Ten stunning Sligo coastal walks you can explore this weekend

Irish Independent

01-07-2025

Here are 10 walking highlights to get you started
1. Enniscrone Beach
Sligo's longest beach at almost 5km, this stretch of stunning coastline provide unrivalled views over the Atlantic waves, and to your rear the dunes rise above the golf club.
Parking at the seafront, the beach walk extends to your left, or an alternative is the short looped trail that begins at the pier and extends for around 2km.
This walk also have seating located along the path, giving an opportunity to stop and take in those breath taking views across Killala Bay.
2. Mullaghmore Head
From the most westerly to the northern coast of the county. And what more can be said about the 4km looped walk at Mullaghmore, probably the most photographed spot in Sligo, with its views of Classiebawn Castle and with Benbulben rising to the rear.
Park in the village and head out past the Pier Head for the best views. Remember that you're sharing the walk with cars, so as much as you'll want to take in the views, be aware that with the low lying sun this time of year, caution should always be exercised when walking on the road.
3. Lissadell
A woodland walk leads to an opening in the trees where Lissadell Beach reveals itself, a lovely simple walk with plenty of nature around you, even at this time of year.
Park considerately near the main entrance at the gate lodge and then walk along the forest road, arriving at the sea where the path diverges left and right.
Follow the path around to the right, where it meanders through a tree lined path before arriving at the beach itself. Extend your walk by taking in some of the beach, retracing your steps to arrive back at the start.
4. Raghly Coastal Walk
The popular Raghly trail offers excellent coastal views. Drive almost to Raghly Pier, where an area of roadside parking is clearly marked. Walking uphill from here the coastal path opens up to your right. The path hugs the coast before turning inland, rising further before meeting a minor road, where you turn right towards the pier and back to your starting point.
During stormy weather and high tides, evidence of the power of Mother Nature can sometimes be seen at the famous blow holes, located along the trail.
5. Aughris and Dunmoran
We often rave about the wonderful coastal walk at Aughris, which offers possibly the most spectacular clifftop views in Sligo.
Parking near the Beach Bar, head towards the pier, where the opening to the path can be found. The trail follows the cliff before turning inland, heading past a World War II lookout post and a deserted village dating to Famine times, before heading back to the start.
Continue on then along Aughris and Dunmoran Beaches before retracing your footsteps to the car park.
6. Streedagh
The De Cuéllar Trail at Streedagh follows in the footsteps of a famous Spanish Armada captain who was shipwrecked here in 1588 and survived to tell the tale.
Park near the Armada monument that overlooks the beach and walk from here down the road until you arrive at the beach itself.
This extends for 3km and you can return either along the beach itself or aim for a gap at the end of the beach and meander your way back on the lagoon side, which offers views towards Benbulben.
7. Killaspugbrone Coastal Walk
With the increasing popularity of Strandhill in the Summer, this is a lovely time of year to explore one of Sligo's most diverse coastal walks.
Parking in the main car park in the village, walk to the cannon on the shoreline and then along the path that leads you through the caravan park.
The path follows the coast, around the end of the airport, past Killaspugbrone Church. A small horseshoe shaped beach leads to an area of woodland and on to the estuary.
The path leads to a minor road that brings you back into Strandhill, and follow the main road back to the beach.
8. Culleenamore and Shelly Valley
Located on the Ballisodare side of Strandhill, access to Culleenamore is via a minor road where you can park with care.
Heading right along the beach past the back of the golf club, an opening in the dunes to the right marks a path that brings you through Shelly Valley and then on to Strandhill Beach.
Here, if tides allow, you can turn left, walking to the end of Strandhill Beach, looping back towards Culleenamore and your starting point.
9. Rosses Point
Parking at the entrance to the village, walk along the roadside path, taking in views of Oyster and Coney Islands.
At the entrance to the RNLI station, bear left and follow the coastal path past the Metal Man and on to the Yacht Club.
Here, you can follow the road until you reach the first and second beaches, ensuring that you won't get cut off by an incoming tide.
When retracing your steps, keep to the roadside path for a variation, bringing you past the caravan park, golf club and through the village of Rosses Point itself.
10. Easkey
A short walk in one of Sligo's most scenic coastal villages. Park in the centre of the village and take the river walk which brings you to the shore at Easkey Castle.
From here the road continues, offering wonderful ocean views, and keep an eye out for surfers who take to the water throughout the year. Retrace your steps to get back to the start of the walk.
Information on all of the above walks can be found on www.SligoWalks.ie.