Knocknarea Cycling LoopCycling around Knocknarea will make you realize how beautiful County Sligo is. From the megalithic tombs at Carrowmore to the seaside village of Strandhill, discover the Coolera peninsula
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Route Details
The Knocknarea Cycle Route is a mainly flat, scenic loop that circles one of Sligo’s most iconic landmarks and passes Carrowmore, one of Ireland’s largest and Europe’s oldest megalithic cemeteries.
Leaving Sligo Town
Starting at the Bus Station, cross the road and take Wolfe Tone Street. At the end of the street, turn right onto Magheraboy Road, where a gentle gradient leads you over the bridge crossing the main Dublin–Sligo railway line. Continue straight through the roundabout and follow the road until you reach a set of traffic lights. Go straight through — from here, the houses give way to the fertile pastures of Woodville Farm.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
After roughly 2 km, take the next left following signs for Carrowmore Tombs. A short cycle brings you to the Carrowmore Visitor Centre on your left.
Carrowmore is a remarkable archaeological site dating from 4600–3900 BC. Originally home to around 80 monuments — including ring forts, cairns and passage tombs — approximately 30 remain today. It’s one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in Ireland and well worth exploring.
Towards Knocknahur & Ballysadare Bay
After your visit, continue toward Knocknahur. At the church, circle the roundabout and follow the signs for Strandhill. The road drops gently, bringing you quickly to the shores of Ballysadare Bay.
Take a moment here — the views toward the Ox Mountains are superb. At low tide, look out across the sandbanks where seals often bask in the sun. The road rises and falls over small hills, offering excellent photo opportunities of the bay and its shifting light.
Climbing Toward Strandhill
After leaving the shoreline, a sharp right‑hand turn brings you to the steepest climb of the day. Push up this hill toward Strandhill Village, where cafés, pubs and ice‑cream shops offer a perfect break. If you still have energy to spare, Strandhill’s surf schools run lessons throughout the day.
Dolly’s Cottage & Knocknarea Trail
Leaving Strandhill, climb gradually out of the village and enjoy the views back toward the coast. Just beyond the houses you’ll pass Dolly’s Cottage, a beautifully preserved thatched cottage. From here, you can access the Queen Maeve Trail, the newest walking route up Knocknarea.
Views Toward Benbulben & Coney Island
Once you pass Saint Anne’s Church on your right, the landscape opens up dramatically. Stunning views stretch toward Benbulben and Coney Island. At low tide, the famous Coney Island markers can be seen from the Strandhill–Sligo road, guiding walkers across the sand to the island.
From here, it’s mostly downhill back into Sligo town — a relaxing finish to a route filled with archaeology, coastline, mountain views and some of Sligo’s most iconic scenery.
Leaving Sligo Town
Starting at the Bus Station, cross the road and take Wolfe Tone Street. At the end of the street, turn right onto Magheraboy Road, where a gentle gradient leads you over the bridge crossing the main Dublin–Sligo railway line. Continue straight through the roundabout and follow the road until you reach a set of traffic lights. Go straight through — from here, the houses give way to the fertile pastures of Woodville Farm.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
After roughly 2 km, take the next left following signs for Carrowmore Tombs. A short cycle brings you to the Carrowmore Visitor Centre on your left.
Carrowmore is a remarkable archaeological site dating from 4600–3900 BC. Originally home to around 80 monuments — including ring forts, cairns and passage tombs — approximately 30 remain today. It’s one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in Ireland and well worth exploring.
Towards Knocknahur & Ballysadare Bay
After your visit, continue toward Knocknahur. At the church, circle the roundabout and follow the signs for Strandhill. The road drops gently, bringing you quickly to the shores of Ballysadare Bay.
Take a moment here — the views toward the Ox Mountains are superb. At low tide, look out across the sandbanks where seals often bask in the sun. The road rises and falls over small hills, offering excellent photo opportunities of the bay and its shifting light.
Climbing Toward Strandhill
After leaving the shoreline, a sharp right‑hand turn brings you to the steepest climb of the day. Push up this hill toward Strandhill Village, where cafés, pubs and ice‑cream shops offer a perfect break. If you still have energy to spare, Strandhill’s surf schools run lessons throughout the day.
Dolly’s Cottage & Knocknarea Trail
Leaving Strandhill, climb gradually out of the village and enjoy the views back toward the coast. Just beyond the houses you’ll pass Dolly’s Cottage, a beautifully preserved thatched cottage. From here, you can access the Queen Maeve Trail, the newest walking route up Knocknarea.
Views Toward Benbulben & Coney Island
Once you pass Saint Anne’s Church on your right, the landscape opens up dramatically. Stunning views stretch toward Benbulben and Coney Island. At low tide, the famous Coney Island markers can be seen from the Strandhill–Sligo road, guiding walkers across the sand to the island.
From here, it’s mostly downhill back into Sligo town — a relaxing finish to a route filled with archaeology, coastline, mountain views and some of Sligo’s most iconic scenery.
Route Map
For further detail, click route number# 2.996.376 below map
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