The best walks and hikes around Ballintogher

You can explore over 30 hiking routes around Ballintogher. The area offers a great mix of trails, with the majority being easy strolls and a good number of moderate paths for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the region's enchanting woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful views across Lough Gill. The blend of literary history, particularly the connection to W.B. Yeats, and natural scenery is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, the area is excellent for beginners. A great option is the Quoile River loop — Strangford & Lecale. It's a gentle walk of about 3.8 km through a peaceful riverine landscape, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Hazelwood Forest is a popular choice for families. It offers several short, accessible walks with beautiful lake views and well-kept paths suitable for all ages. Another great option is the Delamont Country Park Long Walk loop, which is an easy trail within a park setting.

Dogs are welcome on many trails, but they should generally be kept on a leash, especially in woodlands like Slish Wood to protect wildlife and on paths that cross farmland with livestock. Always check local signage at the trailhead for specific rules.

Slish Wood, famously mentioned in a Yeats poem, offers a fantastic 3km looped trail with stunning views of Lough Gill. For a different experience, the Benbulben Forest Walk is a highly-regarded local favorite, featuring a well-maintained path through scenic woodland at the foot of the iconic mountain.

Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. The Lough Money loop from St. Patrick's Road is a moderate 11.8 km circuit that takes you around a lake. It's a great way to experience the landscape without having to retrace your steps.

Yes, you can visit the Devil's Chimney, which is Ireland's tallest waterfall. The trail to the viewpoint is a relatively short walk, taking about 20 minutes. For the waterfall to be flowing, it's best to visit after a period of heavy rain.

While most marked trails near the village are easy to moderate, the wider Sligo area offers significant challenges. Experienced hikers often tackle the climbs up the iconic mountains of Benbulben or Knocknarea, which reward with panoramic views of the coastline. These are strenuous hikes on open mountain terrain.

Yes, parking is available at popular trailheads like Slish Wood, Hazelwood Forest, and the Benbulben Forest Walk. Some smaller trailheads, such as the one for the Devil's Chimney, have limited roadside parking, so it's a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Reaching the trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. The best approach is typically to take a bus to a nearby town like Sligo and then use a local taxi service to get to your starting point. It's advisable to check bus schedules and book taxis in advance.

You can hike here year-round, but the best conditions are typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this time, the days are longer, the weather is milder, and the woodlands and hedgerows are full of life. Always be prepared for rain, as the weather can change quickly.