Overview
In winter the fields and mudflats at the head of Drumcliff Bay fill with barnacle and brent geese – this is one of the more reliable places in Sligo to see them, and the reason the whole bay carries European protection. The Drumcliff River (older maps call it the Codnach) empties here into the shallows of Sligo Bay, between the low dune spit at Lower Rosses and the flat top of Benbulben. It’s a working coast of salt-marsh, tidal flat and strand, eight kilometres north of Sligo town, and most of it is level enough to walk with a buggy. Come at low tide and the mudflats run out to the horizon; come at high tide and there is less to see than the photos suggest.
Walking the Coast & Dunes
The area’s walking routes are largely flat and traffic-free, making them suitable for families, dog walkers, and cyclists alike. A gravel path runs along the natural ridge separating Benbulben from the bay, delivering steady views of the mountain, the river mouth, and the open sea. From here, you can easily extend your walk by connecting to the Benbulben Forest Walk, which loops through mature plantations and native woodlands before returning to the coast.
The dune system at Lower Rosses is a protected habitat where marram grass and sea lavender stabilise the shifting sands. Staying on marked paths is important to protect the fragile dune grasses and nesting sites. Further along the shoreline, Lissadell Strand offers a broad, sweeping beach that’s popular for leisurely strolls and picnics. On calm days, the water is shallow enough for a quick dip, though visitors should always check tide times before heading out.
Angling on the Drumcliff River
The Drumcliff River is one of County Sligo’s most respected freshwater fisheries. The waterway is split into two distinct angling zones by the N15 bridge: upstream allows all legal methods, while the downstream stretch is strictly fly-only. This regulation has helped maintain excellent populations of salmon, sea trout, and brown trout.
The “Fly Pools” just beyond the bridge are particularly renowned during the Mayfly hatch in late spring and early summer. Anglers typically use natural flies like the Cahill, Green Peter, or Mayfly imitation to match the hatch. The river has produced record catches including sea trout over 1½ lb and salmon reaching 22 lb.
Fishing Seasons:
- Salmon: 1 Feb – 30 Sep
- Sea trout: 1 Feb – 12 Oct
- Brown trout: 1 Feb – 12 Oct
A valid Irish Inland Fisheries licence is required year-round. Check the Inland Fisheries Ireland website for the latest regulations and bag limits before casting.
Wildlife & Conservation
The bay is protected at European level: it forms part of the Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay Special Area of Conservation (site code 000627) and a Special Protection Area (004013) under the Habitats and Birds Directives. The tidal flats and adjacent fields are a wintering ground for barnacle and brent geese, and BirdWatch Ireland counts the flocks across the mudflats and the nearby Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, locally the “goose field”. If you come for one thing, make it the geese: a clear winter morning an hour or two either side of low tide, when they are out feeding on the flats.
Spring and autumn migrations bring a rotating cast of waders, including oystercatchers, curlews, redshanks, and various gull species. The best birdwatching happens at low tide when the birds are actively feeding on exposed invertebrates. Binoculars and a quiet approach will reward you with close views of the winter flocks.
History & Cultural Connections
The landscape around the estuary carries layers of Irish history and mythology. The river’s traditional name, Codnach, translates to “placid or even-tempered river”. Early Irish texts, including the Dinnsenchus, reference wicker boats once built on its banks, while medieval historian Mac Firbisigh records a now-lost “Fort of Codhnach” nearby.
A short walk downstream from the estuary leads to the village of Drumcliff, home to a 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St Columba. The village churchyard is the final resting place of W.B. Yeats, who requested to be buried “under a hill in County Sligo” with Benbulben watching over him. The area’s quiet atmosphere and long literary associations make it a reflective stop for anyone tracing Ireland’s poetic heritage.
Practical Information
- Getting There: The estuary and river are easily accessed from the N15. Small car parks are available near the Lower Rosses dunes and at Lissadell Strand, with limited street parking in Drumcliff village.
- Tides & Safety: Mudflat walking is only safe at low tide. Consult the Irish Marine Forecast or a local tide table before heading out, as the water can rise quickly.
- Facilities: Public toilets are located at Lissadell Strand and in Drumcliff village. A small café near the beach serves tea, coffee, and light refreshments.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months offer the highest concentration of geese and waders. For angling, February to September covers the main salmon run, while May and June are peak months for sea trout.
- Nearby Stops: Combine your visit with a walk up Benbulben for panoramic coastal views, or explore the gardens and estate at Lissadell House, a short drive inland.
A half-day does the bay justice: the river mouth and dunes, then the ten-minute walk into Drumcliff village for the high cross, round tower and Yeats’ grave. Check a tide table first – the safe, dry window on the flats can be only a couple of hours.