The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 25
This walk incorporates the Sligo town Sli Na Slainte and the Doorly Park nature trail along the banks of the Garavogue River. Doorly Park was named after a late Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Edward Doorly but Colonel W. G Wood-Martin originally developed the wetlands of his estate, called Cleveragh.
The Route
Start from the blue and yellow Sli sign on Kennedy Parade opposite the Embassy Rooms, follow the path along the riverside into Doorly Park, follow the nature trail through the park and loop back onto the Crozen Promenade and walk back to Kennedy Parade.
Did you know?
Sligo’s Irish name Sligeach – meaning shelly place – allegedly originates in the abundance of shellfish found in the river and its estuary, and from the extensive ‘shell middens’ or Stone Age food preparation areas in the vicinity. The river now known as the Garavogue ‘rough river’ was also called the Sligeach!
Alternative Route during flood season
About 120m of the riverside path near Cleveragh Park is currently flooded – as it often is during winter months.
When you’re coming from town, once you reach the boat club sheds / car park / slipway – if you take the footpath/cycle path beside the road, you can walk up to Cleveragh Park and do a loop of the park (and add in a loop of Cairns Hill if you’re feeling energetic). Then return back towards Sligo the same way – and rejoin the river path at the boat club if you want some more river time!
Excellent and lovely - only one suggestion- there are many low spots from getting to the start of Doorly Park and about in the middle of walk through the lower river walk. This will turn you around if it is flooded unless you have on boots. Perhaps some holding rocks and a little fill would solve this.☘️?
Moved to Sligo just before the lockdown 2020 2nd one). We found this walk and have been so thankful to be able to walk it everyday. Being out side has kept out sprits up and makes it a little easier to not be around family and friends.