Five Fab Mother’s Day Walks

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate all of the wonderful women in our lives. What better way to show our appreciation than by spending some quality time with them? One great way to do that is by going on a walk together. Spending some fresh air and exercise with our mothers is the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day. So grab your mom, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for a good time! We’ve put chosen five fab Mother’s Day Walks in Sligo from Sligo Walks walking guide.

The Warren Way

The Warren Way in Castleconnor is primarily a woodland walk with sections which cross farm land, fresh water marsh and estuarine mudflats. The interaction between these various habitats gives rise to a wealth of flora and fauna in particular various species of birds. This piece of woodland is dominated by ash, sycamore, alder and willow. Robert Warren came to live in Enniscrone in 1851, from where he studied the local bird life until his death in 1915. He contributed to the book “Birds of Ireland’ which was published in 1890. The roadway was originally used to cart farm produce and other goods to boats which would moor at a point just a hundred metres north of where the path meets the shore. The mooring post still remains and is known locally as ‘The Black Stick’

Note: Do not wander onto the salt marsh area or the mudflats as the tide runs very fast in the estuary, filing gullies, sand bars and islands and it is easy to
become marooned on the mudflats.

Directions: From Sligo, Take the N59 (signposted Ballina) for approx 32km. In Dromore West village, turn right onto the R297. Continue for 15km past Enniscrone. Turn right onto the coast road. Continue for 2.2km, the trail is on the right.

Slish Wood Walk

This delightful lakeshore and hillside track begins at the northern end of the car park and provides 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 towards Dromahair
where the trail ends. (It takes approximately 3 hours to complete the 10km to Dromahair.) 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. While the area was sadly cleared during World War Il, pockets of 250-year-old oak remain. Norway spruce, sitka spruce and pine have since filled the forest. Native wildlife can be found in the surrounding woodland.

Directions: From Sligo Town take the N4 to Carraroe (junction $2). Exit the roundabout onto the R287 signposted Dromahair. Continue for approximately 5km, where you’ll find the site signposted on

Ballymote Heritage Trail

Ballymote Heritage Trail links a range of significant historical sites, including the Franciscan Abbey, Ballymote Castle, the old Corn Mill and Emlaghfad Church in
addition to the churches and other historic buildings of this ancient town. The trail is both urban and rural in nature and traces the ancient “Bóthar an Choran” from the town centre to Emlaghfad. This trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside including the Ox Mountains to the west. The trail is centred on the very pleasant Ballymote Town Park which is dominated by Ballymote castle, constructed in c. 1300. The very name of the town Ballymote or Bhaile an Mhóta means Town of the Moat and owes its name to this fine structure. For more information pick up a Ballymote Heritage Trail leaflet.

Directions: From Sligo take the N4 to Collooney and then the N17 for ca. 3.5km. Exit left onto the R293 signposted Ballymote, continue for 8.4km. The trail starts from the park on the right, just after the civil war monument.

Ladies Bray to Collooney

An initial short climb is followed by a long descent onto the southern slopes of the hills. The high bog roads are followed by quiet minor roads passing numerous small farm-holdings. To the south you’ll be able to see the single Hill of Knocknashee, 5km in the distance and rising 300m into the air. It is the site of an astounding and recent archaeological discovery: 30 circular hut sites and two large cairns, thought to be passage tombs. Follow the way up along the quiet Ladies Brae road. At around 35.5km reach a crossroads, turn left uphill along a good bog road. This soon levels out and starts descending reaching a tarmac surface at a house. 38km –
Look out for a wedge tomb in the field beside the road, the tomb is known locally as the Giant’s Grave.

At approximately 41.5km, follow the way markers to the right onto a quiet road, which winds its way straight through a cross roads into Rockfield. At a T-junction turn left, continue past the church to enter Coolaney village along the pleasant riverside walk.

Don’t Miss! Just east of Coolaney village on the edge of the Ox Mountains lies an area called Tullaghan and the Hungry Rock. Legend holds that if you throw a
pebble at the Hungry Rock whenever you pass, you will never go hungry on your journey. Tullaghan also has a famous well close to the Hungry Rock, where its waters are reputed to rise and fall with the tide.

Streedagh Beach

This coastal route takes in the stunning 3km long sandy Streedagh Beach, the lagoon on the landward side of the dunes and quiet country roads and lanes
accessing Staad Abbey. Beneath the waves at Streedagh lie the wrecks of three great ships of the Spanish Armada. On a fateful day in September 1588, La Lavia, La
Juliana and Santa Maria De Visón, were driven to destruction here, by a storm of hurricane proportions. Over 1,100 souls were lost in this great maritime disaster;
among them sailors, soldiers and noblemen, drawn from all the nations of Europe.

Many of the sailors who came ashore were killed, though a handful escaped and sought refuge with the Irish chieftains fighting against Tudor rule. The most
famous survivor Captain Francisco De Cellar has left us a fascinating account of his journey through the North West of Ireland. Staad Abbey: Dates back as
far as the 10th Century and was a departure point for clergy, pilgrims or other travelers to Inishmurray.

Directions: Take the N15 to Grange and the L3203 signposted Streedagh. Turn right after 1.1km again following signage for Streedagh. Car parking is available
overlooking the beach.

Caution, this area is subject to tidal conditions which may result in your vehicle becoming stranded.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or something more strenuous, Sligo has got you covered. With such a variety of landscapes to explore, from mountains and forests to lakes and seaside towns, there is sure to be a walk that will appeal to everyone. So get outdoors this Mother’s Day and enjoy some quality time with your mum in the fresh air. And don’t forget to tell us about your favourite Sligo walk in the comments below! Hope you’ve enjoyed our five fab Mother’s Day Walks in Sligo. You can read other Mother’s Day gift blogs from us here.

Read more on Sligo Walks at Sligowalks.ie