See the legendary Caves of Kesh

Rates (all ages)

Small Group (1-3 passengers): €400
Large Group (4-8 passengers): €450

Duration

7 hours

About

We first visit Lough Arrow, the largest lake in Sligo, measuring 8 kilometres long and 2.5 kilometres across at the widest points. The lake is fed from waters from spring wells. Lough Arrow boasts some of the finest wild Trout fishing in Europe and is an anglers Mecca during the Mayfly season.

We next visit Ballindoon Abbey, which is on the north east shore of lough Arrow is a Dominican Priory founded by the McDonaghs in 1507. Terence McDonagh was buried here in 1713. He maintained an active political role in Irish History and was the only Catholic in an influential position when the penal laws were introduced. As we leave Ballindoon and Lough Arrow we travel to Castlebaldwin and on up into the Bricklieve Mountains to visit Carrowkeel Megalithic Tombs.

Carrowkeel Megalithic Tombs are designated as a National Monument and are one of the Sacred Sites of Ireland on a hill in the Bricklieve Mountains. It has 14 Burial Mounds dating from 2500-2000 BC and each tomb is marked alphabetically. There are beautiful scenic views of Lough Arrow and the surrounding areas from this mountain.

As we leave here we travel 5 kilometres north west to Keshcorran Mountain and the Caves Of Kesh. A legend associated with the caves is that Cormac MacArt, a famous King of Ireland was reputedly born and raised in the caves by a she wolf. Diarmud and Grainne are said to have taken refuge here from Fionn Mac Comhail. There are guided tours of the caves every hour during the main tourist season.

Next on your tour is Ballymote Castle. The last and mightiest Norman Castle in Connaught dating from 1300 was built by Richard DeBurgh it was the strongest fortress in Connaught. DeBurgh, called the Red Earl of Ulster, built it in order to protect his newly won possessions in Sligo.

From Ballymote it takes about ten minutes to go up the road to the Raptor Centre & Bird Sanctuary. You can see Eagles Flying and Training and experience eagles swoop inches above you. You can have a bird land on your head and watch the Bird Whisperers at work. This is a visit that provides both fun and information for all.

We next visit Collooney Mill Falls ane we see the old mill which is a derelict building now and serves as a reminder of a different age in a very picturesque area surrounded now by houses and apartments. After a photo session we go to the 1798 Memorial.

At the 1798 Memorial we visit the location of the Battle of Carraig Na Gcat in 1798 where Irish and French armies were pinned down by a British cannon on top of this hill. About 500 Irish were killed in those battles. Captain Bartholomew Teeling, born 1774, in Lisburn County Antrim, died 24 September, 1798 in Arbour Hill Prison. Now we head for your drop off point or accommodation.