Lough Gill
Lough Gill is a large, scenic lake straddling the Sligo-Leitrim border just southeast of Sligo town, ringed by wooded shores and dotted with small islands, one of which, Innisfree, inspired W.B. Yeats's famous poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree.' The lake and its surrounding countryside feature heavily throughout Yeats's work, and a signposted scenic drive circles much of the shoreline, taking in viewpoints, Parkes Castle on the Leitrim side, and access points for boat trips that run out onto the lake and past Innisfree itself. Beyond its literary associations, Lough Gill is simply an attractive, quiet spot for walking, cycling, or a relaxed drive, with the wooded Slish Wood and Dooney Rock areas offering short trails right on the water's edge, making it an easy, low-key half-day out from Sligo town.
Lough Gill FAQs
Innisfree, one of the lake's small islands, inspired his famous poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree,' and the wider lake and its shores feature throughout his poetry.
Yes, boat trips run seasonally from points around the lake, some passing close to Innisfree; check current schedules before visiting.
Yes, a signposted route circles much of the shoreline, taking in viewpoints and Parkes Castle on the Leitrim side.
Yes, areas like Slish Wood and Dooney Rock have short, easy walking trails along the water's edge.
No, the lake, shoreline, and scenic drive are free; only specific attractions like boat trips or Parkes Castle charge admission.
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