Ballintubber to Castlecoote

Trail Description

The Suck Valley Way leaves Ballintubber by the main road but a quick turn to the right will bring you back on a grassland pathway alongside a stream. As you continue walking you will notice a stone wall around Corrastoona Spring, in the past wells were not only a source of water but also a local meeting place. Continue walking through the fields and you will arrive at a junction on the main N60. Follow the downhill lane leading to the townland of Corbally and turn right over a wooden footbridge continuing through the fields until you reach the railway line. Once across the railway line, you will be in Corbally bog with views over Lough Anargaid and Peter’s Lough, this lake is named after a hermit, Peter of the Pikes, who lived there!

The Suck Valley Way continues through lanes and fields before arriving at an open area beside the river Suck which is an ideal picnic spot. A short walk on a narrow path through the wood leads you to a pathway alongside the banks of the river Suck where you will be able to see Donamon Castle in the distance. Donamon Castle is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Ireland with its history stretching back to 1154 when it was the seat of the O’Finaghtys family. It was brought in 1939 by the Divine Word Missonaries and several new buildings were added. These buildings are now in use by the Irish Wheelchair Association where they operate a holiday centre called Cuisle.

The way passes through the grounds of Donamon Castle and into woodland. The walker then crosses a high footbridge over the Derryhippo river where you will get a good view over Lough Linbaun. This lake is home to a crannóg, an ancient habitation constructed on an artificial island. 

There is also a shorter loop walk ‘The Castlecoote Loop’ that goes through this section. It is a 3.8km loop that has a short section on the Suck Valley Way. This is an ideal walk for families, look out for the colourful ladybirds that line the route!

The Way takes walkers into the heart of Castlecoote Village to the bridge over the river Suck. Lunch and light refreshments are available from the nearby Castlecoote Stores, and these can be enjoyed in the adjoining picnic area overlooking the Suck River. One of Roscommon's historic houses Castlecoote House, a magnificent Georgian mansion built on the site of a 16th century castle is located a short distance from here. It is well worth a visit before you continue on your walk towards Athleague.