Cloonacool: River Landscape and Protected Structures

Cloonacool lies at the foot of the Ox Mountains; the River Moy flows through the village. The Mad River runs east of Cloonacool and joins the River Moy south of the village. Cloonacool Village Bridge spans the Mad River in a rocky gorge. The river setting and the bridge therefore relate to two different rivers.

Church and Bridge

Both structures are protected in Cloonacool and offer different architectural points of interest. St Michael’s RC Church is a detached, single-cell church dating from around 1830; the date is approximate. Cloonacool Village Bridge is a tall, semicircular limestone arch spanning the Mad River in a rocky gorge. The church is described by its layout and approximate date, while the bridge is defined by its arch, material and location.

Transport and Local Orientation

Cloonacool is served by Bus Éireann route 479 and Local Link. Check current timetables before travelling and plan your arrival around the services running on your chosen date. The village also has a small community park with a few picnic benches. If you plan to use the benches, check the current situation before your visit, as facilities may change.

The September Festival

A four-day festival is held in Cloonacool each September to celebrate the local tradition of sheep farming. The programme varies from year to year, so check the dates and access arrangements for your travel year before planning around the festival. For your travel dates, it is useful to distinguish between the two: the river setting and structures are not tied to the festival; the festival takes place in September and its programme varies.

More Places to Explore in County Sligo

County Sligo has its own distinctive historical points of interest. 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 friary with extensive surviving medieval remains of the church, sacristy and chapter house. The two sites represent different periods: Neolithic tombs at Carrowmore and medieval monastic remains at Sligo Abbey.

Carrowkeel in County Sligo also offers a distinctive archaeological attraction. The tombs there are more than 5,000 years old and may be explored by visitors; do not climb on or damage the tombs.

Streedagh Beach is also in County Sligo: the 3 km sandy beach connects Streedagh Point with Connor's Island. Sand dunes and an estuary provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part.

Discover more destinations: Mullaghmore, Riverstown, Grange, Geevagh, Cloghboley, Aclare, Easky, Derrybeg

For the broader travel overview: County Sligo.