Slieve Bawn [Sliabh Bana]

About Slieve Bawn [Sliabh Bana]

Rising above the midland plains of County Roscommon, this forested Marilyn is capped by a prominent wind farm and communication masts. The summit provides a surprisingly broad vantage point, overlooking the winding River Shannon and the sprawling waters of Lough Ree, making it a rewarding outlier for those exploring the central Irish lowlands.

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Did You Know?

• •The name originates from the Gaelic Sliabh Bághna, referring to Bághna, a legendary chieftain of the Fir Bolg, one of the mythical ancient tribes said to have inhabited Ireland in antiquity.
• •Despite its modest elevation, the hill is the third-highest point in County Roscommon, trailing only Kilronan Mountain and Seltannasaggart on the county's northern border.
• •A large stone Millennium Cross stands near the summit; it was erected in 1950 to replace a previous wooden landmark and remains a prominent focal point for local walkers.
• •The summit offers a clear perspective of the Shannon basin, with views reaching across the waters of Lough Ree to the southeast and as far as the Slieve Bloom Mountains on a clear day.
• •With its dense cluster of wind turbines and telecommunication towers, the hill has largely transitioned from an ancient Fir Bolg stronghold into a very busy, rotating power station.