Directions to the Trailhead

From Sligo Town take the N4 to Carraroe. Take the first exit off the Carraroe roundabout and turn left at the church onto the R287 signposted Ballintogher. Continue for approximately 5km, where you’ll find the car park for Slish Wood signposted on the left.

Slish wood is located on the southern shore of Lough Gill in a stunning location between the lake and the Ox Mountains. This walk nestles in the centre of the woods and is part of a much longer trail that is part of the Sligo Way. As this trail was popular with poet W.B. Yeats (see below), we recommend you bring a book of his poetry with you and you can stand in the shoes of Ireland’s National Poet and recite some of his best-loved poems.

The Route

This delightful lakeshore and hillside track is waymarked and easy to follow. It begins at the northern end of the car park and follows the markers along the forest trail, providing picturesque views over Lough Gill. After 1.6km, the track rises at the very first fork in the walk. Keep to the right-hand path, which will lead you back down to the car park, or veer left if you wish to continue on the Sligo Way towards Dromahair, walking along a timber boardwalk on the shores of Lough Gill and offering spectacular views towards the Lake Isla of Innisfree. The trail ends just past Creevelea Abbey. (It takes approximately 3 hours to complete the 10km to Dromahair.)

Did you know?
Slish Wood features prominently in the poetry of William Butler Yeats, although he refers to it as ‘Sleuth Wood’ in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’.
This site was once that of an extensive oak wood and although the area was sadly cleared during World War II (1939 – 1945), pockets of 250-year-old oak remain and patches of Norway spruce, Sitka Spruce and pine have since filled in the gaps in the forest. The remains of this oak woodland can still be seen along the lakeshore. Native wildlife includes mute swans, ducks and herons, while blackbirds, thrushes, larks and pigeons. Given the rich diversity of flora and fauna to be found at this location, Slish Wood is a designated bio-diversity site forming part of the Lough Gill Natural Heritage Area (NHA).

*Sections of this route cross Coillte property, for up to date information on diversions/closures due to tree felling, please visit www.coillteoutdoors.ie