In Sligo, you’ll find a whole host of beautiful spots to discover when you want to head out for some fresh air. From coastal cliffs to woodland trails, lakeshores to mountain summits, these are some of our favourite — and most scenic — places for family walks in Sligo.
Sligo offers a stunning setting for nature activities, and the landscape is more than worthy of a few candid family photos. Pack a picnic, wear some layers to keep everyone warm, and head off on an adventure!
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Family Walks in Sligo
Mullaghmore Beach
Image: Courtesy of Alison Crummy © Fáilte Ireland
Mullaghmore offers both headland and beach walks. The headland coastal walk takes about an hour and gives you 360-degree views of ocean, mountains, wildlife and Lord Mountbatten’s Castle. The rock formations, cliff ledges and waves crashing over the reefs are truly remarkable.
The beach is equally stunning — a flat, family-friendly stretch of sand running approximately 1.5 miles across the bay. Both routes are ideal for a leisurely stroll, a longer run, or simply soaking up some photo opportunities.
Union Wood
Union Wood was formerly part of the Cooper Estate and is now managed by Coillte. It’s a haven for wildlife, including fallow deer, red squirrel, buzzards, swans and pine marten.
There are two marked woodland trails to choose from:
- The easy Oakwood Trail (4km), which takes in views of the Ox Mountain range, Knocknarea, Ballygawley Lake and the surrounding Sligo and Leitrim countryside.
- The more strenuous Union Rock Trail (5.5km), which includes an ascent that rewards you with fantastic views.
Hazelwood National Forest
Image: Courtesy of Alison Crummy © Fáilte Ireland
Hazelwood Demesne is just 5km from Sligo Town, at Half Moon Bay along the shores of Lough Gill. With spectacular lakeside views and plenty of space for a picnic, this is a popular family walk in Sligo.
A number of wooden sculptures from Irish and international artists can be found along the track, forming a “Sculpture Tour” through the forest — a great spot to keep younger walkers entertained along the way.
Slish Wood
This 3km loop trail runs along the southern shore of Lough Gill and offers excellent views of the lake and surrounding countryside. It forms part of the Sligo Way, which passes through this forest.
This is a great place for a nature scavenger hunt — you’ll find numerous species of trees, including Norway spruce, Scots pine, beech and oak, along with a rich variety of flora and fauna. It’s a biodiversity site and forms part of the Lough Gill Natural Heritage Area (NHA).
Deer Park
The Deer Park Loop is a lovely forest trail that provides access to an internationally renowned court tomb. The route is easy enough for families, and you’ll enjoy fantastic views over Lough Gill and the surrounding countryside along the way.
Dooney Rock Forest
Image: Courtesy of Aoife McElroy © Fáilte Ireland
This area around Lough Gill inspired the poet W.B. Yeats to write “The Fiddler of Dooney,” and it’s easy to see why this spot was chosen for its beauty.
There are spectacular views over Lough Gill, Cottage Island and Church Island, and the area is rich in flora and fauna. The latter part of the trail includes a steep climb, though there’s an alternative route if you’d rather avoid it.
Gleniff Horseshoe Millsite
The Gleniff Horseshoe Millsite is one of our favourites, with a lovely small nature trail and picnic areas too — a nice, low-key stop for families with younger children.
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Knocknarea Mountain
Located six miles from Sligo Town, Knocknarea Mountain (452m) offers a good walk of about 45–60 minutes. From the top, you’ll see views stretching to Donegal, the Ox Mountains, Sligo Bay and Mayo.
Knocknarea has a mound of stones at its summit, reputedly the tomb of Connacht’s legendary Queen Maeve — the warrior queen of Celtic mythology. The cairn measures roughly 180 feet across and over 30 feet high, making it the largest tomb of its kind in Ireland outside the Boyne Valley. Its shape and structure have led archaeologists to classify it as a Neolithic passage tomb, with the stones used in its construction estimated at approximately 40,000 metric tons.
The Sligo Way
For families with older children who are up for a bit of a challenge, the Sligo Way is a 74km long-distance walking trail. It’s divided into 7 sections, each representing roughly half a day’s walking, starting at Lough Talt and ending in Dromahair.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sligo walk is best for younger children or buggies?
Mullaghmore Beach is your best bet — it’s flat and family-friendly, running about 1.5 miles across the bay, so it suits pushchairs and shorter legs well. Gleniff Horseshoe Millsite is another easy, low-key option with picnic areas.
Are any of these walks suitable for a full family day out?
Yes — Hazelwood National Forest and Gleniff Horseshoe Millsite both have picnic spots, so you can turn your walk into a longer outing. Pack a picnic and some layers, as Sligo’s weather can turn quickly.
Is the Sligo Way suitable for families?
It’s better suited to families with older children who enjoy a challenge, since it’s a 74km trail split into seven half-day sections. Shorter loop trails like Deer Park or Slish Wood are a better fit for younger children.
What should we bring on these walks?
Sturdy footwear, waterproof layers and a picnic are a good starting point, as several of these routes have limited facilities along the way.
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- 10 Brilliant Things to Do in Sligo with Kids
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
No printable this time, but it’s worth bookmarking this list or saving it to your phone before you head off — Sligo’s scenic spots are worth returning to again and again across the seasons.
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