Keash Caves
Explore 17 ancient limestone caves on Keshcorran Hill, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Ireland's prehistoric past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Keash Caves
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 17 ancient limestone caves on Keshcorran Hill, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Ireland's prehistoric past.
"Absolutely surreal experience + 10/10 recommendation, and something that’s FREE!!!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🥾 Short but Steep Hike
The walk up takes about 10-20 minutes but is quite steep. Pace yourself and enjoy the views!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 17 Limestone Caves
Keshcorran Hill
Explore numerous ancient caves carved into the hillside, each offering a unique perspective and a glimpse into Ireland's past.
Panoramic Countryside Views
Keshcorran Hill
Marvel at sweeping vistas of rolling hills, scattered cottages, and vibrant green landscapes stretching for miles.
Sunset Spotting
Keshcorran Hill
An ideal location to witness the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Ascent, Stunning Views
Ancient Wonders & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🥾 Short but Steep Hike
The walk up takes about 10-20 minutes but is quite steep. Pace yourself and enjoy the views!
🐑 Mind the Sheep
Sheep are common here, so expect some droppings inside and around the caves. +1
📸 Frame Your Shots
The cave openings perfectly frame the stunning landscape views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🥾 Short but Steep Hike
The walk up takes about 10-20 minutes but is quite steep. Pace yourself and enjoy the views!
🐑 Mind the Sheep
Sheep are common here, so expect some droppings inside and around the caves. +1
📸 Frame Your Shots
The cave openings perfectly frame the stunning landscape views.
📍 Free Hidden Gem
This incredible spot is free to visit and offers an authentic, less crowded experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of exploring the ancient limestone caves. Many describe it as a hidden gem offering an authentic, uncrowded encounter with Ireland's natural beauty and history. Some note the strong smell of sheep and the steepness of the hike, but overall, the stunning scenery and free access make it a highly recommended stop.
"Did a morning hike here, was a fresh gorgeous day. Stunning scenery, a panorama of Irish countryside! Watch out for the sheep poop inside. The hike isnt bad. I expected it to be a lot longer. Was a quick 10-15 minutes up the hillside. It is steep though. Sept 10, 2024."
A J (Lexi)
"Visited last week .
Nice carpark. Steep but short walk up to the caves. Amazing views. The smell of the sheep urine/poo was quite overpowering on approach as they must be in the first caves quite a bit. Saw a few in the first one.
In total we went into 12-15 caves around the hill."
Ha-Ru
"It is a gorgeous walk especially on a sunny day but be prepared because the hill up to the caves is quite steep, the caves themselves are so cool and there's many of them to check out and the view is stunning from the top 😍"
wacki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keash Caves are located near Ballymote in County Sligo, Ireland. There's a small car park at the foot of the trailhead. 
Yes, there is a small car park available at the entrance to the trail leading up to the caves.
Public transport options to Keash Caves are limited. It's best to travel by car or consider a guided tour that includes this stop.
From the car park, a marked path leads you through a field and then up a steep trail to the caves.
Yes, Keash Caves are often visited as part of the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning coastal and countryside views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Keash Caves are a natural attraction and are free to visit.
As a natural site, Keash Caves do not have set opening hours and can be visited at any time. However, daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to explore the Keash Caves.
Yes, Keash Caves are accessible year-round, though weather conditions can affect the hike.
While there are no official restrictions, it's important to be respectful of the natural environment and any livestock present.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk up to the caves is relatively short, typically taking around 10-20 minutes, but it is steep. +1
The terrain involves a steep, sometimes rocky, path up Keshcorran Hill. Sturdy footwear is essential.
There are approximately 17 limestone caves located on the side of Keshcorran Hill.
You'll get incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Irish countryside, including rolling hills and distant lakes.
The caves themselves are generally safe to enter, but be mindful of uneven surfaces and the presence of sheep.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon and sunset offer the most dramatic light, with the cave openings framing the landscape beautifully. +2
You can capture stunning landscape shots, unique cave interiors, and the interplay of light and shadow.
The views are expansive, so a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. The cave entrances provide natural frames for your shots.
The openings of the caves themselves are prime spots, offering a natural frame for the breathtaking scenery.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be ideal. A tripod can help with sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the presence of sheep and their droppings as part of the rural experience. The short duration of the hike means it's manageable for most families, and the free entry makes it a budget-friendly option.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and be prepared for a bit of a scramble to reach the best vantage points. The atmospheric interiors of the caves also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient History of Keash Caves
+1Exploring these caves offers a tangible connection to Ireland's deep past. The natural formations within the caves, sculpted by time and elements, add to their mystique. It's a place where you can almost feel the echoes of ancient lives and legends.
+1While the caves are a natural wonder, their historical significance makes them a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and ancient history. The combination of natural beauty and historical depth makes Keash Caves a truly unique destination.
Navigating the Hike and Terrain
As you climb, the landscape unfolds, offering increasingly spectacular views. The trail itself is well-defined, but the steepness requires a steady pace. Many visitors recommend taking breaks to admire the panoramic vistas of the Sligo countryside, which are a significant part of the experience.
Be prepared for the presence of livestock, particularly sheep, who often roam freely in and around the caves. While they are generally unbothered by visitors, their presence contributes to the natural, untamed atmosphere of the location.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Keash Caves
+2When photographing the views, a wide-angle lens is recommended to encompass the vastness of the rolling hills and scattered cottages.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the hike up can be challenging. Having a camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial for capturing the atmospheric shots, especially if you plan to stay for sunset.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit