Walkers who make the effort to climb up O’Rourke’s Table, helped by several hundred steps cut into the side fn the ridge are rewarded by amazing views of Lough Gill, Parkes Castle and Sligo Bay, writes Martin Branagan

For those eagle eyed visitors, keep an eye out for ‘the sleeping warrior’ a rock formation that looks like a mythical figure from folklore, snoozing on the ridges of Keelogyboy, Leean and Benbo. But be careful in case you just might wake him!
There’s a number of legends surrounding O’Rourke’s Table. One involves the local chieftain who used to live nearby. It is said that Tiernan O Rourke used to climb the verge when returning home from hunting expeditions to check if his wife had left a candle in the window for him, as a symbol of her love.

However, one day there was no candle in the castle window. Devorgilla (wife of Tiernan O’Rourke) had eloped with Dermot McMurrough (the King of Leinster) in 1153 an act, which brought about a feud and McMurrough’s eventual exile from Ireland.

O’Rourke’s Table is located on the outskirts of Dromahair.

Martin Branagan is a co-founder of LeitrimExperience.ie and is passionate about promoting Leitrim as a tourist destination. Under the LoveLeitrim banner, Martin is touring the county in search of its hidden gems.

A Dubliner by birth and Leitrim resident by choice, Martin can be contacted on +353 (0)86 173 8417 for all advertising queries.

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