Overview

Welcome to the Coolaney Mountain Bike Trails. This is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designated for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route. Choose from blue grade trails which take riders through beautiful forest and heathland, red grade trails with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean, Strandhill and Coolaney Village or a hair-raising black grade route designed for expert lever bikers. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with lots of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are waymarked in one direction, please follow the arrows.
The route uses multiple sections of forest roads and crosses many walking trails. You should expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time. In general, the trail is exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. Please make sure your mountain bike is in good working order and that you have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake these trails. All riders should be appropriately dressed and wear a helmet at all times. Please ride with consideration for other forest users and control your speed.

The trails are developed in partnership with Sligo County Council and are funded by the Dept of Rural & Community Development and Faillte Ireland and working in association with Coolaney Development Company and North-West MTB Club.

Navigate to the forest entrance and park in the new car-park just up the forest road. Open from 8am to 9pm each day.
Please do not park at the forest entrance as access is always needed in case of emergencies.
If the car-park is full, there is more parking available in Coolaney village.


Get Directions

MTB Trail images

Visitor Facilities on site

All visitor facilities are in Coolaney village and in nearby Sligo.

Trail map

Coolaney Blue – Trail Description

This blue grade trail is graded moderate, with numerous difficult sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Sometimes steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is for proficient cyclists only.

Information

Trails: High Road, Connect Four, Northwest Express, Pump N Pedal.

Distance: 5km with 100 meters climbing

Time: 45 to 90 minutes

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Trail Waymarking: Blue circle

Red Loop – Trail Description

This red grade route is difficult throughout with numerous severe sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Frequently steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is not for novice mountain bike riders.

 

Information

‘Baywatch’ Route (10km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Tin Tin, Yabba Dabba Do.

‘Buzzard Aldrin’ Route (12km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Buzzard Aldrin, Yabba Dabba Do.

‘Doomore’ Route (23km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Hornet, Kiwi, Vista Valley, Doomore, Ruby Rouge.

Time: 60 to 180 minutes

Degree of Difficulty: Difficult to severe

Trail Waymarking: Red circle

 

No Delay – Trail Description

This black grade route is severe throughout. The trails vary rapidly from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Prolonged steep and narrow sections are common, with drop offs and variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail should not be undertaken unless you are a highly experienced and highly competent mountain bike rider.

 

Information

‘No Delay’ Trail: 2.5km

‘R&D’ Trail: 2km

Time: 30 to 120 minutes

Degree of Difficulty: Severe throughout

Trail Waymarking: Black circle

Download Trail Map

Nearby pit stops.

Coolaney village & Sligo town

 

TOURISM LINKS

Sligo Tourism

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