Only 5km outside Sligo Town, the Hazelwood Demesne is located at Half Moon Bay along the shores of Lough Gill. The short walks here are among the most beautiful in the country, with views from the trail toward Church Island, Cottage Island and Goat Island and the full expanse of Lough Gill.
The Route
The route follows the lake shore before branching with a shorter return route to the right and the longer lakeside route continuing ahead. A number of wooden sculptures from Irish and international artists can be found along the track, forming a ‘Sculpture Tour’ through the forest. With a quiet picnic area and stunning lakeside views, this walk is suitable for all ages, and can be undertaken in its 3km entirety or by shorter alternative routes mentioned above.
Did you know?
Hazelwood was the seat of the Wynne family who owned the house and most of the surrounding lands for 300 years. The Wynnes were a very important Sligo family and included members of parliment and High Sherrifs within their ranks.
Hazelwood House was designed by the architect Richard Cassells whose other works of note include the Irish parlimentary buildings at Leinster House, the Printing House at Trinity College Dublin, the Rotunda Hospital, Carton House, Russborough House and Powerscourt House. Cassells was agruably premier Irish architect of his generation although German by birth.
*Sections of this route cross Coillte property, for up to date information on diversions/closures due to tree felling, please visit www.coillteoutdoors.ie