Five Sligo walks you probably haven’t done - but should
IT might surprise you to know that there are over 50 waymarked walks in Sligo. We’re all familiar with the best known ones – Knocknarea, Slish Wood, the Ben Bulben Forest Walk, but if you go a little further, you’ ll find some hidden gems that are well worth exploring. These are 5 you should put on your walking list the next time you head out with your group. Some of these routes are accessible to all levels, some a little more challenging, and as always, follow the safety tips on the SligoWalks.ie website to ensure a safe as well as a pleasant walk.
You will find full navigational details on each of these walks on the SligoWalks.ie website. To enter our great Call of the Wild competition, send us an email with a photo of your favourite walk to photos@sligowalks.ie. Deerpark (3.5km - 1.5 hours)
This is a lovely looped walk close to Sligo which will suit most levels of fitness. From Ash Lane continue onto the R286, after approx 500m turn left onto the R278 Calry road. The start of the walk is signposted approximately 5km. (Head out the Calry road close to IT Sligo). Like many of Sligo’s walks, there is an archaeological feature in play, in this case an internationally renowned court tomb.
The start of the walk is uphill, before it levels out as the court tomb comes into view. Walkers are then treated to spectacular views across Lough Colgagh and Lough Gill, and as the loop heads back towards the car park, it’s an easy downhill gradient back to the starting point.
Walking Tip: It’s always advisable that if you are walking on your own, you bring a mobile phone with you and let someone know where you have gone and what time you expect to be home. Knocknashee (5km - 2 hours)
The Hill of the Fairies or Knocknashee is a prominent landmark which lies close to the N17, 10km or so north of Tubbercurry. The starting point is the car park at Court Abbey - a 15 th century monastic settlement - and this walk follows a linear route. Several burial cairns and the remains of 36 house sites lie along the route, which has been described as one of the great European hill forts. The burial cairns may date back 5,000 years to Neolithic times.
Walking Tip: This route is currently being developed and has limited signage. Lough Easkey (6km - 2 hours)
From Sligo head out the Ballina road through Ballisodare. Just after Dromore West, turn left towards Tubbercurry. After 11km you will arrive at the lakeshore trail head, where you can park. This walk traces the shores of Lough Easkey along a combination of forest tracks, lane ways and minor roads. A special area of conservation is located along the route, which also rises into the Ox Mountains, offering great views of the surrounding countryside.
Walking Tip: As this walk crosses blanket bog, ensure you wear walking boots. Keshcorran (3.2km - 1 hour) Located in south Sligo Keshcorran is the highest peak in the Bricklieve Mountains. Those travelling along the R295 near the village of Keash can’t miss the 17 caves which are dotted
along the slopes of the mountain. Legends abound of deeds which took place here in ancient Celtic times, and archaeologists have been fascinated by finds which have been made here, including those of animals dating back to the Ice Age.
Walking Tip: Keshcorran’s slopes are quite steep, and the grassy route to the mountain can be slippery this time of year, so be sure to wear good walking boots and mind your footing. Aughris Head (4km - 1 hour)
Well known to local walking groups who enjoy spectacular views across Sligo Bay towards Ben Bulben. Head out the N59 Ballina road past Skreen Church, take the turn signposted Dunmoran Strand. Park at the eastern side of the beach, and your walk begins by crossing the beach itself, then passing the well known Beach Bar before arriving at Aughris Pier. A track leads to the left along a spectacular coastal route, and you return along the same path and back to your starting point.
Walking Tip:
Look out for the various species of sea birds found nesting in the surrounding cliffs around Aughris.
For contact details on all walking activities in Sligo, visit our website, and if you have a walking group and would like to promote your events free of charge, or look for new members, contact us on news@sligowalks.ie.