Caves of Keash | Ireland’s most fascinating cave walk
Picture yourself on the edge of an old limestone cliff, gazing out across rolling green fields and the Irish countryside as the sun sets.
A short walk up Keshcorran Hill is perfect for anyone wanting to discover a hidden gem in County Sligo that has incredible views and a wealth of history spanning thousands of years.
From trailhead tips on parking to the fascinating mythology lurking beneath the rock, this article will guide you through the wonders of the Caves of Keash.
Quick Need-to-Knows and Travel Planning
It’s important to take a moment to understand the basics before lacing up your gear.
- Out and Back: 1.3 km total distance.
- Time Required: 40–60 minutes (varies based on the time spent exploring the views).
- Difficulty: moderate (short but has a challenging incline).
- Dog Policy: No dogs are allowed as the trail passes through an active private farm with sheep and cows.
Getting to the Caves and Trailhead Parking
It’s situated in a rural pocket on the southwest side of Sligo, above the small village of Keash. It is quite isolated with little public transport, so you’ll need a car to get here.
The parking area is directly at the trailhead gate and can accommodate two to three vehicles. If this is occupied, please do not block the farm gates.
Rather, head back down for two minutes to the additional parking space right in front of the local parish hall and St Kevin’s Church in Keash village. Then take a pleasant 20-minute road walk back to the beginning of the climb.
Hiking to the Caves
The walk up to the Keash Caves is relatively simple but requires full attention. The track first goes through a kissing gate and then through an open field at the foot of the hill.
The trail then starts to switchback, providing some legwork before the main ascent.
Navigating the Steep Incline
The final stretch of this scenic walk is a 100 m section just before you come to the top of the hill. It’s an extremely steep slope.
When it has been raining recently, the limestone soil becomes very soft, making it feel like walking on butter. Supportive walking shoes or shoes designed for hiking with good grip are an absolute must to prevent a serious slip or fall.
After passing this muddy area, the ground becomes level and grassy, just outside the main entrance to the caves.
The Story Behind the Caves
Apart from its stunning scenery, this hillside has a huge archaeological legacy. Keshcorran Hill is an ancient cluster of passage tombs and a place of sanctuary for early people and now-extinct animals.
Ice Age Archaeological Finds
In the early 20th century, when it was officially excavated, scientists uncovered a literal time capsule at the bottom of the cave dating back to the end of the Ice Age.
They found the prehistoric bones of brown bears, grey wolves, red deer, and even Arctic lemmings that inhabited Ireland 12,000 years ago. In addition to these animal finds, human remains, iron tools and teeth from the Early Iron Age through to the Medieval period were recovered.
Legends of Kings, Warriors, and Wolves
In Irish mythology, these dark caves are considered a gateway to the Otherworld. The most popular of the legends concerns the Irish High King of ancient times Cormac Mac Airt, who was said to have been taken as a baby and raised here, beneath the cliffs, by a she-wolf.
Other stories in the Fianna cycle recount a tale in which the warrior Finn McCool is captured and tied to the rocks by three vengeful Tuatha Dé Danann hags in a secret chamber before being rescued in a fierce battle.
Expert Tips for Visiting the Keshcorran Caves
Here are some quick tips for your hike to these interrelated limestone structures:
- Take a flashlight: Daylight will illuminate the cave mouths naturally but if you are interested in viewing the shallow narrow openings that link the chambers, you will need a good light source.
- Make it an afternoon event: Late afternoon is a great time to arrive for the view. See the sun set and cast long, dramatic shadows across the different plateaus and mountains of Sligo.
- Follow the rules of leave no trace: This is a protected historical and cultural landmark. Take out all the trash that you bring in.Â
Things to Do Near Keash (Post-Hike Itinerary)
Because this walk is relatively short, you can easily bundle it into a broader day trip across the region.
Nearby Sligo Day Hikes
If you still have some gas in the tank, two other iconic Sligo landforms await you within a 25–30 minute drive. The steep walks up Knocknashee (Hill of the Fairies) or up the side of Knocknarea on the Queen Maeve Trail are both great self-challenges.
Local Café Recommendations
Tackling mud and steep slopes is part of the game, and it’s essential that this is rewarded with food. Just a little further up the road are Ballysadare, home to Tempo Café, and Collooney, home to the Nook, which both serve excellent local coffee and offer a warm welcome along with delicious treats.
Conclusion
Combined with deep-rooted Irish history, breathtaking views and dramatic geology, the Caves of Keash are an ideal destination. They prove that you do not need to hike for hours to discover a memorable experience in the west of Ireland.
