Whenever the weather gets a bit better we seize the opportunity to get outdoors. Luckily for us in Sligo there is no shortage of things to do or places to see outside.

So here are some of the best places in Sligo to get outdoors with kids and enjoy the fantastic scenery it has to offer.

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Outdoor Places in Sligo for Families

Gleniff Horseshoe

Go for a walk and enjoy nature at the Gleniff Horseshoe, a hidden valley with stunning scenery, located in North County Sligo.

At the base of the Horseshoe route there is a renovated Millsite, with a lovely nature walk and sculpture trail. There are also picnic tables.

This is where you’ll find the ‘Magic Road’ in Sligo, where your car will roll back up the hill…!

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Sligo Beaches

The beach isn’t just for summer time! In Sligo we are spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing beaches. Enniscrone has 5km of sandy beach while Mullaghmore Beach is another stunning beach in North County Sligo (25km from Sligo town via the N15 and beside the town of Mullaghmore).

Family Walks in Sligo

Get suited and booted and head out for a hike with a picnic. There are several forest trails to choose from, such as those in Union Wood near Collooney.

Alternatively, try hiking up Knocknarea to bring a stone to Queen Maeve’s Grave.  This mountain may be lesser known than Ben Bulben but is still an amazing sight as you arrive in Sligo, and is certainly a do-able climb for active kids.

There’s always Ben Bulben or to the Carrowkeel tombs at Castlebaldwin which all have family friendly way-marked trails.

The Sligo Way

For families with older children, for a bit of a challenge the Sligo Way is a 74km, long-distance walking trail. It is divided here into 7 sections each representing a half day’s walking. The trail starts at Lough Talt and ends in Dromahair.

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Hazelwood Demesne, Sligo

The Hazelwood Demesne offers picturesque walks, suitable for all the family, around the shores of Lough Gill in Sligo. These are particularly pretty in autumn, when you get a variety of reds, oranges and yellows on the trees.

There are several different walks, including the ‘Sculpture Tour’ where you will find wooden sculptures from Irish and international artists running alongside the track.

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Doorly Park

Doorly Park is located along the riverside in Sligo town, about a 10 minute walk from the town centre. It has:

• a playground
• a court,
• green area
• games
• fitness equipment.

Fun for all! You can then go for a stroll along Lough Gill and feed the ducks.

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Article written by Katherine, mum of 2