff Horseshoe. Looks like I’ll park at the Benwiskin Centre and take it from there. Diarmuid and Grainne's cave is located above the cliffs of Annacuna at the back of the Gleniff Horseshoe, the spectacular glacial valley behind Benwisken. The views around the horseshoe were just stunning! Welcome to Wild Atlantic Wheels. ( Log Out /  After driving the horseshoe drive, with many hops out of the car to feel the strong winds and listen to the unusual sound quality of the place, we were both exhilarated and my friend exclaimed, “I want to do that again! Gleniff Horseshoe: Gleniff Horseshoe - See 70 traveler reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Ballintrillick, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. The rain quickly stopped so I could take off my rain-jacket and replace it with a soft-shell bodywarmer. ( Log Out /  Your GPS may take you to one entrance, but the brown attraction sign may be at the other entrance....doesn't matter, just go for it. Such a scenic route hidden in the middle of Sligo. Change ). It is also very close to Mullaghmore Head, so you could do those drives back to back. See why Irish immigrants dream of the green hills of North Leitrim and Sligo. Stunning Cycle. Glencar Valley. This is one of those hidden gems that most tourists have never heard of, and coach tours don’t go there. Continue straight on, following signs for the loop walk. Perfect for testing out the new Olfi camera for work. A true graphic masterpiece, this black and white fine art photo Sligo unveils the wistful splendour of the Miners School Gleniff as the anthemic Gleniff Horseshoe emanates in the background. Some of the most striking scenery I encountered during a 10 day trip to Ireland, and we had it practically to ourselves the entire time. The walk also provides dramatic views of the Donegal Bay and the Ulster County beyond. The Gleniff horseshoe is a nice 10km loop along quiet roads with spectacular views and dramatic and wild Dartry Mountains. Gleniff Horseshoe so called because of its shape and layout. That is until you do it on a misty day (happened to me a couple of months ago) and you can barely see out of your windscreen… This drive (or walk/cycle) takes you on a roughly six-mile loop that’s enveloped from start to finish by spectacular mountain views. The Organic Centre. It was only when I got to the top of the horseshoe, after about that the unique majesty of the place showed itself. This is probably not as big but equally stunning. Cycle if you can. The first leg of the horseshoe-shaped loop offered some nice scenery – looking up at the distant mountains, gullies running down each. Gleniff Horseshoe: Reminded us of the Pyrenees. You will also visit an ancient Megalithic site, Creevykeel Court … It was like a roller coaster ride!” (Without the ups and downs and sickening jostling). So weird!! Not fully awake, I grabbed a ‘Coffee To Go’ at the petrol station up the road from me. The Gleniff Horse Shoe loop is a valley in North Sligo known for it’s breath taking scenery and dramatic landscape. Dancing – Rainbow Ballroom Glenfarne. I don’t know much about this walk – it’s in Sligo, looks like a short looped walk. Gill, a stunning lake which has featured in WB Yeats poems main N15 between..., articles, and headed for home the whole mountain range North of Bulben. In Galway rain-jacket and replace it with a soft-shell bodywarmer the main N15 road between Bundoran and Sligo Benwiskin so. Shape and layout road where when you take the handbrake off you go the... Requires only an average level of walking and has the advantage of being little by. 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