Directions to the Trailhead

From Sligo Town head North on the N4 across Hughes Bridge. Turn left onto the R291 (signposted Rosses Point). Continue for 7km. The trail starts from the promenade on the left as you enter the village.

This is the small seaside village where William Butler Yeats and his brother spent their summers at Elsinore House. Nestled between the mountains of Benbulben and Knocknarea, the walking route offers views of Oyster Island and Coney Island.

The Route
You begin your 4km walk at the Church of Ireland as you come into Rosses Point. Continue along the promenade with great views of Oyster Island to your left. This island lies a short distance across the channel from the promenade and derives its name from the oyster beds which existed along its shores until the turn of the century.
Towards the end of the promenade you meet the entrance to the RNLI Station where you turn left to take the coastal path. Passing the pier, you’ll see the Metal Man out to sea. It was erected in 1821 and stands pointing seafarers on the correct course. Dressed as a seaman of that period with blue coat and white trousers, he stands 12 feet high and weighs 7 tons.
Where you meet a V in the path, bear left. This path will bring you to the furthest point of the walk, Sligo Yacht Club and an area known as Deadman’s beside the pier.
Turning up the hill for the route home, you’ll pass the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) sign to your left. A path comes into view to your right. Take this, and it will join the coastal path once again, and from here continue to follow the coastal walk, which brings you back to the starting point.

Did You Know?
The walk can be extended by continuing along the first and second beaches at Rosses Point, but check you don’t get cut off by rising tides!

Don’t Miss! The poignant ‘Waiting On Shore’ monument near the lifeboat stations which depicts a woman with arms outstretched into the distance was erected on August 10th 2002.