Fishing
In the Cliffoney vicinity are some of Europe’s top angling destinations and an absolute paradise for both salmon fishing and sea angling. Drowes Fishery This is one of Ireland’s premier spring salmon and grilse fisheries. The Drowes is among the earliest opening salmon fisheries in the country and regularly claims the honour of producing Ireland’s first salmon of the season on opening day, January 1st. Sea Angling & Deep Sea Angling Mullaghmore – Fully equipped licensed boats for deep sea fishing are available around the coast where experienced local skippers will guide you. Bottom fishing is available all year round for a great variety of species. There are several reefs with abundant pollack and wrasse. Shore Angling from local beaches, rocks and piers On the sheltered side of the headland, looking back across the strand to the mountains of Sligo, is a haunt of mullet and the source of many of specimen size. They are taken on pieces of fish or bread at high water. The breakwater, at the harbour entrance, yields dab. flounder, plaice and occasional ray in summer. On the exposed, rocky north coast is Darby’s Hole where the gently sloping rocks provide excellent fishing for big wrasse.
Walking
There are a number of different types of walk locally, suitable for various levels of abilities. Here is a brief rundown: Coastal Walks Mullaghmore A beach located in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo. The Blue Flag for Beaches is only valid during the bathing season which runs from June until the end of August. Compliance with the standards and requirements corresponding to those of the EU Bathing Water Directive. Compliance with the standards and requirement for sewage treatment and effluent quality such as are contained in the EU Urban Waste Water Directive. Bathing Water quality and Blue Flag information posted at the beach. Sufficient litter bins on the beach to keep it clean. Beach cleaned on a regular basis; daily in the peak season. Sufficient lifeguards or lifesaving equipment to ensure response to an emergency anywhere on the Blue Flag beach. Rosses Point Rosses Point is a seaside village located 8kms from Sligo Town. There are spectacular scenic views with the Atlantic Ocean on the West, Benbulben dominating the view of the Northern skyline, the east Glencar Valley and the Dartry Mountains with Lugnagall and Truskmore, while the southern vista is completed by Knocknarea topped by a large Cairn of stones reputed to be the grave of the Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught. Lissadell 1.5km from the village of Carney on the shore of Drumcliff Bay. The site is located within the Lissadell Estate which was formerly owned by the Gore-Booth family. Although not way marked, a very pleasant walk (The Drumcliff Bay Walk) is available at the site. The walker is taken along a forest path which runs parallel to the public road and to a stretch of northern shore of Sligo Bay called Drumcliff Bay. Way Marked Ways The Sligo Way The Sligo Way is 74km, long distance walking trail. Starting at Lough Talt on the Tubbercurry/Ballina Road (R294) it goes east through the village of Coolaney on to the town of Collooney which has good access. It proceeds eastwards along the shores of Lough Gill to the village of Dromahair where it ends. The Miners Way & Historical Trail 118km, a network of walking paths which wind their way through adjoining parts of County Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. The Miners Way follows many of the paths used by the miners going to work in Argina coal mines. Note: Upland and bog sections. Forest Walks Slish Wood Slish Wood is located about 6km west of Dromahaire, on the R287 to Sligo. You will find about 3km of forest walks at Slish Wood. It is a pleasant lakeshore and hillside walk, tracks all the way. It has some lovely views of Lough Gill. The walk is an easy to follow route all the way, the best way to begin is from the north end of the car park and walk along the track beyond with the lake and its tiny wooded islands glimpsed through lovely deciduous trees on the left. Deer Park 7km east of Sligo on the road to Calry. The focal point of the site is the presence of a court tomb which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. There is also a stone circle close by to the trail with a cashel, wedge tomb and southerrain in adjoining lands which is accessible from the trail. Union Wood 8km south of Sligo Town on the R284, is an old woodland site which was formerly part of the Cooper Estate. The Sligo Way, a National Waymarked way runs through a section of Union Wood. From this trail, the Sligo Way proceeds onto the eastern shore of Lough Gill at Slishwood and onto the village of Dromahaire, Co. Leitrim. The Warren Way, Castleconnor Is primarily a woodland walk however it is significant that it runs along open farmland, passes over a freshwater marsh and eventually leads to estuarine mudflats. The interaction between these different habitats gives rise to an incredible wealth of species plants or animals. Sligo Mountain Walks Benbulben and Knocknarea Knocknarea Mountain (329m) is six miles from Sligo Town and offers a relatively easy walk of about 25-60 minutes. Knocknarea has a mound of stones at the top, reputedly the tomb of Connaught’s legendary Queen Maeve. Benbulben (527m) has a striking table top profile and is one of Ireland’s most famous mountains. It features prominently in Irish legend and more recently has been associated with W.B. Yeats, who is buried nearby. Sligo Spur Walks The Sligo Spur Walks, many of which link into The Sligo Way traverse the Ox Mountain region and stretches from Lough Talt in South Sligo to the border with Co. Leitrim at Dromahair. The nineteen walks vary in length from about 1 hour to 6 hours. The walks are all circuits, mostly starting and finishing from a small village or town.