One of the best things to do in Sligo is explore the surrounding hills. All provide stunning views of the coastline and a good workout. Each is worth doing but here is my list of which ones I liked the most!
#5 Benbulben Walk
Newly build around the base of Sligo’s most iconic mountain, the Benbulben walk is made up of two loops, one 3 km and one 5 km, that provide stunning views of the mountain as well as the ocean. It’s relatively flat and doesn’t take more than an hour. Walkways are plenty wide and nicely laid with gravel
#4 Hazelwood Forest
About a 30 minute walk from my apartment in Yeats Village this park is located right on a beautiful lake. I went on a rainy and foggy day so the views weren’t great, but I can imagine what you’d get if it was sunny. Great spots to camp, cook out, and hangout by the water and among the trees.
#3 Knocknarea
Topped by Queen Maeve’s tomb that can be seen from anywhere in Sligo, it takes about 90 minutes to go up and down Knocknarea. However the views, company, and gigantic tomb on the top make the hike usually last much longer. There are two ways to get up the mountain now, one along the newly build Queen Maeve’s Trail that begins in Strandhill and the other near Carromore Tombs that is closer to Sligo. I recommend going up by Carromore and going over the top of the mountain down Queen Maeve’s trail. Then you can reward yourself in Strandhill with lunch at Shell and homemade ice cream at Mammy Johnston’s.
#2 Slieve League
Even though this hike is in Donegal and a two hour drive from Sligo up the coast, it’s a trip very worth making. Tourists come from all over the world to see the Cliffs of Moher but Slieve League is the hidden secret of the Northwest. It’s cliffs are three times higher and you can drive all the way to the top where there are spectacular (and scary) trails right along the ridge the juts into the Atlantic. If you’re scared of heights, buckle up.
#1 Benwiskin Peak
About a 20 minute drive outside of Sligo, this wave shaped mountain peak offers spectacular views of Streedagh Beach, Mullaghmore Head and Benbulben. Granted I hiked it in September when it was 60 and sunny and we were treated with rainbows at the top, but the views are absolutely spectacular. It takes a lot to get up there (probably two hours of off trail hiking) but it is well worth it. One of the best climbs I’ve ever done in my life.
Benbulben Climb*
The one mountain we haven’t been up yet in Sligo is Benbulben itself! Hoping to summit before leaving in May.
