Gleniff Horseshoe
Gleniff Horseshoe so called because of its shape and layout. Along the drive or walk can be clearly seen the dramatic cliffs containing the cave that served as a hiding place for mythical runaway lovers Diarmuid and Grainne. This epic tale of young love is best read over a steaming hot Whiskey or cooling pint of Guinness once the day’s driving is done. [codepeople-post-map]
The scenery around the Gleniff Horseshoe overlooking Sligo and Donegal Bay is some of the most beautiful in the hidden Ireland, a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. There are two beautiful short walks here along the river and a 5 mile walk around the horseshoe itself is magnificent. Budget accommodation is available locally at the Benwiskin Centre.
The local landowners, the Mount Temples developed a Barytes Mine on Gleniff Mountain, including a narrow gauge railway going from Gleniff all the way to Mullaghmore Harbour for export of the material. Barytes was a material used in the manufacture of Paints and Cosmetics, for lubricating industrial drills and powdered for taking in a barium meal X-Ray, showing up easily because of its density. This closed down in the sixties because the material was available elsewhere from open cast mines which was cheaper to produce.
