Local Sligo Walks

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.

A scenic waterfall in a dense forest, with water cascading over mossy rocks into a pool. The area is surrounded by vibrant green plants and trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Glencar Waterfall

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.

The beautiful Benbulben landscape with a unique, flat top and green, terraced slopes. Below, a mix of forest and fields provides a serene foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Benbulben Root Trail

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 large, weathered stone cairn with an entrance opening at the base, set in a grassy, remote landscape. The overcast sky adds a somber tone to this ancient monument.

Carrowkeel Passage Tombs

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.

A tranquil scene of cows resting on a grassy hillside dotted with yellow wildflowers. Large rocks, including a balanced stone formation, and a tree are in the background under a cloudy sky.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

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.

A stone-covered cairn atop a hill, with a winding path leading to it. The sky is filled with streaking clouds, creating a dynamic backdrop against the vast open landscape.

Knocknarea Mountain and Queen Maeve’s Cairn

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.

Lough Easkey

The route around Lough Easkey is basic but pleasant. With peaceful views across the Lough and a massive surrounding landscape, it’s easy to feel the sheer expanse of the area around you.

This lakeshore walk is a circular route totalling 3.72 miles. Considered a moderate walk, you’ll need to bring a reliable pair of hiking boots and fluids on your excursion. We suggest allowing around 2 hours to complete this walk. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the off-road sections, due to Lough Easkey being located on open farmland.

Lough Easkey is a special area of conservation and if you keep an eye out, you may spot the Greenland white fronted goose, a threatened species of bird.

A close-up of a person’s shoes walking along a sunlit dirt path, surrounded by fallen leaves and greenery. The scene is set outdoors with a blurred, tree-filled background.

Hazelwood

Hazelwood Demense is located just 3 miles outside of Sligo town, and its home to breathtaking views and relaxing walks. The area was the source of inspiration for W.B Yeats’ ‘The Song of Wandering Aengus’.

The walk around Hazelwood covers 2.6 miles, perfect as a short trip to recharge your batteries. The trail has views of Church Island, as well as an incredible spot to see Lough Gill from. On average it takes about 1 ½ hours to complete this walk, but you could easily spend longer soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

You’ll want to bring what’s comfy for you. The route is even and has no ascent, so judge your wear based on the weather. Please note that dogs are allowed in Hazelwood, but please keep them on a lead.

A dense forest scene with tall trees and moss-covered rocks. The ground is scattered with fallen leaves, and the light filters through the canopy, creating a serene atmosphere.

Slish Wood

Slish Wood is a small but joyful walk. At 1.8 miles, you’ll bask in the glorious views of Lough Gill. It is another featured place in the poems of the legendary W.B Yeats. However, in his poems, you’ll see it written as ‘Sleuth Wood’ in ‘The Stolen Child’.

A former oak wood before it’s clearance in World War II, Slish Wood is situated on the southern shore of Lough Gill and will take you about an hour to complete. You can still find traces of the former oak woodland along the lakeshore of Lough Gill.

Walking boots are essential for this route, as the walk will take you across woodland and uneven surfaces. There are boarded walkways on the first half of the walk, but it’s best to play it safe. As an added bonus to the views, your pooch can tag along for your adventure as well, just be mindful to keep them to a lead.

A brown mallard duck with detailed feather patterns swims peacefully in dark water, its reflection visible on the surface. The duck's orange webbed feet paddle gently below.

Lough Talt

A picturesque walk that will make you feel like you’re in a fantasy landscape, Lough Talt has awe-inspiring vistas and a pleasant atmosphere.

This 3.4-mile walk takes about 1 hour to complete, but you could easily while away an afternoon here with a picnic. You’ll see ducks and swans in the area and for the anglers out there, Lough Talt is hotspot for brown trout, as well as the rare and threatened species Arctic char.

The road section of this walk has been known to be quite busy especially on weekends. So if you do decide to walk here, you may be best to either come back the way you came, or continue the trail through the signposted forest section, which extends the walk to about 7km.

A scenic landscape with tall grassy dunes in the foreground, a sandy beach to the left, and distant mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The Sligo Way

Fancy a challenge? We present to you the Sligo Way.

If you want to experience the Yeats Country in its full majesty, there’s truly no better way. Just shy of walking a marathon at 24 miles. The Sligo Way walk takes on average 23 hours to complete, but we think it’s best to break this up into more manageable chunks. During this walk, you’ll traverse forest plantations, mountain slopes, and country roads.

For those who are considering this, you’ll want to think about accommodation (or wild camp to take it to the next level), food, water, appropriate clothing and footwear, maps and/or GPS, the whole nine yards. Why not set up your temporary headquarters for your expedition in one of our 66 ensuite bedrooms?

Please keep in mind that sections of this walk pass through private property, and we do not suggest bringing your dog with you.

Riverside Hotel Sligo

A place to put your feet up

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.

For more information on any of these walks, please visit the Sligowalks website.