Castlerea Trails

Trail Description

The Castlerea Section of the Suck Valley Way is now open! Stroll through the impressive Castlerea Demesne parklands and soak in the heritage and wildlife of ancient woodlands, before reaching Clonalis House, home of the High Kings of Ireland.

The Suck Valley Way allows walkers to explore Castlerea’s rich past. Once you arrive in Castlerea then, the trail continues through the impressive Demesne parkland. The Demesne is at the heart of the town and was once home to the Sandford family who were granted the land during Penal times. The town developed under the Sandford family who remained in power in Castlerea until the 19th century. Today the Demesne is a beautiful park with walkers following the Suck Valley Way along by the river. While in the Demesne it is also worth your while to take a peek into the Fairy Village, home to Castlerea’s magical folk!! The Suck Valley Way continues onto a forested path bringing walkers to the opposite side of the town. On this path you will come across the grave of ‘Cindy the Elephant’, Cindy visited Castlerea as part of the circus in 1958 and became famous for visiting one of the local pubs. This path exits onto Ballindrimley Road and into the ancient woods of Clonalis. At the end of this trail walkers will be rewarded with magnificent views of Clonalis House which was once home to the ancient High Kings of Connaught and at times the High Kings of Ireland. It is said that Clonalis Demesne is the last remnant of the ancient Kingdom of Connaught. The house that stands today was built in 1878 and has been lovingly restored by the O’Conor Nash family who are direct descendants of the Kings of Connaught. Tours of this magnificent house are available in the summer season. For more information click here.

(Dogs on leads welcome in the Demesne, No Dogs in the Clonalis Woodland).