Knocknarea Cycling Loop

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Cycling 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

Route Details

The Knocknarea cycle route is a mainly flat route which circles around Knocknarea and passes one of Irelands largest and Europe's oldest megalithic cemeteries.

From the Bus station, cross the road and take Wolfe Tone street. At the end of Wolfe Tone street, turn right onto Magheraboy road. There is a small gradient. After crossing the bridge which crosses the main Dublin to Sligo train track, you reach a roundabout. Go straight through this and carry on along until you reach a set of traffic lights.

Go straight through them. From here, the houses make way for fertile pastures belonging to Woodville farm.
After having cycled for approx. 2 km, take the next road left following the signposts for Carrowmore tombs.
After a short cycle, you reach the Carrowmore Cemetery visitor centre on your left.

Carrowmore cemetery is worth a visit. It was built around 4600 - 3900BC. There were originally 80 monuments on this site including ring forts, cairns,... Currently, there are approx. 30 monuments left. 
( Carrowmore )

After the visit, head further along the route towards Knocknahur. At the church, go around the roundabout and follow the signposts for Strandhill. After passing the church, the road goes down allowing you to reach Ballysodare bay quickly.

Ones you reach the shores of Ballysodare bay, take in the views towards the ox mountains. At low tide, look towards the many sandbanks where seals can be seen sunbathing. The road climbs and drops over little hills giving you amazing photo opportunities of the bay.
After leaving the shore and making a sharp 90 degree turn to the right, get ready to climb up the steepest hill of the day towards Strandhill village.
It is worthwhile cycling into the village and enjoying some great food, a drink or an icecream in one of the many restaurants or pubs. Or if you have plenty of energy left, why not participate in any of the many surf lessons provided by Strandhill's surf schools.

Leaving Strandhill behind, climb out of the village gradually and enjoy the views. 
Just after the village, you will pass Dolly's cottage which has a nice tatched roof. At Dolly's cottage, you can make use of the newest Co.Sligo walk up Knocknarea   
(http://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/knocknarea-queen-maeve-trail.html)

Ones you pass Saint Anne's church which is on your right, amazing views open up towards Benbulben and Coney Island.
Coney Island can only be reached at low tide, and from the main Strandhill to Sligo road, markers can be seen at low tide showing the route towards the Island.
From here, it is mainly downhill back into the town. ​

Route Map

Maps:

For further detail, click route number# 2.996.376 below map

Cycle Route 2996376 - via Bikemap.net - Open Route in Bikemap App