If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, or just looking for a day trip from Dublin, getting out of the city and seeing what the rest of the country has to offer is the best thing you can do. And if you’re looking for somewhere with some of the best views in the country, Sligo should be at the top of your list. Being just a three-hour drive from Dublin, it’s the perfect spot for a quick getaway, a weekend trip, or even a day out.
One of the things I love about Sligo is how close everything is. You can go from standing under a waterfall to hiking beneath Benbulben to the beach at Mullaghmore Head- all within a day. Here are some of my favourite viewpoints in County Sligo and how you can see them too.
glencar lough + The devils chimney
The first place to start is Glencar Lough. The first time I visited here, I was genuinely shocked that I hadn’t heard of it before. There’s free parking at the start of the lake, with toilets and a small café right beside it. At this point you’re actually in County Leitrim, and you’ll find Glencar Waterfall just a five-minute walk from the car park.
After this, continue walking along the lake for about 20 minutes to reach the start of the hike for The Devil’s Chimney, Ireland’s tallest waterfall. You can also drive to the trailhead, but there’s only space for about three cars, so walking from Glencar is usually easier. Just keep in mind that the waterfall dries up frequently- the best time to go is after a period of rain.
The hike up to the waterfall takes around 40 minutes and is relatively easy. Once you reach the top, the views over Glencar Valley are unreal, and if the waterfall is flowing, you can enjoy an amazing view of our countries tallest waterfall. This whole section should take you about an hour and a half to two hours total, leaving you with plenty of time to fit in more.
benbulben
The next stop is Benbulben, just a 15-minute drive from Glencar Lough. There’s free parking here too, and as soon as you step out of the car you’re greeted with views of Ireland’s iconic table-top mountain. This is by far one of my favourite views in the entire country. It’s so unique and definitely can’t be missed.
The walk is a loop that takes you around the base of the mountain and through a forest. It’s on a path the whole way and just over 5 km in total. This trail should take around an hour and a half to complete.
Remember that Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, and on some days the view of the mountain might be hidden under low clouds- but even then, the atmosphere around Benbulben feels mystical.
gleniff horseshoe
Another 15-minute drive from Benbulben will bring you to Gleniff Horseshoe, another iconic Sligo view. There are two options here- walking or driving the loop. If you’re short on time, driving the 10 km circuit is definitely the easiest way to see it. But if you have a bit more time, I’d recommend parking at the Gleniff Barytes Mill Site and walking the loop so you can fully take in the views.
When we were here, there was only one other person walking and we practically had the whole place to ourselves. It took us around two hours to do the full loop at a relaxed pace. This is one of those places worth visiting no matter the weather, and in my opinion, rainy and overcast days actually add to the atmosphere. The low clouds rolling over the cliffs make it feel even more dramatic.
mullaghmore head + castle classiebawn
The last place on the list switches to a coastal view and is less than a 15-minute drive from Gleniff Horseshoe. Mullaghmore Head is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the beaches here are stunning- especially with the mountains you’ve just visited in the background. You can even go for a swim in the perfectly clear water, just remember that the water is freezing no matter the season.
There’s a loop walk around the coast, and along it you’ll find the classic viewpoint of Classiebawn Castle with Benbulben behind it. This is an easy, quick loop and the perfect way to finish off the day with a change of scenery.
quick tips for visiting sligo
Quick Tips for Visiting Sligo
Day Trip Overview
Start: Glencar Lough, Devils Chimney
15 Minute Drive to second stop: Benbulben
15 Minute Drive to third stop: Gleniff Horseshoe
15 Minute Drive to final stop: Mullaghmore Head
Best time to visit Sligo
- May–September offers the best chance of clear views and longer days, but can also be done year-round.
- Don’t worry too much about the weather- Sligo’s landscapes look incredible even in rain and low cloud, and that’s just a part of Ireland.
How long you need
- You can fit all four spots (Glencar, Devil’s Chimney, Benbulben, Gleniff Horseshoe, Mullaghmore Head) into a single day if you start early.
- A weekend gives you time to explore at a slower pace.
Getting around
- A car is necessary to explore Sligo- everything is close together but not well connected by public transport.
- All viewpoints mentioned above have free parking.
Difficulty of walks
- Glencar Waterfall – Easy
- Devil’s Chimney – Easy (40 mins)
- Benbulben Forest Loop – Easy (5 km)
- Gleniff Horseshoe – Easy but longer (10km)
- Mullaghmore Head – Easy coastal loop
What to pack for Sligo
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Snacks and water for the long day out
- A camera- the views are unreal
Good to know
- Devil’s Chimney can run dry- visit after rain for the best chance of seeing it.
- Cloud can sit low on Benbulben, but it still looks amazing.
Planning a trip to Sligo? Save this guide or tag @wrnrsophie if you visit- I’d love to see your adventures.
Trekora 
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