The River Suck links a 60 mile stretch of countryside in West Roscommon and East Galway known as The Suck River Valley. 

The Suck Valley Way is marked with black posts on which carved yellow arrows show direction, and feature the international Walking Man symbol above the arrow. Whenever the Way leaves or joins a tarmac road you will see a brown fingerpost inscribed "Suck Valley Way" with the Walking Man Symbol.

The 100km Walk Way is unusual among Irish Waymarked Ways because for most of it's length it lies across lowland farms. It also crosses the boglands and callows of the river Suck with their numerous lakes and drainage channels. The way passes through the "Nine Friendly Villages", Ballygar, Creggs, Glinsk, Ballymoe, Ballintubber, Dunamon, Castlecoote, Athleague and Castlecoote.

Each of the "Nine Friendly Villages" has its own charm and association with characters from history. In each village you will see a Map Board depicting the route and historical sites of the valley.

The area is rich in history, and offers a unique opportunity to experience the life of rural Ireland, a glimpse of its history and the rich bird- and plant-life of the boglands and callows.

Glinsk

The high footbridge over a drain gives you a good view of Lough Loung, and you may see a variety of waterfowl from this viewpoint. Then you enter a series of boreens and lanes which being you to Glinsk Island. No island, though it must have been nearly surrounded by bog, The Way follows an old track through the wood, and with trees arching above it is, for me personally, one of the most beautiful sections of the Way.

The lane leads to the road at Glinsk village. On the right is Gllinsk Castle, built by the Burke family. ( The burkes were originally "de Burgo", one of the leading Norman families in the invasion of Ireland). There was an older castle here, and O’Sullivan Beara had a rough reception from the Burkes as he passed this way. If you have time to spare, a short walk round the Glinsk Heritage Park is worth while. (Joss Lynam)

Enthusiasts may take six days to complete the route The less energetic may decide to complete smaller stages, stopping en route to re-energise in any or all of the villages along the way.

Accommodation is available close to all points of the Way and transport can be arranged between accommodation providers. There are train services in Roscommon and Castlerea, with bus links to Belfast, Dublin and Galway. Knock International Airport is close to us.

Contact us for detail map/booklet or any other information relating to the Walk Way. We look forward to hearing from you.

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