Benwiskin Self Catering Centre

Ballintrillick
Co. Sligo

Tel: (071) 9176721
Email: info@benwiskincentre.com

Website: www.benwiskincentre.com

Benwiskin, the main peak of the Dartry Mountains, is central to everything here. It rises out of the earth like a giant tipi, overlooking the equally magnificent Benbulben.  This is the dramatic backdrop for this small community-run hostel in Ballintrillick village.  Set up originally by the local environmental group, to combat illegal dumping on their otherwise perfect landscape, it has refurbished the old village schoolhouse.  Built to excellent eco-friendly standards, it boasts a wood pellet boiler and solar panels to provide heating and hot water.  In good hostel style, there are notices everywhere reminding you about recycling and energy-saving, so you can't put a foot wrong.

Tourist accommodations like Benwiskin are inspirational models of rural development. It not only serves as a clean and comfortable budget accommodation, but also as a community centrepoint, with classes and workshops throughout the winter. However, it's not the single-hand card games or solar panels which bring visitors to this part of the world.  It is the solace of the mountains and their extraordinary viewpoints over the Atlantic coastline of Sligo and Donegal.

Benwiskin provides a detailed list of cycling and walking routes, with four bikes to hire at the hostel.  Cycle out the gate straight onto the country lanes which lead into the lower foothills of Benbulben.  Not too challenging, an hour's cycle will take you close enough to see the countless waterfalls tumbling down the deeply carved gorges.  A more ambitious walk or cycle is into the Gleniff Horseshoe Valley, with its twelve kilometre walk through some of the most unforgettable hillwalking in Ireland.

Written by: Catherine Mack