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Caves of Keash, Sligo, Ireland

Finally we got there

So it finally happened, we got to visit the Caves of Keash. We had talked about visiting many times but due to a number of reasons, one being the weather we just never made it. Actually one clear day we headed off and got to the foot of the hill only to find that it was lambing season and entry to the walk and caves had been restricted. So that’s my first tip check ahead to see if it’s lambing  season. We found up to date information on Sligowalk.ie site.

A little information on the Caves

The caves have 17 chambers along the hill, some of these connect to one another. For safety reasons the walk upto the Caves ends after the first 3 and with safety concerns the recommendation is only visiting these. Signs on the Caves tell you where the trail ends. (We listened to the advice and just saw the 3)

Note – The caves of keash are on private land so please when you walk through respect the land and listen to the advice and stick to designated tracks.

History

Early days there were archaeological investigations they say around the 1900s, that man lived in the Caves of Keash.

Those investigations also discovered bones from animals, with evidence of hares, brown bear, red deer, Arctic lemming and wolves all dating back to more than c.12,000 years ago.

It is said that Ireland’s famous High King, Cormac Mac Airt was born by a well near the caves. He in later life ruled as King.

The parking bay

In recent years a car park has been erected and is situated right at the entrance gate of the walking track (see picture below). Please be aware and here is tip 2 for the day. The Caves of Keash parking sign brings you a 10 minute walk away from the entrance to the walking track by the local church. New signs for the new are not clear.

Caves of Keash car park
At the car park

Enter the hike

Entrance to the hike is gated and as I mentioned earlier about lambing season this is locked during that time. Signs explaining safety precautions and local notices are present.

As you can see from the two photos above you can see in the hills the 17 different openings that make up the Caves of Keash . It looks cool from below and very enticing to go explore what’s in there, well it did for us anyway.

According to the information post guided tours are starting soon although no other details were present on here. It does say that tours operate from the Fox’s Den pub a 5 minute from the Caves. Heading back out on to the main road and start to head south you couldn’t miss it.

Guided daily tour signs
Coming soon guided walks

Start the walk

The walk starts with a slight incline through the field you can’t go off track there’s a perfectly mown strip for you to follow. As you walk up the Cave entrances start to look all the more impressive.

The start of the walking track
Start of the walk

At the end of this field a gate and sty await for you it asks for your assistance in closing. These reasons are normally as the lands are private and farmers cattle roam freely

The walking tracks

The walking tracks are in good condition, but please note we did for on a very dry week. The Start of the walk is through the grass. And this is why I emphasised we went when it was dry because during wet tines (that’s often in Ireland) this section will be muddy

About halfway up the walk a sign (Middle left above photos) the steep gradient starts and the track turns stoney giving a bit more grip. Believe us  you will need that grip as it gets a bit steep.

And approach the cave

And all your hard work finally pays off as you finally start to see the entrances to the caves. In all depending on fitness it takes about 15 – 20 minutes to reach the cave.

The below video gives a glimpse into what to expect at the Caves.

Leading into the Caves

Inside the cave

Once inside the cave the beautiful limestone formation is just amazing to see. The caves you can enter interconnect to each other showing openings and also as seen in a couple of the photos below a few holes which lead into the unknown. I would certainly be tempted to get back with headlamps and test it out.

The lookouts

Once inside the Caves of Keash you look out and there you photo opportunity. As you can see in the photos below the view looking out through the cave openings over the beautiful Sligo countryside is as Instagramable as it gets. I’d have to say these  are two of my favourite photos I have taken.

The views

The views looking out onto the Sligo countryside are just jaw dropping. We had some of the best weather of the year this day so we could see for miles and even though its taken us a while to get to the days the wait for a sunny day was well worth it.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely, we killed a few hours got some stunning views. Had fun exploring the caves and enjoyed some much needed fresh air.

Would it be as good on a rainy day? Probably not maybe plan last minute if the weather is reasonable.

Other close stuff to do

The caves although are in County Sligo, it is only minutes from the Roscommon border and in fact the closet main town is Boyle which is one of Roscommon’s largest towns.

Boyle is a great hub for things to do. Below is a list of a few of the popular places to see

More adventures

We love to get out into the open and see new things and is often the way these adventures are free which are all the better. Below is a list of 5 things we have done for free around Ireland.

  1. Roscommon Castle
  2. Hiked Diamond Hill
  3. Glencar Waterfall
  4. Mote Park
  5. Slieve Bawn Wind Farm

And whilst we are on the subject of caving we had a great trip Caving at Swildon’s Hole on the Mendips in the west of England to name one this is well worth a read if like something extreme.

FAQ

Are the caves open all year round ?

No access is shut off during lambing season.

Is it a tough walk up to the caves ?

It’s short but can be steep in places a moderate fitness would be recommended

Is it wheelchair and buggy accessible ?

No it isn’t. about 200 metres in is a sty that needs crossing and this is the only way in

Is the walk muddy ?

In places it can be however as you approach the caves there is a stone path

By chalkandcheesetravels

We are adventure seekers who love to explore the world. So one day, we decided to write about it here is our story so far

16 replies on “Caves of Keash, Sligo, Ireland”

I haven’t gotten into cave exploring until just recently, on trips to natural parks. The Caves of Keash are stunning, especially the lookout views from the inside. Goes to show that there are so many beautiful spots all over Sligo!

Wow those caves are cool! I’d love to take the guided tour in hopes of learning the history. The view looking out from the cave is gorgeous! You can almost imagine how someone could live or hideout there. Great tip on bringing a head lamp!

What a lovely walk and those views are stunning. We love exploring caves and it’s great that these are interconnected – do let us know how you get on if you go back with the headlamp. And the view of the landscape, framed by the cave, is just beautiful.

Looks like a nice walk, and what a view from the cave entrance to the valley below!
It’s a pity you couldn’t explore the caves with a flash light. I bet kids would love it 🙂

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