Benbulben

Benbulben is one of Irelands most recognisable hills, being a limestone plateau which is unsually flat. It is visible along the whole length of the north Sligo coast.
It’s sides are scored by earthen ribs which make the hill seem as though it is struggling against unseen forces which try to pull it down.
Benbulben’s extraodinary beauty was not lost on William Butler Yeats. Before his death, living in Menton, France, he requested to be buried in the mountains there, and after a year be taken to Sligo. His wish was not honoured until nine years later, in 1948, when he was interred at the churchyard iat Drumcliff, where his grandfather had been Rector.
The epithet on his tomb is from his poem ‘under Ben Bulben’,
‘Cast a cold eye
On life, on death,
Horseman, pass by’
It is strange to read this, as you stand there. Nearby is a an elenth century high cross, etched with intricate biblical scenes.
In the sixth century St Colmcille had chosen this place for a monastery. You can still see the remains of the round tower.
A tea shop is near by, and sells pottery, and great Irish soda bread.