Collooney once had three railway stations, one each for three rival companies, which is a lot of railway for a town this size. They were the Midland Great Western on the Dublin–Mullingar line, the Great Southern and Western on the Claremorris/Limerick line, and the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties on the Manorhamilton–Enniskillen line. One survives: the station opened on 3 December 1862 still works on the Dublin–Sligo line, while the closed lines have been floated as future walking and cycling routes along the old ‘Burma Road’ of level crossings.
Collooney (Irish: Cúil Mhuine) sits a few miles south-west of Sligo town at the junction of the N4 Dublin–Sligo road and the N17 Sligo–Galway road. It’s a place to base yourself or pass through rather than a day-out in its own right, with the Ballysadare River and the Ox Mountains doing most of the work.
History
The town’s most dramatic day was 27 September 1798, when a combined French–Irish force under General Humbert met British troops from the Sligo garrison at Carricknagat, just outside the town. The United Irishman Bartholomew Teeling captured a British gun in the fighting, and the Teeling Monument on the main road marks the spot. It’s the one piece of history you can see without leaving the centre.
Industry came earlier. In the 18th century Charles O’Hara built a bleach mill to feed Sligo’s textile trade, drawing weavers and bleachers down from the north. The site later turned its hand to other things, including carbide, before closing in 1956. The stone mill building still stands.
Getting there
The N4/N17 junction puts Collooney roughly three hours from Dublin and two from Galway by car. Irish Rail stops at the working station on the Dublin–Sligo line, and local buses link the town to Sligo, Ballina and nearby villages.
There’s a small car park beside the Teeling Monument in the centre; check for any time limits or charges when you arrive.
Walking and outdoor activities
Union Wood, just north of the town, has waymarked trails through mixed woodland, heath and small streams, with viewpoints out to the Ox Mountains. The old railway corridor to the west has been earmarked as a possible greenway for walkers and cyclists.
For mountain biking, the Coolaney Loop in the Ox Mountains mixes forest tracks with open ridge, signposted from the R284 and a short drive from Collooney. If you’ve only time for one, take Union Wood on foot for the views and leave Coolaney for the bike.
Fishing on the Ballysadare River
The Ballysadare River, formed where the Owenmore and Unshin meet near the town, holds salmon and trout. You can fish from the bank or take a guided drift trip, with Shramore Lodge close to the better stretches. A valid Inland Fisheries Ireland licence is required.
Where to stay
Shramore Lodge is a self-catering lodge on the Ballysadare River, with private parking, Wi-Fi and a wood-burning stove. There are also B&Bs around Cloonacool and guesthouses in Ballysadare.
Nearby
Most of the area’s draws are a short drive out:
- Markree Castle (about 5 minutes) – a 17th-century mansion with gardens and a bird-of-prey centre.
- Ballymote Castle – a Norman tower house with guided tours.
- Carrowkeel Passage Tomb – a hilltop prehistoric burial complex with long views over south Sligo.
- Castle Dargan Golf Course – an 18-hole course in the hills east of the town.
Food and drink
The Gourmet Parlour Coffee Shop on the main street does pastries, breads and a changing menu of hot lunches, with parking outside. For a town this size it’s the obvious stop, and a better bet than waiting until you reach Sligo if you’re hungry on the road.
Practical information
- Public transport: Irish Rail (Dublin–Sligo line) stops at Collooney station; local buses connect to Sligo and surrounding towns.
- Parking: small car park near the Teeling Monument (check for fees).
- Entry fees: monuments and walking trails are free; nearby attractions such as Markree Castle may charge.
- Fishing licence: required for the Ballysadare River, from Inland Fisheries Ireland.
- Accommodation: Shramore Lodge plus B&Bs in the surrounding villages.