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The fabulous Gleniff Horse Shoe Valley

Gleniff Horse Shoe Valley

On a clockwise tour of the valley you will first encounter the site of a 19th century barytes mill. Those with an interest in industrial archaelogy and local heritage will be fascinated by this site, which also has a lovely woodland walk to take you through native Irish trees and alongside rushing mountain streams and waterfalls.

Further on you will pass the T.V. road a worthwhile walk that takes you to the top of Truskmore which gives a stunning view of five counties.

 As you turn to go back down the valley you come to the spectacular cliffs of Annacoona. The cliff face contains small mine entrances, testament to a bygone age when the mineral barytes was extracted from here. The corner of this valley forms a natural amphitheatre, the result of the last ice age when glacial action plucked the limestone from the back wall of the cliff. A challenge to rock climbers and a botanists delight as these cliffs are rich in arctic alpine plants which cling to the north facing walls. More than ten species of rare Irish plants grow here including mountain avens, green spleenworth, mossy saxifrage and holly fern. 

Those with a keen eye may glimpse the acrobatic flight of the raven as well as the chough, kestral or peregrine falcon.

The cave in which Diarmuid and Grainne slept their last night is clearly visible, high on the mountain, behind the old school building. According to legend, the ultimate demise of the illfated lovers was tragically enacted on Ben Whiskin’s slopes, that beautiful wave-like peak on your left as you leave the valley.

Donegal Bay beckons as you complete the final mile, with a stunning view of Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castle stretching out in the foreground.

Tranquility, pure air, mountains and bog roads, forest walks and cycling routes are available in Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo a superb scenic location with a rich heritage and unique flora and fauna.