With the weather picking up and the long weekend ahead, we’ve picked out five short but spectacular walks to do in Sligo this June Bank Holiday. And while this article is mainly for visitors, there are probably plenty of locals who haven’t been on some of these walks. Lots of extra information on them all can be found on the Sligo Walks website and don’t forget to review the walk afterwards – this helps our Google ranking.
Lissadell
This walk is flat and suitable for all of the family. Taking the N15 from Sligo north towards Donegal, at Drumcliffe turn left for Carney Village. There, bear left and the road brings you to a gate lodge, where you can part considerately. The walk follows the road in through the woods before meeting a path on the shoreline.Turn right here, keeping the estuary to your left. The path brings you to Lissadell Beach, where you can extend your walk before doubling back the way you came.
Level of Difficulty: Easy and flat. Time: 45 minutes (or longer if you take in some of the beach).
More Info: https://sligowalks.ie/walks/lissadell/
Dooney Rock
Taking the R287 from Sligo towards Ballintogher, this walk is located just a few minutes from Sligo. Ample parking available in the newly tarred car park, take a moment to look at the Yeats Trail installation. WB Yeats wrote his poem The Fiddler of Dooney about this favourite walk of his. A short series of steps brings you immediately into an open forest area where you’ll soon come to the shore of Lough Gill, passing a tall rock formation to your right, known as Rooney Rock. Once you reach the shore, turn right, keeping the lake to your left. After a short distance the path turns back, rises slightly, before you return to the car park along this lovely looped trail.
Level of Difficulty: Easy, but with one uphill section. Time: 30-40 minutes.
More Info: https://sligowalks.ie/walks/dooney-rock/
Aughris Coastal Walk
At this stage, if you haven’t done Aughris, this must be the weekend to do it – what a spectacular walk, hugging the coastline and with lots of interesting history associated with it. Park at the harbour (or considerately near the Beach Bar where you can go for refreshments afterwards). The path starts right beside Aughris Pier (note that dogs aren’t allowed on the section of open farmland). The path follows the coastline, and for the most part is fenced in, although there are open sections where you need to take care. Passing an ancient promontory fort and St. Patrick’s Well, you then cross farmland before turning inland, passing a look-out post from World War II and then a deserted village before taking the road back to the start.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Ensure you wear good footwear to avoid slipping on wet ground. Time: 1 hour.
More Info: https://sligowalks.ie/walks/aughris/
Deerpark
Following the R278 for Calry, the car park for this walk is located to the right, under 10 minutes from Sligo Town. Following the path for approximately 100m, turn right and follow the path through the woods, before levelling out at an incredible megalithic monument, one of the finest among many found in Sligo. Passing the monument, keeping the long stone wall to your right, you’ll get lovely views of the countryside as you begin your descent. This looped trail passes through another section of forest before bringing you back to the start.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate – some steep sections. Time: 1.5 hours, allowing time to study the monument.
More Info: https://sligowalks.ie/walks/deer-park/
Enniscrone
We love a good beach walk (especially if there’s an ice cream on offer at the end!) and what could be better than walking along Sligo’s longest beach at Enniscrone. Although it’s the Bank Holiday, this beach, at 6km in length (and longer if you believe the locals) will give you lots of room to saunter along bare foot and take in those spectacular Atlantic views. Enniscrone recently received the Blue Flag for water quality too, so afterwards, put on the togs and get in for a refreshing swim.
Level of Difficulty: Easy. Time: As long as you want.
More Info: https://sligowalks.ie/walks/enniscrone/
