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heritage · Saturday 4 July 2026 · 7:00am 
Sligo Camino - 11th Annual Walking Challenge
At Coolaney Community Centre · Coolaney, Co. Sligo
At Coolaney Community Centre · Coolaney, Co. Sligo
The Sligo Camino is a 34.5km charity walking challenge that has grown into one of the most popular single-day treks in the west of Ireland. Now in its 11th year, the event draws hundreds of walkers each July for a full day on the Sligo Way, finishing at Coolaney Community Centre with a hot dinner, live entertainment, and a finisher’s medal waiting at the end. It suits fit adults who are comfortable covering long distances - the route includes bog terrain, forest paths, and open hillside, so this is a serious day out rather than a gentle ramble. First-timers and veteran walkers alike come back for it year after year, and early waves have been selling out.
Walkers bus out from Coolaney Community Centre to the start point at Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, before setting off on foot back through the Sligo Way landscape. The route passes Creevelea Abbey, follows the shores of Lough Gill through Slish Woods, and skirts close to the Lake Isle of Inishfree - the island that inspired W.B. Yeats. Three departure waves leave at 7am, 8:30am and 10am; the early waves have already sold out for 2026, so the 10am slot is the one to book now.
The €60 entry includes the bus transfer, a route map, light refreshments and fruit at two stops along the way, a hot dinner at the finish, a commemorative t-shirt, and a native tree planted in each walker’s name. Irish comedian Karl Spain and supporting acts perform in the Sligo Camino Tent after the walk. A sweep vehicle follows the route for anyone who needs to stop, and first aiders are stationed along the way. Dogs are not permitted on the route.
Come prepared: walkers need to bring a packed lunch and water, wear broken-in footwear, and carry sunscreen. The organisers recommend you only attempt the challenge if you regularly walk 10km or more without stopping. Under-14s are not admitted.
Coolaney is a small village in the Owenmore valley, roughly 22km south-east of Sligo town. From Sligo, take the N17 south and follow signs for Coolaney via the R293. There is no direct bus service to Coolaney, so driving or arranging a lift is the practical option for most people. Parking is available at the community centre. On event day, the bus transfer to Dromahair is included in your entry, so you simply need to get yourself to Coolaney for your wave time.
The village sits at the foot of the Ox Mountains with good views across the Sligo uplands - worth a look around after you have recovered from the walk. There is more to see in Coolaney and across Co. Sligo.
Heading to Coolaney Community Centre in Coolaney? Sligo has plenty more to see. Read the Coolaney area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.