Aclare – Road and Forest Walk

Aclare

Walk Category: Rural Road Walk
Walk Grade:
Walking Terrain: Forest Trail, Country Road
Waymarking: None
Trailhead: Roadside Parking

Length: 12km
Ascent: 140m
Time: 3hrs
Suggested Gear: Sturdy Boots
Longitude: 54.036207
Latitude: -8.899955

Directions to Trailhead

Take the N4 in the direction of Dublin, at Coolooney (2nd Roundabout) take the N17 towards Galway. In Tobercurry take a right at the T-junction onto the R294 Ballina Road and continue to Mullaney’s cross taking a left, approximately 2.5 miles from this junction you reach the village.

The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 24

Aclare is a small village nestled at the foot of the Ox Mountain range. The village is situated between Tubbercurry and Swinford (Co. Mayo) in the parish of Kilmactigue on the Ineagh River which is a part of the Moy river system. It has a range of services including accommodation, grocery shopping, post office and two public houses. This walk explores the locality rising up into the hills behind the village.

The Route
Walk west from the village towards Kilmacteige. Turn left after a short distance onto the Swinford road. Cross Lisheen Bridge and turn right again at the next junction. Take a fork right after about 15 minutes of walking. Reach a T-Junction at Belclare. Here you can take a short cut to the right towards Kilmacteige. Otherwise go left and after 100 metres, turn right along a forest road. Make your way through the forest on this track to reach a minor tarred road near Culdaly Bridge. Turn right. On reaching the church at Kilmacteige, turn left and head uphill on a narrow twisting road. Keep right at the next junction and then right again to return to Aclare.

Did you know?
Approximately 1.5km south west of the village is the remains of Belcare Castle, correctly termed a tower house, which was constructed by the O’Hara clan which were chieftains or lords in this area (Leyny). Belclare Castle is thought to date back to the 15th century and would have been accompanied with a “bawn” or walled enclosure at the time of its construction.

Nearby walks you might like

Tubbercurry Trail

Forest and bog land trail located on the Ballina Road.

Tubbercurry – Lovers Lane

A short walk through the out-skirts of Tubbercurry.

Latest news items from the SligoWalks blog

  • Forests Close Due To Storm Éowyn

    Forests Close Due To Storm Éowyn

    Due to extensive damage to trees and paths in forests across Sligo, the public is being asked to stay away from walking in our recreational forests at least for the coming days and possibly for longer. Hundreds of trees fell at Slish Wood alone due to high winds and harvesting machines will need to be…

  • Stay Indoors During Storm Éowyn

    As Storm Éowyn approaches overnight from the Atlantic, walkers are reminded to take all precautions ahead of what is looking like a very strong and life threatening storm. We’ve been asked by the National Emergency Coordination Group chief Keith Leonard to remind you that this will be one of the most dangerous storms that we’ve…

  • Irish Stoat Survey – Call Out To Sligo

    Irish Stoat Survey – Call Out To Sligo

    The Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey is in its final weeks, and researchers need your help! Nearly 800 sightings have been verified across Ireland, with only 19 from County Sligo. If you have seen an Irish stoat, alive or dead, please submit your sightings via the National Biodiversity Data Centre website before the end of January to…

  • Plan ahead and Prepare
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Respect wildlife and farm stock
  • Be considerate of others
  • Minimise the effects of fire

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *