Sligo Camino is without a doubt one of the best events I have ever taken part in…

On the 2nd of July two friends and I drove to Sligo to take part in the 36km Sligo Camino trek from Dromahair to Coolaney the following day and ended up having a super weekend! From the moment we arrived in Coolaney village on the Sunday morning for registration we could tell we were in for a brilliant day – the welcome by the friendly volunteers, the expert organisation, the ease with which we were loaded onto buses and given a brief talk about the day ahead all set the relaxed and warm tone. We received our camino passports, maps and t-shirts before boarding the bus and once seated immediately got chatting with people who had been coming to take part in the Sligo Camino over the years and who kept coming back because it was so good. This is always good to hear when it’s your first time taking part in something!

The drive along the country roads to our starting position in Dromahair gave us a small glimpse of the landscape we would be walking through shortly and seeing how beautiful it was we were excited to get going. The weather was a little overcast, but the rain was holding off and it wasn’t cold, just right for a day-long trek in wild Ireland really.

From the off we were surrounded by lush green countryside, passing 16th century Creevelea Abbey on the banks of the River Bonnet. There were forested sections that made us feel like we were rambling through a fairytale – simply beautiful! And, a highlight for me personally was pausing by Yeats’ Lake Isle of of Inisfree to take in the stunning views. The landscape was continually changing as we walked, offering wide breath-taking views one minute, a section that went uphill through giant boulders the next, before emerging onto a vast mountainous section, then more forests and little lanes and backroads… it was just so interesting at every twist and turn along the way.

As a small group taking part for the first time, one of the things that really stood out for us was how well we were catered for. At the rest points where we received our Sligo Camino passport stamps, the teams of volunteers went above and beyond to make sure we were looked after. There was tea, coffee, water, fruit, chocolate bars galore as well as so many words of support and encouragement. It really did create a very special atmosphere to see how much those running the event were also enjoying themselves. Every direction we turned, we were met with smiles and offered a drink or snack – they really could not do enough for us.

Although this is a large group event, it is a self-guided walk, so you set your own pace and stop whenever you fancy. This works extremely well because the entire route is so well sign-posted and instead of counting up the kilometres, it counts them down, which is very satisfying indeed, especially the closer you get to the finish point! There are also marshalls and dotted along the way to make sure you’re getting on ok and to lend a hand or answers any questions, and I have to say, every single one of them was up for a chat and a bit of a laugh, keeping everyone’s spirits high as the miles began to clock up.

It was just brilliant to spend the day trekking with two friends; we kept one another motivated along the beautiful and at times rather strenuous route and there were plenty of treats shared among us as we trudged along through all weathers. We had sun and rain showers on and off all day, but really, there was nothing that could put a dampener on such an excellent event.

After we enjoyed the feeling of exhilaration at crossing the finish line we couldn’t believe it when we were directed into a marquee that was laid with tables, each decorated in beautiful linen and flowers. There were three amazing dinners to choose from, a chicken curry, vegetable curry and a vegan tomato dish with rice and all the trimmings. There was fruit, cake, tea and coffee and although we were well and truly exhausted, it felt so good to take the weight off and tuck into a delicious home-made dinner.

We chatted among ourselves as we dined like queens, the buzz in the marquee tangible as other walkers came and went, celebrating their achievement. We were all slightly in awe of the fact that the whole event is organised and run by local volunteers and that all the money made from ticket sales goes back into community projects – quite incredible when you think about it and truly humbling to see what people can accomplish when they work together. We vowed to go back in 2023, only this time with more of our friends in tow, it’s too good a day out not to share!

A HUGE thank-you to the Sligo Camino team for all your hard work, your kindness, encouragement and generosity – you are all amazing and Wild Women Events looks forward to joining you again next year for your wonderful trek through the most beautiful landscape.