What to expect on the Suck Valley Way
Follow the river valley on the Suck Valley Way and journey through a constantly changing backdrop of sleepy side roads, cross-country paths, woodland trails and riverbank walks.
Although the route is no simple feat, with a high point of 580m, a few uneven surfaces to negotiate and an estimated duration of five days to complete, there are also smaller looped walks to choose from.
Find all the information you need to start your journey at the Suck Valley Way Visitor Centre in Athleague – you can note all the local attractions and plan your route with the helpful staff before you set off or follow one of the four trails below.
Take to the trails
The Castlerea Trail
Time: 1 hour 30 mins
The Castlerea Trail is one of the shorter loop walks on the Suck Valley Way and a good way to start your hiking break with a great mix of history and scenery.
Walk through the expansive Castlerea Demesne Parklands and you’ll wind up at Clonalis House, home of the High Kings of Ireland. The impressive house has been restored and tours are available in the summer months.
This part of the Suck Valley Way brings walkers through a forest path, rich in greenery, taking you to the opposite end of Castlerea.
Along the way, watch out for the resting place of ‘Cindy the Elephant’ who visited with a circus and strolled to one of the local pubs, a story worth telling. At just over 6km, the Castlerea Trail takes 90 minutes and it is described as moderately difficult.
Ballygar to Creggs
Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
The Ballygar to Creggs Trail from the centre of Ballygar village winds through Aghrane Forest on its 16km route. This is one for more experienced walkers, and while there are optional shorter routes, the longer trail is one to experience. Spot the remains of the Castle Kelly Estate, originally built in the 14th century.
Around the 5km mark, find the Abbey Grey monastery before arriving at Mount Mary. Part of the Beara Breifne Way, Mount Mary is where Irish nobleman Donal Cam O’ Sullivan Beare and his army camped during their fourteen-night march in 1603.
On the last leg of the walk to Creggs, watch out for fallow deer and grey squirrels, or stop for a spot of wild berry picking.
Creggs to Ballymoe via Glinsk
Time: 4-5 hours
Travel along winding lanes and paths on the 22km from Creggs to Glinsk and further on to Ballymoe. The village of Kilbegnet is worth a pitstop where you’ll find graves dating back to the Great Famine of 1846 – 1848. From there, the trail moves to open fields with ringforts dotted along Rosmoylan Bog.
Stroll across the footbridge available to get the best views of Lough Loung before moving on to Glinsk Island, a beautiful forest area filled with silver birch.
Continue on your travels to Glinsk Castle and Glinsk Heritage Park, an ideal place to sit and take in the stunning landscapes. Enjoy views of heather, bog cotton and gorse flowers on this scenic section of the Suck Valley Way.
Castlecoote to Ballygar
Time: 5 hours
The Castlecoote to Ballygar route on The Suck Valley Way is 23km and not for the faint-hearted. Relish this challenging trail before making your first stop in Castlestrange which is the home of the famous La Tène stone, a 2,000-year-old stone that features a distinctive spiral pattern.
Resume your hike along the riverbank and on to Athleague. Whether or not you're an avid birdwatcher, keep an eye out for the groups of herons and swans that congregate here in the water below.
On the final stretch of your journey, ramble through paths and local roads to Rookwood Bridge, spotting Aragthy Bog and Mount Talbot as you make your way to your final destination of Ballygar.
Get your Beara Breifne Way passport
While you’re planning your short walking break along The Suck Valley Way make sure to order a Beara Breifne Way Passport to document your journey. You’ll get a unique stamp when you finish each section of the route.
With so many trails spread across the country, there's no need to put your hiking boots away just yet. Get ready to stretch your legs on your next walking and hiking route.
