An Early Morning Walk from Slish Wood to Innisfree

One of my favourite things to do is head off exploring. I’m always awake early, and getting out for a walk helps clear my head and start the day properly.

Slish Wood is about a ten minute drive from Sligo town and there’s plenty of parking. There’s also a picnic bench beside the river at the start of the walk, handy if you want to sit down afterwards with a picnic – and if you need inspiration check out Sligo picnics. It’s quite a popular spot too. I met runners and dog walkers along the way, although “busy” at 7.30am meant maybe ten people in total. I’d imagine it’s much busier later in the day.

This walk is part of the Sligo Way, which runs from Lough Talt near Tubbercurry to Dromahair. The full route is around 80km which I can confidently say I’ll never be attempting in one go, but I like that you can break it into sections instead.

The first part of the walk brings you through the woods themselves, and it’s a lovely stretch. On one side you have Lough Gill and Benbulben appearing through the trees, and on the other there’s a steep, tree covered hillside with little streams and mini waterfalls running through it. You’ll also see the Yeats Trail – read more about the Slish Wood connection to WB Yeats here: https://www.yeatstrail.ie/10-slish-wood/

There are a few uphill sections that will get the legs working, but overall I found it very manageable. It’s more of a steady walk than a difficult hike. I spent more time stopping for photos than stopping for a rest anyway.

At one point there’s a fork in the path and I somehow forget which way to go every single time, despite the sign at the start. The path to the right brings you onto the forest loop and back towards the car park. Take the left path instead and you’ll eventually reach Innisfree.

Leaving the forest and stepping onto the boardwalk is probably my favourite part of the walk. The whole landscape suddenly opens up around you.

There’s a dark lake to one side, and it always feels so mysterious there, it’s also stunning when the light hits and the trees reflect in the water, and sometimes there’s a heron there.

Further on you’ll see Lough Gill, Knocknarea, and The Sleeping Giant. There’s a bench where I always stop to take in the view, and it’s something very special.

There was barely any sound apart from birds and the bog cotton moving in the breeze.

Once you leave the boardwalk you’ll come to a forest clearing, and if you’re lucky you might spot deer nearby. From there the trail crosses farmland towards Innisfree, although you don’t have to walk the whole way. I usually turn back at the bench overlooking the lake.

What I like most about this walk is that it’s away from roads and noise without being difficult or remote. You’re not scrambling up mountains or trying to follow confusing trails. It’s just a really enjoyable mix of woodland, lake views and open scenery, and one I keep going back to.

Find out more about this walk on the Sligo Walks website.