Directions to Trailhed

Taking the N17 from Sligo to Galway, take the R293 exit for Ballymote approximately 4km after leaving the dual carriageway. When you reach Ballymote, the community park is located at the entrance to the town on your right. Roadside parking available.

A delightful linear walk which links some of Ballymote’s most important historical sites. From being where the priceless Book of Ballymote was written in c1391 AD to becoming a strategically important town in the Middle Ages, and more recently the birthplace of the founding father of Celtic FC, Ballymote has had an interesting and diverse past. Many of the locations linked with the town’s history are dotted along this relatively flat walk.

The Route: Starting in the centre of the village in Ballymote Community Park, the gravel footpath brings you past the ruins of the Franciscan Friary – known locally as the Abbey – then to the 14th century Ballymote Castle and on towards a newer section of the walk past the old Corn Mill towards Emlaghfad Church. This follows the ancient route of Bóthar an Chorráin, which led to the Curlew Pass, an area of great strategic importance during the Middle Ages. From this point the trail loops back towards the town of Ballymote and the starting point.
Note that some of this walk accesses the main road so be careful with vehicular traffic and wear hi-visibility clothing.

Did You Know? Andrew Kerins, who later became Brother Walfrid, was born outside of Ballymote and was the founder of the Glasgow Celtic Football and Athletic Club in 1888. Celtic FC remains one of the most popular clubs for Irish football supporters, and a statue of Brother Walfrid is located along the trail outside of Ballymote train station.

Safety Notice:
If you require the help of the emergency services please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. Visit www.SligoWalks.ie for safety videos and advice on how to prepare for a hike and what to do in the event of an emergency.