When deciding on a trip to Geevagh, location is not the only consideration: the Miner’s Way, natural features and traditional customs offer different points of interest. Geevagh is about 25 km southeast of Sligo Town on the regional road R-284, which leads to Ballyfarnon in County Roscommon.
The Miner’s Way and its route types
The Miner’s Way follows quiet country roads, paths across fields, open bogland and forest tracks. One section leads from Geevagh to Lynch’s Mountain. This gives you two points to consider when choosing: the specific connection to the area along this section and the character of the route’s landscape.
Rivers, hills and lakes
Geevagh’s natural attractions include the Feorish River and the Camoge River. Nearby, 458-metre Carran Hill towers over the village. Lough Nasool has a distinctive hydrological feature: the lake can be almost completely drained through underground channels. Lough Nasool may also drain underground into Lough Bo.
Fishing is another activity associated with the waters in the area. Lough Bo near Geevagh is well suited to trout fishing. The Féoris River also flows near Geevagh; a historical account tells of anglers fishing on its banks in summer.
Traditional customs in Geevagh
Traditional customs from Geevagh relate to two different feast days. One tradition recounts that shamrocks were worn on St. Patrick’s Day in honour of Saint Patrick. Another refers to 1 February: in honour of Saint Brighid, a straw cross was made and attached to the ceiling until the following anniversary. The difference lies in both the date and the action: in one case, a symbol was worn; in the other, an object remained hanging for a longer period.
More cultural attractions in County Sligo
County Sligo offers additional, distinct cultural attractions. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. Sligo Abbey is a Dominican priory with extensive medieval remains of the church, sacristy and chapter house. At Carrowkeel, visitors can explore the tombs, which are more than 5,000 years old; they must not be climbed or damaged. Sligo Folk Park features reconstructed village streets, cottages and a schoolhouse, as well as 12 exhibitions about rural Ireland.
Coast and food in County Sligo
The coast of County Sligo offers its own landscape and activity highlights. Streedagh Beach is a 3 km-long sandy beach connecting Streedagh Point with Connor’s Island. Its sand dunes and estuary are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part.
For a culinary perspective, there is the Sligo Food Trail, a network of more than 70 food-related businesses from County Sligo. The trail also includes four weekly arts, crafts and food markets. Check market days before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ballaghnatrillick, Tiratick, Cliffony, Ballygawley, Ballisodare, Curry, Sligo, Ballymote
For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.
