Curlew Mountains, Mountain range in County Roscommon, Ireland

Curlew Mountains is a range in County Roscommon rising to about 259 meters, composed of Devonian sandstone and conglomerate formations. The rock structures differ markedly from the limestone terrain that surrounds the area.

The Battle of Curlew Pass was fought here on 15 August 1599, when Irish forces under Red Hugh O'Donnell defeated an English army of about 2,000. The engagement took place in the pass through these hills between Boyle and Castlebaldwin.

The name comes from the Irish word "An Corrshliabh", meaning steep-sided pointed mountains, and has no connection to the bird. This naming reflects how local language describes the land's physical character.

Several hiking paths cross the range between Boyle and Castlebaldwin, with entry points accessible from various directions across northeastern Connacht. Walking is best done in dry conditions since the slopes can be steep and slippery.

The Irish name An Corrshliabh means "steep-sided pointed mountains", so the range's name likely refers to its shape rather than the curlew bird. Geologically the hills are Devonian sandstone and conglomerate, harder than the surrounding Carboniferous limestone, which is why they stand out as an upland.