Mullaghgarve Mass Rock Walk: A Short Scenic Hike in County Leitrim

There’s something special about heading out for a walk on a bright Easter Sunday, and this year we set our sights on Mullaghgarve Mass Rock. We first spotted the route in Rozz Purcell’s book and, with the sun finally making an appearance, it felt like the perfect day to give it a go. Tucked away in rural County Leitrim, the trail has that quiet, untouched feel that makes you slow down and take everything in.
The walk itself is only about three kilometres, but it packs in a surprising amount of variety. The first section follows peaceful gravel roads — easy going, with wide views across the countryside and the kind of gentle start that lets you settle into the rhythm of the day. Birds, sheep, stunning views… it’s Leitrim at its most honest.

After that, the character of the trail changes. The last 300 metres turn into a rocky path that winds upward, and the final push is definitely the steepest. It’s short, but it wakes up the legs. There’s a sense of stepping into older, wilder ground as you climb, the landscape closing in a little, the air getting stiller.
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Reaching the Mass Rock feels like arriving somewhere meaningful. Hidden in the hillside, it’s a quiet reminder of the people who once gathered here in secret. We paused for a while — partly to catch our breath, partly because the place invites you to. With the sun warm on our backs and the hills rolling out around us, it was one of those small, perfect moments that make a simple walk feel like something more.

Just beyond this area rises Iron Mountain (Sliabh an Iarainn), one of Leitrim’s most storied peaks. Known for its iron‑rich history and deep roots in Irish mythology, it adds a sense of ancient presence to the whole region. You can’t see all of it from the Mass Rock trail, but knowing it’s there — watching over Lough Allen — gives the landscape an extra layer of character.
A short walk, a steep finish, a place full of history, and a sunny Easter Sunday to tie it all together. Sometimes that’s all you need.

Practical Info – Mullaghgarve Mass Rock Walk
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📍 Location: County Leitrim, near Drumshanbo
🚶‍♂️ Distance: ~3 km out‑and‑back
⏱️ Time: 45–60 minutes at an easy pace
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly gentle, with a short steep final climb
🛣️ Terrain:

• First 2.7 km on quiet gravel roads
• Final 300 m on a rocky, uneven path
• Last section is the steepest but manageable

🅿️ Parking: Small roadside parking area at the start (space for a few cars)
🌦️ Best for: Dry days; the rocky section can be slippery after rain