Description
The killaspugbrone loop is one of Sligo’s most scenic and historically rich coastal walks. It’s a route that blends nature, legend, and heritage into a truly immersive experience.
The walk starts at the canon on Strandhill's promenade and passes through Strandhill caravan and camping park. From here onwards, you follow a path that brings you through a rich dune system.
A unique feature of the walk is that the trail crosses near the Strandhill Airport runway, adding a touch of adventure.
From here, you have the choice to add a small extension towards the headland giving fantastic views towards the sea or take a 600 meter shortcut and head towards the ruins of Killaspugbrone church.
The detour offers panoramic sea views, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.
A visit to Killaspugbrone Church is a must!
This church was a popular pilgrimage site that contained the relic of St Patrick known as the Fiacail Padraig, which is currently in the National Museum in Dublin. The present building dates to the 12th century. The church was the victim of a viking attack.
The church is located beside a lovely cresent-shaped beach which needs to be crossed as part of the walk. As a guide, look towards the headland at the end of the beach where a huge beacon post has been placed which is painted in red and white stripes.
It is here that you leave the beach by following a path through the dunes. From here, the path enters the forest and the path crosses through pine forest where on a warm day, you get the lovely smell of the pine trees.
After the forest, turn right on the road and just before you reach the runway again, turn onto the new path which follows the shore. From here, you get sometimes good views towards sandbanks where seals are soaking up the sun.
At the end of the path you will reach a tarmac road which includes the only hill along the loop. At the top, you turn right towards Sligo rugby club. Just before the rugby club, you pass Dolly's cottage which has a nice tatched roof.
Dolly's Cottage is a stone built cottage with two rooms and a loft with original walls, roof, roof beams, fireplace and pouch bed. Dolly's Cottage was preserved and hasn't changed much and provides you to experience how people lived in the past. The cottage is open in June, July and August on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 until 1pm and 2pm until 5pm.
From the rugby club, you have 2 options:
The walk starts at the canon on Strandhill's promenade and passes through Strandhill caravan and camping park. From here onwards, you follow a path that brings you through a rich dune system.
A unique feature of the walk is that the trail crosses near the Strandhill Airport runway, adding a touch of adventure.
From here, you have the choice to add a small extension towards the headland giving fantastic views towards the sea or take a 600 meter shortcut and head towards the ruins of Killaspugbrone church.
The detour offers panoramic sea views, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.
A visit to Killaspugbrone Church is a must!
This church was a popular pilgrimage site that contained the relic of St Patrick known as the Fiacail Padraig, which is currently in the National Museum in Dublin. The present building dates to the 12th century. The church was the victim of a viking attack.
The church is located beside a lovely cresent-shaped beach which needs to be crossed as part of the walk. As a guide, look towards the headland at the end of the beach where a huge beacon post has been placed which is painted in red and white stripes.
It is here that you leave the beach by following a path through the dunes. From here, the path enters the forest and the path crosses through pine forest where on a warm day, you get the lovely smell of the pine trees.
After the forest, turn right on the road and just before you reach the runway again, turn onto the new path which follows the shore. From here, you get sometimes good views towards sandbanks where seals are soaking up the sun.
At the end of the path you will reach a tarmac road which includes the only hill along the loop. At the top, you turn right towards Sligo rugby club. Just before the rugby club, you pass Dolly's cottage which has a nice tatched roof.
Dolly's Cottage is a stone built cottage with two rooms and a loft with original walls, roof, roof beams, fireplace and pouch bed. Dolly's Cottage was preserved and hasn't changed much and provides you to experience how people lived in the past. The cottage is open in June, July and August on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 until 1pm and 2pm until 5pm.
From the rugby club, you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Continue the loop along the main Sligo - Strandhill road back into Strandhill.
- Option 2: Cross the road and ascend Knocknarea via the Queen Maeve Trail, leading to the legendary burial cairn at the summit.
Location
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