Sligo & Leitrim, Ireland
The Dartry Mountains
An iconic mountain range spanning the counties of Sligo and Leitrim, home to rare habitats, protected wildlife and a rich farming heritage.
About the Range
A Legendary Mountain Range
The Dartry Mountains are a dramatic landscape of limestone plateaus, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys in the northwest of Ireland. Designated as both a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), these mountains are of exceptional European ecological importance.
The range supports rare habitats including species-rich grasslands, peatlands, and cliff ecosystems that provide vital refuge for protected birds like the chough and peregrine falcon.
- Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- Exceptional European ecological importance
- Home to rare habitats and protected species
- Rich farming heritage spanning generations
“These mountains hold some of the most important habitats and species in all of Europe.”
Protected Areas
The Dartrys straddle the border between counties Sligo and Leitrim, encompassing areas around Benbulben, Glencar Valley, the Gleniff Horseshoe, Luke's Bridge, the Glenade Valley, and Arroo — reaching 647 metres at its highest point on Truskmore.
This area is part of the Sligo/Leitrim Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), recognised on a European scale for the protection of the red-billed chough and the peregrine falcon.
The protected area is characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs and their associated steep scree and grassland slopes, but also contains other habitats such as peatland, scrub, woodland, and streams.
DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS
Habitats
From species-rich grasslands to blanket bog, the Dartry Mountains support a remarkable variety of habitats and rare plant communities.
Species-Rich Grassland
The limestone slopes support grasslands of exceptional floristic diversity. Rare flowering plants have been recorded here, including Yellow saxifrage and Mossy saxifrage — some with their only known Irish stations at this site.
Wet Grassland
Rough wet grassland at lower elevations provides vital habitat for wildlife including skylark, meadow pipit, frogs, and a diverse range of invertebrates that form the base of the food chain.
Peatland
Blanket bog and heath ecosystems cap the higher elevations. These carbon-rich habitats support specialised plant communities and play a crucial role in water regulation and carbon storage.
PROTECTED WILDLIFE
Species of Conservation Interest
This area is a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species.
Red-Billed Chough
Cág cosdearg — Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
The chough is a striking crow with a long, curved red bill and bright red legs. Irish chough make up about 60% of a distinct isolated Northwest European population, making this site of international importance.
- Known for distinctive call and aerial acrobatics
- Amber listed on Birds of Conservation Concern
- Inland population here is quite unique
Peregrine Falcon
Fabhcún gorm — Falco peregrinus
Famous as the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of 389 km/h in a hunting dive. A powerful, compact falcon with long pointed wings, dark head, and distinctive black 'moustache' stripe. Known for spectacular aerobatics.
- Recovered strongly after 20th century declines
- Nests on cliff ledges and rocky crags
- Highly territorial breeding pairs
“The relationship between farming and nature in these mountains has sustained both for generations.”
Hill Farming on the Dartrys & Conservation
Sheep grazing in this area is vital to maintain the habitats that sensitive species call home. For generations, the farmers here have protected unique grasslands with rare plants.
Grazing maintains short grassland and allows protected birds like chough to feed easily near their nest sites. The short swards created by grazing sheep provide the ideal conditions for chough to probe the soil for insects.
This relationship between traditional farming practices and conservation is essential for the future of this remarkable landscape.
Interactive Map
Explore the Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation boundaries of the Dartry Mountains.
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Please Visit Responsibly
The habitats and wildlife found here are sensitive to disturbance and need careful farming management practices to continue. You can make a positive impact by following these guidelines.
Respect Private Farmland
This landscape is working farmland. Please respect private farmland and entrances at all times.
No Dogs
Please do not bring your dog to this area. Dogs can disturb wildlife and livestock.
Leave No Trace
Take your litter with you. Leave nothing behind.
Keep Entrances Clear
Landowners require access to land and livestock at all times. Please do not block gates or entrances.
Useful Information & Links
Chough Survey Report
Latest population survey and conservation status
NPWS - National Parks & Wildlife↗
Official site conservation information
Cliff & Scree Information Sign
Download the interpretive signage
Grassland & Peatland Sign
Luke’s Bridge interpretive panel
Help Preserve the Dartry Mountains
Thank you for visiting responsibly, not disturbing wildlife, respecting the private farmland and entrances, not bringing your dog to this area, and taking your litter with you.