The route heads north, towards county Donegal, with all the main attractions located along the N15 road. My advice is to take a camera with you or charge your phone properly as you will take a crazy amount of pictures.
The first stop is just a 15 minutes drive from Sligo Park Hotel, between Drumcliff and Grange. This is Benbulben Forest Walk. It is a picturesque loop trail that takes about 1,5 hours to complete. It is flat and easy and offers magnificent views of the Benbulben along with Donegal Bay and even Slieve League Cliffs on a clear day. All without any climbing.
The next stop is Gleniff Horseshoe. This 10 km loop offers spectacular views of Dartry Mountains and Donegal Bay. It’s one of the most photographed locations in Sligo and for a good reason. Majestic mountain with old ruins and mystical cave on the very top. This place will reward you with fascinating landscapes, true calmness and wonderful pictures. You can explore it on foot, but bear in mind that it takes at least 3 hours. This is why I suggest doing it by car. Follow the route clockwise and stop at the view point for the best scenery. The full drive takes around 45 minutes.
After exploring Horseshoe we will keep on going to the north towards the final point of our route: Mullaghmore Head. For many this is the most beautiful point in the whole county. And I completely agree with it. This is a truly magical place where time stops. Wild Atlantic waves crash against mighty cliffs keeping the secret of ancient times. Breathe the salty air and feel the real freedom. With The Atlantic wind raffling your hair you can easily imagine yourself as an ancient navigator and discoverer. And when you look away, you will see the mysterious Classibaum castle rises silently above the cliffs contemplating this powerful beauty.
This day you will remember as a day full of adventures and vivid impressions. But if you are longing for more, make a stop in Drumcliff on the way back to explore the grave of W. B. Yeats, set beside an old cemetery rich in history and stories of the past.
Locations:
Benbulben Forest Walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZiGMp1gK35xe1BMc8
Gleniff Horseshoe: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k4YdGiu6BTMcRinX9
Mullaghmore Head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xkzf7NLjGAMGK1kR8
Drumcliffe Church & W. B Yeats' Grave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7XfW8xZSyLEauxp3A
Directions from Sligo Park Hotel:
Images by Henrijs Velde
Blog Post By Kate Dorogina