48 Hours in Sligo - The Camino

Situated on the Surf Coast, Sligo is a landscape carved by legends and seeped in mythology. It’s the burial ground of a warrior queen and home to many modern day surf legends. Immortalised by WB Yeats, Sligo was the famous poet’s ‘Land of Heart’s Desire.’ One glance at Benbulben, Ireland’s own table top mountain and one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Wild Atlantic Way and you'll understand why!

Classiebawn Castle in the shadow of Benbulben

What’s the story, where is Sligo?

Sligo is tucked into Ireland’s north-west corner, where the Atlantic meets a dramatic sweep of mountains and myth feels never too far away. Best known as the spiritual home of W.B. Yeats, this is a landscape that has long inspired writers, walkers and wanderers, a place where nature does most of the talking.

The county is defined by contrasts: long, windswept beaches and quiet inland lakes; lively surf towns and sleepy rural roads; the unmistakable silhouette of Benbulben watching over it all. Life here moves at a gentler pace, shaped by tides, weather systems and ancient paths that still guide people through the land today.

Despite its wild reputation, Sligo is easy to reach. It’s just under three hours from Dublin by car, a straightforward drive that gradually leaves busy motorways behind. Regular train services run from Dublin Connolly to Sligo town, offering a scenic alternative, while direct buses connect Sligo with Dublin and other major Irish cities. Once you arrive, everything feels refreshingly close; town, trailheads, beaches and mountains all within easy reach.

Sligo has a way of feeling both grounded and expansive at the same time. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, to walk with intention, and to pay attention, the perfect setting for a Camino that’s as much about reflection as it is about distance.

Where we stayed - Driftwood on Rosses Point

Seaview room at The Driftwood

For our Sligo base, we chose The Driftwood, a stylish and welcoming boutique stay nestled right on the Wild Atlantic Way in the coastal village of Rosses Point, just ten minutes from Sligo town and a world away in vibe and scenery.

Set right on the water, The Driftwood blends contemporary comfort with a strong sense of place. Rooms are thoughtfully designed, many with sea views, making it easy to slip into a slower rhythm from the moment you arrive. Mornings begin with the Atlantic just outside the window, while evenings are best spent downstairs in the bar and restaurant, where locally inspired food is served against a backdrop of Oyster Island and wide-open sky.

Staying here naturally draws you outdoors. A few steps away, The Hot Box Sauna offers the perfect post-walk ritual - heat, cold, repeat - while a high-tide swim at Dead Man’s Point provides an invigorating plunge straight into Sligo Bay. When it’s time to dry off and wind down, Austies and Harry’s, two much-loved local pubs, are close by, serving hearty food, good pints and an easy, welcoming atmosphere that feels very much of this place.

It’s an ideal base for exploring Sligo’s coast, and for resting up before or after a Camino that will test your limits. However, you might prefer to base yourself closer to the start or finish of the Camino in either Dromahair in County Leitrim or Coolaney in County Sligo.

Oyster Island, stunning views from The Driftwood, Rosses Point

The Camino - a walk with a purpose

The Sligo Camino is a distinctive long-distance trek that celebrates both the wild beauty of the West of Ireland and the spirit of community. Each year (traditionally on the first Saturday of July) walkers gather to take on a 34.5 km route that follows part of the Sligo Way from the village of Dromahair in County Leitrim to Coolaney in County Sligo. It’s a walk that blends coastal fringes, quiet forests and open countryside, with boardwalks skirting between Lough Gill and Slish Woods, secluded lakes like Lough Lumman, and stone-lined lanes through the heart of rural Ireland. The route offers a rich tapestry of scenery,  from historic abbey ruins to riverside paths and upland trails, rewarding every step with its sheer variety and sense of place.

What makes the Sligo Camino truly special is the mix of challenge and camaraderie. It’s a demanding day walk usually taking between six and eight hours on varied terrain including forest paths, gravel tracks, upland trails and country lanes. Walkers are encouraged to come prepared both physically and mentally for the distance. Along the way there are refreshment stops for water, fruit and light snacks, and finishers are welcomed in Coolaney with a hot meal, a t-shirt, and a commemorative medal. For many participants, it’s as much about personal achievement and connection with the landscape as it is about supporting community projects close to home, the event is organised by volunteers and all proceeds go towards local facilities in Coolaney.

Whether you’re seeking a new outdoor challenge, a meaningful way to explore Sligo’s wild interior, or a social walk with purpose and heart, the Sligo Camino delivers on all counts. It’s a day where miles become memories, and where every weary step is matched by the warmth of shared accomplishment.

For information on this year’s event: https://www.sligocamino.ie/