Slish Wood and The Sligo Way loop along Lough Gill

Komoot rates this loop as 'easy', but it's good to know that some sections of the Slish Wood loop can be quite steep for a few hundred meters. While it's generally considered suitable for all ages, be prepared for these short, strenuous inclines. The broader Sligo Way, which this trail overlaps with, is typically rated as 'Moderate'.

The trail primarily follows forest roads and tracks, offering a relatively stable walking surface. You'll wind along the lakeshore and up a hillside. Some sections, particularly near Lough Gill, can be wet and boggy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. You might also encounter a timber boardwalk in parts.

You'll be treated to exceptional and picturesque views over Lough Gill, including its various islands like the famous Lake Isle of Innisfree. The majestic Killerry Mountain provides a dramatic backdrop, and the woodlands themselves are lush and diverse, featuring ancient oak trees and other species.

This trail is rich in natural beauty and literary history. You'll walk through Slishwood Forest, famously linked to W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Stolen Child'. The route also offers continuous views of Lough Gill on the Sligo Way, and you'll be within a designated biodiversity site, part of the Lough Gill Natural Heritage Area.

Parking is typically available at the main trailhead for Slish Wood. Look for designated car park areas near the entrance to Slish Wood, which serves as a common starting point for this loop.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on this trail. However, as it's part of the Lough Gill Natural Heritage Area and passes through woodlands with diverse wildlife, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect local fauna and flora, and for the safety of other hikers.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the most vibrant flora and generally drier conditions. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and boggy sections, especially after heavy rain, and shorter daylight hours.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and hike this trail within the Lough Gill Natural Heritage Area. It is freely accessible to the public.

As a designated biodiversity site, the area is rich in flora and fauna. You might spot mute swans, ducks, and herons near the lake, and various woodland birds like blackbirds and thrushes. On land, badgers, foxes, and fallow deer are present. The woodlands feature ancient oak trees, Norway spruce, Scots pine, beech, and more.

Yes, this loop is entirely part of the Sligo Way, an 80km long-distance walking trail. It also overlaps with sections of the Lough Gill Cycle Loop and the North West Trail for a portion of its route.

Yes, despite some short strenuous sections, the Slish Wood loop is often described as an 'ideal walk for people of all ages and a particularly enjoyable day out for all the family'. The varied terrain, beautiful views, and connection to nature make it a great option for families, provided children are comfortable with some inclines.