A late-October weekend around Sligo & Leitrim, in search of swims, picnics and autumn colours

At Lough Gill we couldn’t find a swim-entry point at Parke’s Castle so we drove to Glencar Lake pier, where there is a tranquil stone jetty

A perfect corner of the lake for a picnic, and all very golden in the October sun

The nearest large settlement to our lovely North Sligo cottage on Yellow Strand was Rosses Point (above), where you’ll find the swirling swim spot Deadman’s Point (more of that later)

The clocks were just about to go back and the days were short, the sunshine unreliable

Bishop’s Pool at Mullaghmore Head was raging on the first day but quiet and good for a chilly star-float on the next

Nearby we found a great viewpoint for Classiebawn Castle (above), although the morning light was all wrong …

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