Sligo's 3 forest cycle routeThe 3 forest routes brings you through 3 of Sligo's magnificent forests. If you are lucky , you might even see a deer grazing in one of the fields or forests.
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Route Description
The Sligo’s Three Forests Cycle Route takes you through some of the county’s most beautiful woodland areas, with a few rewarding climbs to keep the legs working. It’s a varied and scenic ride combining riverside stretches, lakeside views, and peaceful forest roads.
Leaving Sligo IT
Starting at Sligo IT, turn left out of the grounds and continue to the traffic lights. Turn right here and climb the first small hill of the day. On your right is Sligo General Hospital, followed by a steep ascent up The Mall. At the top you’ll find The Model — Sligo’s contemporary art gallery, cinema and home of the Niland Collection.
Crossing the Garavogue
Continue onto Bridge Street and cross the Garavogue River. Just after the bridge, turn left onto John F. Kennedy Parade. The road follows the river and passes Sligo’s regional sports complex.
Once past the sports complex, the road climbs again, passing Sligo racecourse. At the top of the hill, turn left at the T‑junction. Another short climb rewards you with sweeping views over the Garavogue and Hazelwood.
Lough Gill & Tobernalt Holy Well
Continue until you reach the shores of Lough Gill, then turn right toward Tobernalt Holy Well — a peaceful place of reflection nestled in the woods. Cycle onward until you reach the R287, where you turn left toward Dromahair.
At the bottom of the hill, turn right and follow the road as it climbs steadily toward the R284. Turn left here toward Ballygawley and prepare for a long, gradual climb toward Union Wood.
Union Wood — First Forest of the Day
At Ballygawley Lake, you’ll see the entrance and car park for Union Wood on your right. Picnic benches here make it a perfect spot for a well‑earned rest.
Continue to Ballygawley village, where you can pick up refreshments at the local shop. At the shop, turn left following signs for Ballintogher.
Castle Dargan & BallintogherThis stretch brings you alongside the beautiful Castle Dargan Golf Course before reaching Ballintogher. Cycle through the village and turn left just after the corner shop. This road leads you back to the R287, now heading toward Sligo.
Slish Wood — Second Forest
After a few kilometres along a straight stretch of road, you’ll reach Slish Wood on your right — the second forest of the day. The picnic area here sits beside a small stream and is a lovely place to pause.
Dooney Rock — Third Forest
Continue along the R287 until you reach Dooney Rock, home to short trails and superb views across Lough Gill. It’s one of the most scenic spots on the route.
Return to Sligo
From Dooney Rock, continue toward Sligo until you reach Carraroe Roundabout (Busy roundabout, so be careful). Take the second exit and cycle through open pastures back toward Sligo town and the IT, completing a rewarding loop through three of the county’s finest forest landscapes.
Leaving Sligo IT
Starting at Sligo IT, turn left out of the grounds and continue to the traffic lights. Turn right here and climb the first small hill of the day. On your right is Sligo General Hospital, followed by a steep ascent up The Mall. At the top you’ll find The Model — Sligo’s contemporary art gallery, cinema and home of the Niland Collection.
Crossing the Garavogue
Continue onto Bridge Street and cross the Garavogue River. Just after the bridge, turn left onto John F. Kennedy Parade. The road follows the river and passes Sligo’s regional sports complex.
Once past the sports complex, the road climbs again, passing Sligo racecourse. At the top of the hill, turn left at the T‑junction. Another short climb rewards you with sweeping views over the Garavogue and Hazelwood.
Lough Gill & Tobernalt Holy Well
Continue until you reach the shores of Lough Gill, then turn right toward Tobernalt Holy Well — a peaceful place of reflection nestled in the woods. Cycle onward until you reach the R287, where you turn left toward Dromahair.
At the bottom of the hill, turn right and follow the road as it climbs steadily toward the R284. Turn left here toward Ballygawley and prepare for a long, gradual climb toward Union Wood.
Union Wood — First Forest of the Day
At Ballygawley Lake, you’ll see the entrance and car park for Union Wood on your right. Picnic benches here make it a perfect spot for a well‑earned rest.
Continue to Ballygawley village, where you can pick up refreshments at the local shop. At the shop, turn left following signs for Ballintogher.
Castle Dargan & BallintogherThis stretch brings you alongside the beautiful Castle Dargan Golf Course before reaching Ballintogher. Cycle through the village and turn left just after the corner shop. This road leads you back to the R287, now heading toward Sligo.
Slish Wood — Second Forest
After a few kilometres along a straight stretch of road, you’ll reach Slish Wood on your right — the second forest of the day. The picnic area here sits beside a small stream and is a lovely place to pause.
Dooney Rock — Third Forest
Continue along the R287 until you reach Dooney Rock, home to short trails and superb views across Lough Gill. It’s one of the most scenic spots on the route.
Return to Sligo
From Dooney Rock, continue toward Sligo until you reach Carraroe Roundabout (Busy roundabout, so be careful). Take the second exit and cycle through open pastures back toward Sligo town and the IT, completing a rewarding loop through three of the county’s finest forest landscapes.
Route Map
For further detail, click route number# 2.998.096 below map
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