The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Sligo

This guide features 4 easy dog-friendly hiking trails in Sligo. These routes are generally well-suited for a leisurely walk with your canine companion.

Yes, Sligo offers several beautiful coastal walks where dogs are welcome. The Trawalua Strand and Dernish Island viewpoint loop is a great option, offering expansive views of the coastline. Other popular coastal areas like Streedagh Strand, Raghly Harbour, and Mullaghmore Beach also provide scenic walks, though it's always best to check local signage for specific dog restrictions, especially during peak seasons.

Absolutely. Sligo is rich in woodlands perfect for dog walks. The Floods Wood loop from Carney is an easy, short trail through a serene forest. Union Wood is another expansive woodland area with multiple trails, ideal for birdwatching and enjoying diverse habitats with your dog. Hazelwood Forest, on the shores of Lough Gill, also offers tranquil looped trails through ancient woodlands.

Yes, you can enjoy dog-friendly walks with views of Sligo's famous landmarks. The Benbulben – Benbulben loop from Benbulbin offers stunning perspectives of the distinctive Benbulben mountain, often called 'Ireland's Table Mountain'. While the ascent to Queen Maeve's Cairn on Knocknarea can be strenuous, the lower trails around the mountain also provide great views and are accessible for dog walkers.

Yes, several dog-friendly routes in Sligo are circular, making them convenient for walkers. The Trawalua Strand and Dernish Island viewpoint loop and the Floods Wood loop from Carney are both excellent examples of easy, circular trails featured in this guide. The Benbulben Forest Walk and Hazelwood Forest Walk are also known for their looped trails.

Sligo's dog-friendly trails can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring coastal paths and woodlands. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the forest trails. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, though some areas, like the Devil's Chimney, are particularly spectacular after rainfall when the waterfall is most active.

Yes, Sligo is home to the impressive Devil's Chimney (Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird), Ireland's tallest waterfall. There's a 1.2 km looped trail that leads to it, offering scenic views of Glencar Lough. The waterfall is most active and captivating after rainfall. Glencar Waterfall is another beautiful spot in the Glencar valley, also accessible for walks.

The dog-friendly trails in Sligo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to tranquil woodlands, and the opportunity to explore iconic natural features like Benbulben and Knocknarea with their canine companions.

Yes, all 4 routes featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for families with dogs. Trails like the Floods Wood loop from Carney and the Ardtermon Beach from Raghly Spit are short and relatively flat, ideal for a relaxed outing with children and dogs.

While many trails are well-known, the Gleniff Horseshoe in north Sligo is often considered a hidden gem. It offers dramatic mountain scenery and cliffs, perfect for a scenic drive or walk with your dog, away from the more crowded spots. Union Wood also provides a peaceful escape with its extensive network of trails.

Sligo is becoming increasingly dog-friendly. While specific establishments vary, many pubs and cafes in towns like Sligo, Strandhill, and Mullaghmore welcome well-behaved dogs in outdoor seating areas. For accommodation, it's best to check directly with guesthouses, B&Bs, or hotels, as many now offer dog-friendly rooms or cottages. Online searches for 'dog friendly cafes Sligo' or 'dog friendly accommodation Sligo' will provide current options.

Beyond the trails themselves, Sligo boasts several natural attractions. You can see the distinctive Benbulben mountain, explore the ancient Queen Maeve's Grave (Knocknarea Cairn), or visit the tranquil Lough Gill. The View from Benbulbin Plateau and Tip of Hazelwood offer stunning vistas.