The best walks and hikes around Ballymote

Yes, the Ballymote area has several excellent looped trails. For a scenic walk around a lake, the 6km Lough Easkey Loop in the Ox Mountains is a great option, taking you across blanket bog and through forests. Another popular choice is the Slishwood Forest trail, a well-regarded 4km loop through peaceful woodland with views of Lough Gill.

For an easy and accessible walk suitable for families, the Forest Trail in Tubbercurry is a fantastic choice. It features well-maintained paths, making it suitable for buggies, and offers several short loop options. For a mix of history and an easy walk, the 3.5km Ballymote Heritage Trail connects historical sites around the town itself.

Many trails in County Sligo are welcoming to dogs, but rules can vary. Forest parks like Slishwood and Union Wood are generally good options, provided dogs are kept on a lead. However, on trails crossing farmland, especially during lambing season, access may be restricted. Always look for local signage at the trailhead before starting your walk.

The walk to the Caves of Keash is relatively short, but it involves a steep climb up the side of Keshcorran mountain. While the path is waymarked, the ascent can be challenging for some. The effort is rewarded with incredible panoramic views and the chance to explore the series of historic limestone caves.

The region offers several beautiful forest walks. Slishwood Forest is a local favourite, providing a peaceful 4km loop with views of Lough Gill. Another highly-rated option is the Benbulben Forest Walk, which has a well-maintained path offering stunning scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

The Miner's Way and Historical Trail is a long-distance waymarked path for more experienced hikers. This 118km circular route crosses parts of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon, following old miners' paths through varied terrain like moorland, forest, and mountainsides. It can be walked in shorter sections and passes significant sites like the Carrowkeel Neolithic Cemetery.

The walking routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the rugged mountain views in the Ox Mountains to the serene lakeside paths and historic trails.

Yes, the Ox Mountains provide more strenuous hiking opportunities with rewarding views. Trails here involve country lanes, stony paths, and open mountainside terrain. For a significant challenge, you could tackle a section of the long-distance Miner's Way and Historical Trail, which includes the rugged slopes of the Curlew and Bricklieve Mountains.

The area is rich in history. The hike to the Caves of Keash takes you to a site steeped in Irish mythology. The Miner's Way and Historical Trail passes by the ancient Carrowkeel Neolithic Cemetery. For something closer to town, the Ballymote Heritage Trail links important sites like the 14th-century Ballymote Castle and a Franciscan Friary.

For spectacular panoramic views, the climb to the Caves of Keash is unmatched, offering vistas over the Sligo countryside towards the Atlantic. Another excellent spot is Union Rock, a popular hike that leads to a promontory with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Most popular trailheads, such as those for the Caves of Keash, Slishwood Forest, and the Benbulben Forest Walk, have designated parking areas. However, these can be small and may fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For less formal trails, parking is often limited to roadsides, so please park considerately and do not block any entrances.

Yes, the trail to the Devil's Chimney is a well-known walk that leads to a waterfall. The path is relatively short, taking about 20 minutes to reach the falls. It's a great option if you're specifically looking to see a waterfall during your hike.