Sligo Walking & Hiking
From coastal paths to mountain hikes and forest trails discover Sligo’s breathtaking scenery on foot…
Coastal Walks
Lissadell Beach: Ocean Heights is only 5 minutes away from Lissadell. At Lissadell there is a lovely walk you can take along a forest path and onto the beach where you can enjoy gorgeous views of Benbulben. You can also spot a large population of Barnacle Geese who winter here from November to April.
Streedagh Strand: Streedagh beach is a short 10 minute drive away from Ocean Heights. Streedagh is a lovely 3km stretch of strand and is the last resting place of 3 Spanish Armada ships wrecked on the beach in 1588. You can enjoy great views of Benbulben and Mullaghmore from here as well as the Donegal Mountains.
Raghly Harbour: This walk takes in beautiful views of Sligo’s majestic mountains, rugged coastline and picturesque countryside. There are also several sea birds to be spotted in the area. Raghly Harbour is a short 15 minute drive from Ocean Heights.
Mullaghmore Beach & Pier: 20 minutes from Ocean Heights, Mullaghmore has become famous for it’s big wave surfing, and you can survey monster waves crashing into the rocks below when walking around Mullaghmore Head. You can also enjoy breath taking views of the iconic Classie Bawn Castle against a backdrop of Benbulben in the Dartry mountain range.
Rosses Point: 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, walking in Rosses Point offers views of Oyster Island and Coney Island. Rosses Point is a 20 minute drive from Ocean Heights.
Upland Walks
Benbulben (Gortarowey): Gortarowey is one of the most highly rated walks in Sligo and is situated only 15 minutes away from Ocean Heights. Great close up views of Benbulben mountain can be enjoyed as well as panoramic vistas of Yeats Country below. On a clear day you can also view the Donegal mountains including Slieve League. Please ask Karen or Stephen for information on climbing Benbulben mountain.
Gleniff Horse Shoe: 30 minutes from Ocean Heights, the Gleniff horseshoe is a nice 10 km loop along quiet roads with dramatic views of the Dartry mountain range and the countryside below.
Knocknarea: Knocknarea dominates the skyline of west Sligo and is well known for its huge flat topped cairn which is believed to be the resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht. This is a very rewarding climb with spectacular views in all directions, including the Ox Mountains, Lough Gill, and Slieve League in Donegal and on a clear day Croagh Patrick in the west. Knocknarea is 30 minutes from Ocean Heights.
Lakeside Walks
Glencar Waterfall: Glencar Waterfall is a 25 minute drive from Ocean Heights. Less than 1km from the car park at Glencar you can view the waterfall that was made famous by W B Yeats in his poem the stole child. “Where the wandering water gushes, from the hills above Glencar”. There are also some longer walks available in the area that provide an opportunity to view Ireland’s diverse flora and fauna.
Guided Walks / Tour Guides
Sea Trails: Auriel Robinson is a Wild Atlantic Way Ambassador for Sligo. She organises walks at heritage sites such as Benbulben mountain and Streedagh beach.
