Hiking Carrowkeel: Ancient Tombs and Panoramic Sligo Views

On a stunning day, we set out to hike to the Carrowkeel Court Tombs in County Sligo. These ancient passage tombs sit high in the Bricklieve Mountains, offering not only incredible archaeology but also some of the most breathtaking views in the region. 

Starting at the first car park (space for just two cars), we followed the road towards a gate. From here, the path becomes a gravel track that gradually climbs into the Bricklieve Mountains. With every step, the views open up a little more, revealing the rolling hills and wide skies that make this area so special. Along the way, we were greeted by tiny lambs, enjoying the warm April sunshine and adding a lovely sense of life to the quiet landscape. ​

​Once you turn towards the mountain, the gentle incline quickly becomes a little bit more demanding. The path rises steadily, and you can feel the climb in your legs — but the reward is immediate.

​On this incredibly clear day, the views were nothing short of spectacular. From the ridge, we could see Slieve League in Donegal and Croagh Patrick in Mayo, both standing proudly on the horizon. It’s the kind of panorama that makes you stop, breathe it in, and appreciate just how special this part of Ireland is.

 ​At the end of the gravel path, you turn right onto a narrow trail that leads directly towards the tombs. In total, there are fourteen cairns scattered across the ridge, with several of the most impressive ones perched along the summit. As you follow the path, the landscape opens up around you, and the ancient silhouettes of the tombs begin to appear against the sky — a breathtaking reward after the climb. 

​The tombs, built around 5,000 years ago, are some of the finest examples of Neolithic passage cairns in Ireland. Scattered across the ridge, they form part of the larger Bricklieve complex and offer an incredible glimpse into prehistoric life, ritual and engineering.

The views from the top are simply stunning. Lough Arrow shimmered in the sunlight. From this height, the surrounding landscape feels endless — rolling hills, quiet valleys, and the distant silhouettes of mountains on the horizon. It’s the kind of place where you naturally pause, take a breath, and let the beauty of it all sink in, with the only sound being the soft bleating of lambs echoing across the hillside and gently breaking the mountain’s stillness.

​Practical Info – Carrowkeel Walk
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📍 Location: County Sligo, near Castlebaldwin
🚶‍♂️ Distance: 5.5 km out‑and‑back
⏱️ Time: 90 minutes at an easy pace
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to moderate 
🛣️ Terrain:

• gravel roads
• mountain trail

🅿️ Parking: Small roadside parking area at the start (space for a few cars)
🌦️ Best for: Dry days; the last section is on a boggy surface