Directions to Trailhead

From Sligo take the N4 in the direction of Dublin. At Coolooney take the N17 in the direction of Galway upon reaching Tubbercurry (approx.35km from Sligo) at a T-junction take a right onto the R294 signposted Ballina. This road will bring you into the Ox Mountains. After 13km you come over the brow of the hill and Lough Talt is visible, take a left turn onto a narrow road. Car parking is available along the lake shore.

This is a remarkably scenic walk around the shores of picturesque Lough Talt. The lake and its surroundings are home to a diverse range of bird life, with wild ducks, swans and dippers to be seen overhead. The lake also boasts an abundance of brown trout, making it a popular destination with anglers, as well as being home to white clawed crayfish, arctic charr and otters.

The Route
The first section of this walk is along a lakeshore track. When you reach the northern edge, you continue to your right along a short section of the main R294 road between Tubbercurry and Ballina. A turn to the left brings the walker uphill, providing commanding views over the surrounding countryside. A signposted turn to the right brings you through an area of forestry with lovely views overlooking the lake before the descent brings you to the starting point.

Did you know?
During the year of the French (1798), General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert marched his army through the Lough Talt valley on the way from Bonniconlon to battle in Longford. At least three French soldiers perished and are buried at the Old Gorterslin road overlooking Lough Talt (French Mans Grave) and on the Bonniconlon side of the gap in an area known as the French Man’s bridge.