Walks, Hikes, & Cycling

Dooney Rock Nature Trail

Located 4.8km southeast of Sligo on the R287 to Dromahaire on the shores of Lough Gill. The Ikm circuit and nature trail lead to a stunning viewing point at the top of Dooney Rock and command views of the entire lake and its island.

Doorly Park

City Environs
Country Side: Sligo Town
Doorly Park
Doorly Park is located along by the riverside in Sligo town. About 15 minute walk from the town centre.
In the 19th century Colonel W G Woodmartin of Cleveragh developed this wetland on his estate. A series of ponds were excavated and drier areas were planted with oak, scots pine and a number of other species of tree. The park is named after a late bishop of the dioceses Dr Edward Doorly. There is a nature trail through the park and a picnic area. The Wild Rose Waterbus departs from the pier at the entrance to Doorly Park. Buses every 20 mins from Abbey Street. Second stop.

Hazelwood Sculpture Trail

Innisfree Wheelers

Knocknarea Mountain

 

Strandhill
Country Side: Coast
Knocknarea Mountain (Cnoc na Rí) is situated 4 miles west of Sligo Town, in the area of the Strandhill Peninsula, this breathtaking mountain dominates the skyline of Sligo town it is 1078 feet high. Take the neatly paved path from the car park. The walk to the summit of the mountain it takes an average of 40 – 45 minutes, once you reach the top there lies the cairn, of Queen Maeve of Connacht the cairn is about 10 meters high and is visible for miles around. It has not been excavated but it is thought to cover a passage tomb similar to that of Heapstown Cairn. Queen Maeve and Knocknarea Mountain are mentioned in several of Yeats’ poems and are of keen interest in Irish myth. There are spectacular views around County Sligo. Note: Always take care when climbing rugged or mountainous areas.

Ladies Brae Viewing Point

Off the N59 is Ladies Brae, the drive to the viewing point, where you can picnic is along a narrow winding road, but the views across the bay are stunning.

Sligo Spur Walks

Type: Unmarked walking trail The Sligo Spur Walks,many of which link into The Sligo Way traverse the Ox Mountain region and stretch from Lough Talk in South Sligo to the border with County Leitrim at Dromahair. The nineteen walks vary in length from about 1 hour to 6 hours. The walks are all circuits, mostly starting and finishing from a small village or town. Here you will find services to facilitate your aprés walk relaxation – coffee shops, pubs etc. There is a good variety of accommodation available locally. These are but a few of the nineteen walks on offer in this most beautiful and unspoilt countryside which is County Sigo.
Walk Highlights:

  • The Lough Talt Walks, numbering three includes a short walk around the beautiful Lough Talt.
  • The Knocknashee Walk, which is less than one kilometer, climbs to the summit of one of the most striking hill top features of the Ox Mountain region.
  • The Tubbercurry Walks all start from the centre of this most beautiful old Irish Industrial town and include the five kilometre around ‘Lover’s Lane’. Come walking here in July and you will be entertained with a feast of traditional Irish Music and culture.
  • Traverse the River Walk at Coolaney, county winner of the Tidy Towns competition. Enjoy an ecological wonderland and listen to the rushing water through the old mill race.
  • The Cloonacool Walks take you along quite country roads and across the Mad River. Cloonacool is surrounded by three bridges, take a look at the different shapes of each one as you pass by.

The Sligo Spur Walks Guides are available at tourist information office at North West Tourism, Temple Street, Sligo. Tel: 00353 71 9161201.

Slish Wood

A pleasant lakeshore and hillside walk, tracks all the way. It has some lovely views of Lough Gill. The walk is an easy to follow route all the way, the best way to begin is from the north end of the car park and walk along the track beyond with the lake and its tiny wooded islands glimpsed through lovely deciduous trees close on the left. After approx a mile the track rises and at the first fork go right, continue to the tee close to the car park and turn left for it. Distance 3.5km/2miles, climb 110m / 350ft. Walking Time 1 hour.

The North West

 

The North West Trail is a 326km circular cycle route through counties Sligo, Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Leitrim.

Tour de Humbert (Sligo)

Part of the historic Tour de Humbert cycling route runs through the lovely Sligo countryside. You can cycle part of the 140 mile / 225km route on your own or join an organised tour. Indeed cycling on any of the smaller roads is a delightful way to explore the county at a leisurely pace – and to discover treasures that would be missed from a car. Bike hire is available.