The Ox Mountain Scenic Drive.
The tour starts at Ballisodare and tours the area taking the Hungry Rock
Road through the Ox Mountains to Coolaney, driving along the Owenmore
River and returning over the Ox Mountains along the scenic Ladies Brae
route to Skreen, continuing north to Aughris and Dunmoran strand and returning
along the Coast Road parallel to Dromard. Rejoining our route at Beltra
we return to Ballisodare. The scenery is varied including the Ballisodare
estuary, the lovely mountainous wood-cladded drive and the coastal cliff
and beaches near Aughris and Dunmoran Strand. Opportunities for climbing,
forest walks, bird watching and water sports are presented along the route
together with a choice of picnic spots.
Ballisodare
Ballisodare is situated at the river mouth of the Owenmore River and gives
its name to Ballisodare Bay. It takes its name from the falls and rapids
(East Dara). 600m north of the bridge off the Ballina road are the remains
of the 7th century monastery founded by St. Feichin of Fore. The building
called Teampall Mor Feichin is a pre-Romanesque church with a Romanesque
door inserted later in the south wall. 250m to the west is a fine 15th
century church of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, which is practically
buried in the waste material from the quarry. Near the bridge on the Dublin
Road is "The Thatch", an old style pub renowned for traditional
music.
Hungry Rock
Continue your route on the N59/T40, bear left to the Hungry Rock and Coolaney,
a short, relatively steep, climb over the Ox mountains. The Forest and
Wildlife Service have provided a new forest walk and picnic area on the
right.
Trek 1 Dunmore
"Glen Wood" and trek to summit "Dunmore"(Dumha
Mor) the large mound, this refers
to a large chain of cairns (stones) on its summit(50ft. diameter, 12 ft.high).There
is a tradition that this mound is called "Laghta Dhonal na Guire"
- The stone of Donall of the hounds.The views from here are excellent.
(Time 2 hours return)
A large rock, on the right at the top of the hill, is called "The
Hungry Rock". Tradition tells us that many people died along
this route during the famine of 1845-48. To guard against a similar end
the passerby throws a stone at the rock to ward off the great hunger.
Hawk's Well
Nearby is the Hawk's Rock and Tullaghan Well which are supposedly those
referred to in the Yeats play "At the Hawk's Well" after which
the Hawk's Well Theatre in Sligo is named.In the play this well is a source
of eternal youth - if the old man can stay awake Beside the well long
enough until water appears in the well so that he may imbibe. The legend
tells us that Eremon's servant Gamh was killed on the mountain, thus giving
his name to Sliabh Gamh, or Ox Mountains.After his head was cast into
the well, it became enchanted, giving fresh water at one time and salt
water at another. It is held locally that the water ebbs and flows with
the tide. In the medieval period it was regarded as one of the Wonders
of Ireland or so we are told in The Book of Ballymote. Irish Walks Guide
No. 3, North West, by Simms and Foley details an 8 km walk in this area.In
O’Flaherty’s
"Ogygia"(Wonders of Ireland) the verse describes the well
:
"In Sligo’s district on Mount Gam’s
high side,
A fountain lies not washed
by oceans tide,
Each circling day it different
water brings the fresh, the salt from it
alternate springs".
Trek 2 Coolaney
Leaving this landscape of wild beauty we come to Coolaney. Here the old
Pack Horse Bridge is sadly neglected with quite large trees growing on
top of the bridge. Though only a small stream flows below it, the bridge
has many arches. Take a stroll along the "River Walk" at the
rear of the village beside the Owenbeg River. Coolaney village has won
the tidy towns competition for the past few years. Turn right at the top
of Coolaney to Rockfield. Here the parish church and school are situated.
The "Mountain Inn" (Lipsetts of Coolaney) recently renovated
to cater for the tourist and people of the area. En-suite rooms available.
On warm days enjoy the enclosed south facing suntrap "Beer Garden".
Enjoy a drink with friends on chilly evenings in the warmth of our "Log
Fire".
Trek 3 Knocknashee
Getting out, seeing our beautiful countryside, walk our quiet hills and
dales to the call of the wild birds.Investigate Fairyforts; Cairns; Giants
graves. Walk the old railway line sleeper to sleeper as you did as a child.
Scent the wild flowers and meet our local people to ask directions and
hear folklore stories. The hillwalkers should climb the "Hill of
Knocknashee", site of the old village on a plateau.
Gilligans World
A stone tunnel entrance, with dolmen and amphitheater rising out of lush
green lawns commences your escape from the "real world" into
a land of artistry and imagination. A magical place, children love and
adults adore.Botanical gardens, pet village, faerie glade, picnic area
and gift shop. Open 6 days a week Easter to the 9 the of September * Tuesday-Friday
11.00 to 7.00pm Saturday/Sunday 12.00 to 7.00pm Adults: £4 children:
£3, tel 071 84100.
Carrowmore Schoolhouse
Visit this old school and view the living accommodation of the master,
check the rolebooks of the past pupils of this interesting place.
Ladies Brae
Turn right when the signpost indicates Ladies Brae, a scenic route across
the Ox mountains, still running close to the Owenboy River for much of
the way. The rugged grandeur has been clothed in afforestation in recent
years, where you may enjoy forest walks and picnic sites. From the top
of the mountain the view north across Sligo Bay is magnificent -Benbulben
and Knocknarea, Ballisodare Bay and the Donegal mountains in the distance.
The highest points are Knockalongy (545m) and Knockachree (538m), below
which is Lough Achree, of which it is claimed, falsely no doubt, to be
the youngest lake in Ireland. Bear left at the fork and head for Skreen,
passing Red Hill (175m) on right.
Skreen.
At Skreen you may visit the roadside well on the loop roach (it is called
Scrin Adamnan after the saint who wounded a church here in the 7th century.
It was this Adamnan who wrote the biography of Colmcille. Of particular
interest in the cemetery is the Diamond monument, a burial vault dated
1826 to commemorate Alexander Black which depicts a gentleman in morning
suit behind a plough! Monumental sculptors by the name of Diamond still
live nearby.
Aughris
A detour to the sea road takes the visitor to Aughris, a picturesque fishing
harbour. Nearby on the cliffs are the nesting places of various species
of sea birds. The site is of international interest amongst ornithologists.
Access to the cliffs is north, through the mainly deserted village settlement
of Aughris, and continue over the rising ground to the cliff face. As
you cross the field you will observe very low traces of many circular
and rectangular hanks which were used as costal booley huts. that is the
temporary dwellings of those who herded cattle during the summer grazing
periods in remote places such as mountainsides or coastal areas. To the
north-east is Aughris early monastic site and a promontory fort is on
the headland, partially eroded by the sea.
Dunmoran Strand
The Beach Bar at Aughris is well known for its Saturday night traditional
music sessions . Eastwards along the coast road is, signposted left, Dunmoran
Strand. This is an extensive, little used, secluded beach of which there
are many along the western coast. The return to Ballisodare can be made
along the coast road as far as Beltra or along the main road. Sections
of the main road are densely wooded which give it a romantic character
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