Walk in Ireland – The One With The Best Mountain Lake.

Sligo, Yeats Country on the Wild Atlantic Way and capital of the Northwest region,  offers a unique destination with the dramatic backdrop of Benbulben, stunning landscapes, glimmering beaches, rolling green hills, magical woodlands, and unsurpassed leisure activities. A great way to discover Sligo’s breathtaking scenery is by walking through its rich and diverse landscape.

So walk this way to reconnect with nature and to encounter a leisurely walk in Ireland that is remote, exposed, and strikingly beautiful with the Best Mountain Lake –

Lough Easkey Loop, County Sligo.

Lough Easkey Loop in County Sligo has become a must do walk for anyone travelling along this section of the Wild Atlantic Way, especially as it’s the one with the Best Mountain Lake. Lough Easkey, a pretty and tranquil lake surrounded by rugged hills, lies in the heart of the Ox Mountains in County Sligo. The terrain is boggy but has beautiful scenery and the area’s blanket bog is protected as a special area of conservation in recognition of it’s flora and fauna.

Lough Easkey Loop

This walk traces the shores of the peaceful and scenic Lough Easkey. The blanket bog on this route is designated a special area of conservation boasting rare types of moss and threatened bird species like the Greenland white fronted goose and Ireland’s only native reptile the common lizard has also been spotted here. Walkers need to be prepared for soft, boggy ground along the Lough Easkey Loop.

Did You Know?

The picturesque seaside village of Easkey in County Sligo got its name from the Irish word ‘iascaigh’, meaning ‘abounding in fish’, as the Easkey River is known to have large populations of salmon and trout.

Level:

Moderate – Some areas have rough , lakeside paths and country roads. This way marked walk is really well signposted, with stiles and markers showing you the way so that all you need to worry about is taking in the scenic views.

Distance/Duration: 

6 KM/3.72 miles /1.5 to 2 hours.

Start/Finish:

Lough Easkey Car Park, County Sligo.

How to get there: 

Lough Easkey is located between Dromore West and Tubbercurry – Just after Dromore West village, take the first left, sign-posted Tubbercurry continue for approximately 11 km/6.83 miles until you arrive at the lake-shore trail head and car-park.

Walking Check-List: 

Check the weather and pack smart – Have a fully charged cell phone; Water; Snacks; Wear layers of appropriate clothing, waterproof jacket and correct footwear/waterproof hiking boots/Gaiters.

Leave word with someone about where you are going and approximately what time you expect to be back.

Never leave any items or valuables visible inside your parked vehicle.

Refuel:

After completing the loop walk and weather permitting you might enjoy a picnic near the local sea pool, An Pol Gorm at Easkey Pier. Pop into Pudding Row the Grocer in Easkey, Co. Sligo, to get your picnic supplies, to refuel with tasty treats and to enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Since opening in 2015 Pudding Row has proven to be a breath of fresh air for the quiet village of Easkey, providing fresh food for locals and drawing visitors from all over Ireland. Most of the products provided are homemade by Dervla, including Artisan breads and pastries.

Roslee Castle, Easkey Pier, County Sligo. 

If you still have enough energy you might like to walk along Easkey River down to the historic, imposing Roslee Castle at Easkey Pier. Roslee castle, built in 1207, is a dominant landmark adjacent to Easkey Pier and contributes to the beautiful scenery at this Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Roslee Castle was home to the O’Dowd chieftains of the barony of Tireragh, having been originally built for Oliver McDonnell. Although much of the original structure has been lost over time, the main body of the 63 feet high castle remains.

Suggested Walking Guide:

Download the Lough Easkey Loop route map from Irishtrails.ie

Emergency:

Phone 999 or 112 and advise the emergency crew whether you need an Ambulance, the Gardaí (police), Fire Brigade or Mountain Rescue.

The Lough Easkey Loop Walk “Leave No Trace” principles are:

1. Plan ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Others
3. Respect all Animals and Wildlife
4. Travel on Durable Ground
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Minimize the effects of fire.

Remember:

Minimize your impact on the environment. Leave nothing but footprints & take nothing but photographs.

County Sligo – Set’s Your Spirit Free. 

Take a look at this video from Sligo Tourism for more inspiration on what is waiting to be explored on your next visit to Yeats Country –

“You never know what life will bring, So find space to roam and a song to sing. Blow adventures fire a-flame, whether Queen or King And know that here you’re welcome. Sligo. Sets your spirit free.”

Why not take a breather in Ireland in 2021? 

If you would like to explore this Hidden Gem In The Heart Of The Wild Atlantic Way and take a well deserved breather in Ireland please get in touch. For a sample of what we can offer have a look at our private chauffeur vacations.

We really love to hear from our friends across the globe who share a passion for Ireland like our team here at Specialized Travel Services and we’d be delighted to answer your travel to Ireland queries. Just drop us a line at newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of Lough Easkey, County Sligo © sligotourism.ie