Lough Talt

Lough Talt

Walk Category: Lakeshore Walk
Walk Grade: Moderate
Walking Terrain: Lakeshore Track
Waymarking: None
Trailhead: Roadside Parking

Length: 8km
Ascent: 70m
Time: 2hrs
Suggested Gear: Hiking Boots
Longitude: 54.082656
Latitude: -8.914718

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.

The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 24

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.

Nearby walks you might like

Aclare Road and Forest Walk

Quiet country roads.

Lough Easkey

A peaceful and scenic lake
surrounded by forest plantations.

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6 responses to “Lough Talt”

  1. David

    Speed limit on the main road along the lake should be reduced to max of 60km. Many sharp bends with no road side margin for walkers or bicyclist’s

  2. Cathriona

    Lovely walk. No longer have to walk on the road. Go route up by the church and through the forest. Well signposted.

  3. Cathriona

    This is a lovely walk especially now with the route through the forest. Cuts out the walking on the main road. Makes the trail longer approx 7km but we’ll worth it and well signposted.

  4. P.Andison

    We enjoyed the first part of this walk but the road section was very busy and dangerous even on Sunday afternoon. Is it possible to put a warning on the sign at the car park to let people know about this hazard? Some of us don’t review websites before walking, we follow the guidance on the physical signs.

  5. Kevin Connolly

    The first section of this walk along the lake shore is beautiful-but the second half along the road (busy even on a Sunday morning) should be avoided. Turn round and walk back the way you came.

  6. Nicola

    Lovely walk. Small gradual incline. The last two kilometres is on the road and the cars travel quite fast so can be a bit dangerous. The route is well marked.

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