The Top Ten of the Most Instagrammable backdrops in County Sligo

Looking for the perfect photo spot in Sligo? We asked SligoWalks.ie social media guru Denise Rushe for her top 5 locations. You can also follow the Sligo Walks Instagram account, tag your photos #sligowalks.

Seeking out the perfect backdrop for the perfect holiday snap to make your dearest and nearest that little bit jealous is all part of the fun on any trip to County Sligo. Within a ten minute reach of Sligo town, you will find some of the the most inspiring landscapes to choose from along Sligo’s walking trails and routes. Whether it is a sunset selfie or a blue-sky instagram-worthy day, you really are spoilt for choice in terms of unique locations and settings.

From sunrises across Glencar Valley, to epic sunsets in Enniscrone or Strandhill, lake-water lapping on Lough Gill, and majestic Mullaghmore, the Wild Atlantic backdrop and mountains and lakes of Sligo provide some of the most unique photo opportunities in Ireland.

So, without further ado, here’s our top five recommendations for Instagram-worthy locations along Sligo’s great walking trails and routes:

1 ) Strandhill Beach Front 

Strandhill Beach in Sligo – photo Seán Murphy – SligoWalks.ie

Capture a surfer catching the last waves of the day in Strandhill as the sun sets and rays of light spill across the beach front. Get there early as it’s one of the most popular locations on any sunny day.

2) Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore 

View of Mullaghmore Head Coastal Walk Co Sligo – photo Sinéad McCarthy

The iconic castle set against the skyline of North Sligo takes in the unique tabletop mountain of Benbulben. Whether it’s summer or winter when you visit, you are always guaranteed a truly unique photo opportunity.

3) The top of Knocknarea 

On top of Knocknarea Mountain in Sligo – photo Janell Carew – SligoWalks.ie

Take the Queen Maeve trail on one of those big blue sky days and you will get to see as far North as Sliabh Liag in Donegal and all across Sligo bay.

4) Slish Wood Along the Sligo Way 

Slish Wood in Sligo – photo Paul McGahon – SligoWalks.ie

A newly built wooden trail brings you through the beautiful Slish Wood overlooking Lough Gill. From here you can look back towards Sligo town and Knocknrea mountain in Strandhill.

5) Barnaribbon along the Gortarowey Looped Walk at Benbulben 

Gortarowey Loop/ Ben Bulben Foirest Walk in Sligo – photo Aideen Connolly – SligoWalks.ie

The most distinctive peak among the Dartry range, it was formed during the ice age by massive glaciers segmenting the landscape. You can get one of the most unique shots of Benbulben along this route.