Overview
Cloonacool (Irish: Cluain na Cúile, meaning “the meadow at the back”) sits quietly at the foot of the Ox Mountains, with the town of Coolaney located approximately 15 km to the east-northeast. The village rests at the intersection of the Ballina road and the route to Tubbercurry, cradled by the confluence of the River Moy, the Mad River, and the River Berna. While modest in size, Cloonacool’s position makes it a practical and peaceful base for exploring north-west Sligo’s rivers, woodlands, and ancient stone sites.
History & Heritage
The village’s Irish name points directly to its agricultural past, describing the sheltered grazing land behind the settlement. Human activity in the surrounding hills stretches back centuries, best preserved at the nearby Cashelore stone fort. Also known as Cashel Bir or Bawnboy, this circular cashel dates to between 500 and 1000 AD. Built primarily as a farmstead to protect livestock and families from raiders and wild animals, the fort measures 23 m by 16 m with walls 3 m thick and up to 2.4 m high. The entrance faces east-northeast and is partially blocked by fallen stones, while an 1891 record notes the presence of a souterrain leading down the hillside. The site was famously painted by local artist Wakeman in 1880, capturing its rugged hilltop setting.
Walking & Nature
The landscape around Cloonacool offers excellent opportunities for walking and hiking, from gentle village loops to rugged mountain paths:
- Cloonacool Community Park Walkway – A purpose-built, flat loop walkway running around the perimeter of the community park. Surfaced with gravel and equipped with energy-efficient, low-level lighting, it provides a safe, accessible route for walking, jogging, and running at any time of day.
- The Sligo Way & Ox Mountains – The 80 km Sligo Way long-distance walking route passes through the Ox Mountains near the village. Walkers can access scenic sections of the trail nearby, following quiet forest tracks and open peatland paths with sweeping views over the surrounding valleys.
- River Moy Paths – The infant River Moy flows straight through the village, and quiet country lanes running parallel to its banks offer tranquil, flat walking routes framed by wildflower-rich hedgerows.
Mountain Biking & Outdoor Pursuits
Just a short drive northeast lies the Coolaney Mountain Bike Trail Centre, one of Ireland’s most extensive purpose-built singletrack networks. Developed in partnership with Sligo County Council and Coillte, the trail system features circular routes ranging from 3 km to 22 km. Trails are colour-coded by difficulty: blue routes suit beginners and families, while red and black trails offer technical rock gardens, rollers, and fast descents for experienced riders. Forest road climbs lead to elevated singletrack with sweeping views over Ballisodare Bay, Sligo Bay, and the Dartry Mountains.
Anglers also favour the area. The River Moy is internationally recognised for salmon and sea trout, with several accessible banks near Cloonacool. The quieter Mad River and River Berna hold brown trout and are popular with families and novice anglers. A valid Irish angling licence is required, available online or at local tackle shops.
Festivals & Community Life
Cloonacool’s calendar is highlighted by the annual Cloonacool Sheep Festival. Held over four days in mid-September, this festival began in 2019 as a grassroots response to rural decline and has grown into a major regional draw. The programme typically includes live music, a music bingo night, and a charity kiddies’ tractor run. The Sunday open day features competitive sheep and sheepdog shows and is free to attend. Tickets for evening events are sold through the festival committee.
For a post-walk or post-festival pint, visitors can head to Breege Brennan’s, a traditional pub in the village. For a wider selection of dining and pubs, the town of Tubbercurry is just a 10-minute drive south, offering popular spots like Mickey Macs Pub and Cawleys Hotel.
Practical Information
Getting There
Cloonacool is most easily reached by car via local roads linking to the N17 at Tubbercurry. Public transport is very limited: Bus Éireann route 479 runs between Aclare, Coolaney, and Sligo, stopping in Cloonacool. This service operates on a highly restricted weekly schedule (typically on Fridays), so checking the latest timetable on the Transport for Ireland (TFI) website is essential before planning a journey.
Amenities & Facilities
- Parking – Free roadside parking is available in the village and at the Coolaney mountain bike trailhead.
- Family facilities – The village has its own Community Park, which includes walking paths, local GAA playing pitches, and open green space.
- Dogs – Most walking routes and riverside areas welcome dogs on a leash.
- Contact – For local event updates, check the Cloonacool Community pages or contact local tourism boards.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early summer deliver mild weather ideal for walking and cycling, while autumn brings vibrant foliage to the Ox Mountains and riverside valleys. The Sheep Festival in September offers the best opportunity to experience local culture firsthand. Anglers typically target late summer for salmon runs, and mountain bikers often prefer the drier, firmer ground of May through July.
Cloonacool rewards visitors who slow down and explore at a local pace. Arrive early on a festival Sunday to secure a spot at the sheep show, or head straight to the Coolaney trail centre for a morning ride before the afternoon winds pick up in the valley.