Take a walk on the wild side. The Wild Atlantic Way side, that is. County Sligo is a great place to experience the rugged trails and coastal walks of Western Ireland. Breathtaking views and stunning beaches will be the backdrop to your holiday photos, and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. So, lace up your walking boots, here are five Sligo walks to choose from.
It’s approximately 25 minutes by car to the Glencar Waterfall car park from Riverside hotel. Glencar Waterfall stirred the imagination of W.B. Yeats himself, and with this 2 km Sligo walk, you can imagine yourself following in his footsteps. The winding path takes you through a picturesque forest, offering glimpses of Glencar Lough along the way until you reach Glencar Waterfall.
Whilst the paths are highly accessible, we recommend wearing walking boots, as some sections can be steep and muddy, particularly after rainfall. You’ll need roughly 1.5 hours to complete this walk, giving ample time to soak in the views of the cascading waters.
Situated in the Dartry Mountain Range is one of Ireland’s most distinctive mountains, Benbulben. This large flat rock formation is a short drive from Sligo town and is well worth a visit. The Benbulben trail is roughly 5.5km, and it is famed for the incredible views as well as it’s literary connections to W.B Yeats.
You’ll start this Sligo walk at Gortarowey Forest Recreation Area car park, a mere 25-minute drive from Riverside Hotel. The route passes through a secluded forest area, and takes in stunning close ups of Benbulben Head and views over Donegal Bay.
A small collection of cairns with a big impact. Carrowkeel is a megalithic hilltop cemetery excavated in 1911. One of the easier Sligo walks on our list, the Carrowkeel route is 5.5km and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete.
You begin your journey at Carrowkeel car park, which is 35-minutes from Sligo town, where you will begin to ascend to the hilltop. Keen-eyed walkers will spot Loughcrew Cairns another group of peaks that are part of the same mountain range in the southeast direction.
Although it is considered an easy route, the rich Irish history that the cairns offer makes this route well worth the visit.
Bear with us on this one. We know a cemetery probably doesn’t sound like the most appealing location for a walk. But trust us, this 4km walk will take you on a journey back in time. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is home to the oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in Ireland. Constructed 6000 years ago, you’ll explore over 35 passage tombs, including the impressive central tomb.
The route starts at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery car park, which is a 15-minute drive from Riverside Hotel and the trail is open between the months of March and August. You can comfortably walk this ancient landscape in 1-2 hours, but we suggest allowing time to pop into the restored cottage to view the exhibition for more information on this beautiful World Heritage Site.
The last in our list of Sligo walks is a short 20-minute drive from Riverside Hotel. The start of the walk is at the foot of Knocknarea Trailhead and the route will lead you up the mountain to the resting place of the Irish legend Queen Maeve.
In Irish mythology, Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught was granted rulership over the kingdom of Connaught by her father, the High King of Ireland. She is said to be buried upright in the cairn at the summit of Knocknarea, spear in hand, still facing her enemies in Ulster.
You’ll need to come prepared for this route with appropriate clothing, walking boots, water, and snacks. It is considered a strenuous 6km loop and will take you roughly three hours to complete.
After a successful day of adventure, retreat to the comfort of our riverside hotel. Refuel and relive your day’s journey over a hearty meal at The Mill Bar & Restaurant, then head to bed for a restful night’s sleep.
We’re within a short driving distance to some the best Sligo walks on offer, so you’re never too far from an adventure.