Description
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This looped drive starts in Cliffoney village. Starting of, first stop will be the beautiful beach at Cliffoney followed by a scenic trip along the headland of Mullaghmore. After having admired the beautiful Atlantic, follow a route which leaves the coast behind making your way towards the Dartry mountains. The looped drive at Gleniff Horseshoe will bring you stunning scenery, let you discover the old Baryte mines and bring you up and close with Ireland's highest cave.
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The waypoints
Enniscrone
The small village of Cliffoney is your starting point. To be more exact, O'Donnell's pub (http://www.odonnellsofcliffoney.com/) is where you follow the signposts towards Mullaghmore along the R279 leaving the busy N15 behind.
O'Donnell's pub is a traditional pub which really stands out with it's black and white murial of surfers and horses.
It must be said, the area is very popular with equestrians who love to ride along the beautiful beaches admiring the Wild Atlantic Way.
And off course, Mullaghmore is now world renowned for its big wave surfing.
Driving down the hill away from the village, you get to see already a glimpse of the Wild Atlantic.
O'Donnell's pub is a traditional pub which really stands out with it's black and white murial of surfers and horses.
It must be said, the area is very popular with equestrians who love to ride along the beautiful beaches admiring the Wild Atlantic Way.
And off course, Mullaghmore is now world renowned for its big wave surfing.
Driving down the hill away from the village, you get to see already a glimpse of the Wild Atlantic.
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Easkey
After only 2 minutes in the car, you have already reached your first stop. At the bottom of the hill where the road makes a 90 degree turn to the right, you will see a gate to your left and a soccer pitch. Park-up the car and walk through the gate following the road until you reach a small river. Cross the river and walk towards the dunes you see in the distance.
After approx. a 10 minute walk, you will reach one of Sligo's most beautiful beaches. Cliffoney beach is remote and unspoiled and the views are postcard perfect. (Note: This beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents)
After approx. a 10 minute walk, you will reach one of Sligo's most beautiful beaches. Cliffoney beach is remote and unspoiled and the views are postcard perfect. (Note: This beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents)
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Aughris
The seaside village of Mullaghmore is small, but it is an interesting location to stop and take a break. Take a walk along Mullaghmore beach, take a stroll along the pier and admire the fishing boats or pop into one of the hotels or restaurants for a bite to eat.
If you love seafood, you should definitely try Eithne's by the sea (https://www.eithnasrestaurant.com/) where you can enjoy fresh seafood, shellfish and lobsters lovingly prepared.
Enjoy a drink on one of the many terrasses and admire the beautiful views towards the Dartry mountain range
If you love seafood, you should definitely try Eithne's by the sea (https://www.eithnasrestaurant.com/) where you can enjoy fresh seafood, shellfish and lobsters lovingly prepared.
Enjoy a drink on one of the many terrasses and admire the beautiful views towards the Dartry mountain range
Strandhill
Leaving Mullaghmore behind, take the coastal loop bringing some of the most stunning views in County Sligo. But that's not all, Mullaghmore Head is world renowned for its big wave surfing. And when the weather gods match up, this part of County Sligo can deliver waves of up to 15 meters.
On a calm day, you can watch the fishing boats bringing the catch of the day. Feeling adventurous, jump into the bishop's pool (https://www.choosesligo.com/wild-swimming-in-sligo.html), a shallow, sheltered natural swimming pool .
On a calm day, you can watch the fishing boats bringing the catch of the day. Feeling adventurous, jump into the bishop's pool (https://www.choosesligo.com/wild-swimming-in-sligo.html), a shallow, sheltered natural swimming pool .
Rosses Point
Classiebawn castle sits perched on the rocks above the Wild Atlantic. Driving along Mullaghmore headland, you are greeted by the magnificent views towards Classiebawn castle with Benbulben standing tall in the background.
On a blustery day, you can admire the waves crashing upon the rocks below, sometimes creating that much foam that it looks like a Frappuccino.
On a blustery day, you can admire the waves crashing upon the rocks below, sometimes creating that much foam that it looks like a Frappuccino.
Streedagh
Leaving the coast behind, drive towards the N15 Sligo to Donegal road. Once you reach the N15, cross it and drive towards Ballintrilick. At the end of this road, turn into the road which is signposted Yeats County Gleniff Horseshoe. The first stop should be at the Gleniff Barytes Mill site. (https://www.choosesligo.com/gleniff-mill-site-looped-walk.html). The site was developed here because there was an abundance of water and on the expectation of opening a workable mine on the slopes of Tievebaun Mountain.
Mullaghmore
Driving higher and higher into the Gleniff Horseshoe valley, you can see in the distance Ireland's highest cave which is called Grainne and Diarmuid's cave. The cave is located at a height of approx. 400 meters.
Access to the cave is across privately owned land which is closed to the public.
The dramatic cliffs of Annacuna are just breathtaking, so take in the amazing scenery, watch the sheep graze along the site of the road or just breath in the fresh air. The walls of of the old schoolhouse are still standing in stark contrast with the surrounding mountains.
Access to the cave is across privately owned land which is closed to the public.
The dramatic cliffs of Annacuna are just breathtaking, so take in the amazing scenery, watch the sheep graze along the site of the road or just breath in the fresh air. The walls of of the old schoolhouse are still standing in stark contrast with the surrounding mountains.