The ever popular Lough Gill now has a new access point with the recent development of the Clogher Beg Trail, located to the east of the popular Hazelwood Trail and near St. Angela’s College. With growing numbers accessing the walk at Hazelwood, this is a very pleasant alternative, and no matter how good the weather or how many walkers are about, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any congestion along the trail at Clogher Beg.

First, how to get there. Heading out the Dromahair road from Sligo, turn right for St. Angela’s College after Calry GAA pitch. Passing the entrance to the College, keep on the road which weaves its way through the Sligo countryside until you reach a fork in the road. Here, turn right and a roadside parking area is situated almost immediately to your right. Park considerately, and there’s a kissing gate through which you have access to the walk proper.
The walk is entirely off-road. The first part is a downhill action along a gravel path, flanked by fields. Then you come to a woodland area which is a real delight. Very old trees line the sides of the path and as the walk is away from the main walking thoroughfares in Sligo, you’ll really have a chance to stop and listen to the sounds of the forest. A little further on there are a number of seating areas to enable you to enjoy this aspect of the walk in more comfort.

You come to a fork in the path. The right hand spur brings you quite quickly to the shoreline of Lough Gill, where a turn to the right brings you to the Clogherevagh Trail, which runs to the rear of St. Angela’s and forms another section of the Lady Ann Trail. The path to the left is longer, skirts the shoreline and brings you to a slight promontory where you can sit right on the shoreline and take in spectacular views of the lake.
We don’t know if W.B. Yeats himself ever actually walked at Clogher Beg. Unlike nearby Hazelwood, which does have close associations with Ireland’s National Poet, this walk was then, and remains, lesser known. But that said, it is a beautiful trail, as well as being short and with just a gentle incline down to the lake from the trailhead. It certainly is a welcome addition to the Sligo Walks collection of walks and is another exciting addition to the Lady Ann Trail.

You can then continue a little further before you reach the Dromahair road. At this point you will need to retrace your steps to return to the start of the walk, so this walk, unlike Hazelwood, is a linear rather than a looped walk. It’s also suitable for all members of the family. The incline back to the starting point is not severe (although there are sections that have a slightly steeper incline than others). So it’s a good one to do with the kids. A short walk, interesting features and a nice few places to bring a picnic on the lakeshore. Remember to bring it all home with you afterwards – Leave No Trace!
We do look forward to the completion of that walk in the future when people will be able to walk all the way along the trail from the town out to Hazelwood and beyond. That’s all a matter for another day, and funding will have to be sought and attained to make that dream a reality. But for now, enjoy this new section of the trail and you can access all of the information, including directions and a short video at https://sligowalks.ie/walks/clogher-beg-trail/