SO MUCH TO SEE...SO MUCH TO DO
SLIGO will enchant you. It is a county that celebrates its independent spirit. A place steeped in history and mythology, with a creative tradition that lives in the music, art, poetry and expression of its people. From lakes and rivers to beaches and dramatic limestone mountains, Sligo is a place where ancient sites, spectacular landscapes and rolling waves inspire stories, trails and adventures that will open your mind and invigorate your body. Come and join us in Sligo and set your spirit free. Sligo, capital of the North West region, is one of Ireland’s largest towns. The county offers a unique destination with the dramatic backdrop of Benbulben, glimmering beaches, rolling green hills, and magical woodlands, with unsurpassed leisure activities.

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Sligo has a wealth of attractions. Take a tour of the 13th century Sligo Abbey; watch eagles soaring at Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey; visit Drumcliffe, the final resting place of W.B. Yeats; experience rural life and heritage at the turn of the late 19th century at the Sligo Folk Park, and lots more.

Sligo boasts magnificent golf links courses along the Atlantic seaboard, and parklands over fairways adorned with ancient mature trees, and unspoiled views of the county. From water sports to seaweed baths and horse riding or even some leisurely fishing, the county has so much to offer for whatever your interests may be. Catch a wave at the popular seaside village of Strandhill. Sligo is renowned for its quality surf. From the myths and legends of ancient Ireland to the poetry of Yeats and the music of Coleman, Westlife and Dervish, Sligo’s cultural and literary heritage is world famous and still actively celebrated.

Sligo’s archaeological and mythological heritage is incredibly rich, the landscape is peppered with monuments, stretching back 5,000 years; Many of the walking routes incorporate sites of archaeological and historical significance.

Things to do around Sligo

so much to see ... so much to do

Sligo has a wealth of attractions. Take a tour of the 13th century Sligo Abbey; watch eagles soaring at Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey; visit Drumcliffe, the final resting place of W.B. Yeats; experience rural life and heritage at the turn of the late 19th century at the Sligo Folk Park, and lots more.
Sligo boasts magnificent golf links courses along the Atlantic
seaboard, and parklands over fairways adorned with ancient
mature trees, and unspoiled views of the county. From water sports to seaweed baths and horse riding or even some leisurely fishing, the county has so much to offer for whatever your interests may be. Catch a wave at the popular seaside village of Strandhill. Sligo is renowned for its quality surf. From the myths and legends of ancient Ireland to the poetry of Yeats and the music of Coleman, Westlife and Dervish, Sligo’s cultural and literary heritage is world famous and still actively celebrated. Sligo’s archaeological and mythological heritage is incredibly rich, the landscape is peppered with monuments, stretching back 5,000 years; Many of the walking routes incorporate sites of archaeological and historical significance.

sligo abbey

Sligo Town. www.heritageireland.ie – This Sligo Town landmark was founded in 1252/3 and contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculptures and the only sculptured 15th Century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church.

SLIGO COUNTY MUSEUM

Stephen Street, Sligo Town – In Sligo Town is divided between the Yeats Collection, Countess Markievic memorabilia and local artefacts

SLIGO COUNTY MUSEUM - KNOCKNAREA- QUEEN MAEVE'S TRAIL

The clear-cut limestone mountain of Knocknarea, located on the Cúil Irra (Coolera) peninsula, forms one of County Sligo’s most conspicuous landmarks. Knocknarea Mountain dominates the skyline of Sligo. Formed from limestone over 300 million years ago, the summit is crowned by the great cairn of Queen Maeve. Take a one hour climb to the top and inhale the majestic views of Co. Sligo. www.sligowalks.ie

CARROWMORE MEGALITHIC CEMETERY

Carrowmore, Co. Sligo – Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in County Sligo is the largest and one of the most important, megalithic sites in Europe. www.heitageireland.ie

SLIGO FOLK PARK

This community based attraction provides a true experience of rural life and Irish heritage at the turn of the late 19th Century. Admission applies. www.sligofolkpark.com

Walking

WALKING – www.sligowalks.ie
Jim McMorrow Walking Guide – Sligo.
T: +353(0)719856229 – Leitrim and Sligo Local Guides
Founder member of the North Leitrim Glens Walking Group with 20 years experience leading walks for the North Leitrim Glens Walking Festival. The Sligo Way Long Distance Way Marked Ways – Sligo Town – The Sligo Way is a 74 km route that traverses the County of Sligo in the northwest of Ireland from Lough Talt, in the Ox Mountains near the Mayo border, to the town of Dromahair in County Leitrim. Free Guided Walking Tours of Sligo Town are June to September inclusive Mon.-Sat. at 11am departing from the Sligo Tourist Information Office www.sligotourism.ie. Free Sligo Walking Guide – a series of suggested walks available from the Tourist Office and www.sligotourism.ie

Cycling

Tour De Humbert Route Linear Cycle Routes – Sligo Town – The Tour De Humbert route runs from Kilcummin, County Mayo, to Ballinamuck in County Longford. The route is approximately 225 kilometres with many shorter alternatives available and is suitable for cyclists of all ages and levels.

North West Trail Cycling Trail Linear Cycle Routes – Sligo Town – The North West Trail is a 326km circular cycle route through counties Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim, and Sligo in the North West of Ireland. Cyclists will experience travelling through a variety of scenery and utilising quiet country roads.

Lough Gill Cycle Loop – 40km on-road route Lough Gill, passing through some of the most scenic areas of Counties Sligo and Leitrim.

WILD ATLANTIC SHANTY FESTIVAL

Rosses Point, Co. Sligo – Sligo’s maritime village presents a festival of songs and music of the sea. The event brings together performers and visitors from across Europe for a fun filled weekend. 14th-16th June.

SLIGO STAGES RALLY

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo – An annual event, based out of Sligo Park Hotel, with three stages run three times on closed road sections in the surrounding countryside. July 14th.

SOUTH SLIGO SUMMER SCHOOL

Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo – Summer school of traditional music, song and dance. A packed programme of classes, workshops, ceilis, recitals, concerts, interactive workshops, masterclasses and more. 14th-20th July

SLIGO JAZZ PROJECT & INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo – One of Europe’s most unique jazz events combining a summer school with six days of workshops, masterclasses and jam sessions with an International Jazz Festival. T: +353(0)719157862. 23rd-28th July.

THE TREAD SOFTLY FESTIVAL

Arts festival which celebrates poet W.B Yeats and Yeats family. Its main purpose is to broaden the appeal of the Yeats/Sligo connection through a programme of word, drama, music and art. www.dochara.com T: +353(0)71 9171905 18th-30th July.

SLIGO LIVE

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo – Ireland’s premier folk, roots & indie festival with great traditional, folk, Americana, R&B, blues and all roots music in an incredibly beautiful and historic location. Meet great people & enjoy good music. 18th-28th October.

THE 30TH SLIGO INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo – The second largest in Ireland, will include a street parade of choirs, workshops, concerts, competitions, street and church performances. 15th-19th November.

SLIGO FESTIVAL OF BAROQUE MUSIC

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo – Baroque music performed on period instruments over three days, including visiting performers and ensembles from abroad. Also features masterclasses for young performers. Tel: +353(0)719854122 27th-29th September.

HAZELWOOD SCULPTURE TRAIL

Hazelwood, Co. Sligo – Hazelwood curls around the Northern shore of Lough Gill also known as half moon Bay. Hidden within the woods is a 3km forested trail dotted with sculptures by Irish and international sculptors.
www.sligowalks.ie

DOORLY PARK

Sligo Town – A fine riverside amenity, Doorly Park is located in Sligo town along the banks of the Garavogue. Discover wildlife, woodland, picnic area, playground, cycling path and a looped walk. There is a nature trail that takes in the best plant life, wildlife and views. www.sligowalks.ie

BENBULBEN

Benbulben is known as County Sligo’s ‘Table Mountain’ and is part of the Dartry Mountains. It is a spectacular iconic geological feature hosting a unique variety of flora. To get spectacular views of the mountain take the 4k Benbulben looped walk located at Gortarowey.
www.sligowalks.ie

SLIGO SECRET GARDENS

Sligo Town. T: +353(0)86 3375741 – Consists of a group of gardens open to the public for charity on selected dates throughout the summer. Some of the gardens offer light refreshments and are also open on additional days by appointment. Knocknarea trail is a public trail – open all year round. www.sligowalks.ie

ST JOHN'S CATHEDRAL

John Street, Sligo – The cathedral dates from the mid-18th century. Renowned architect Richard Cassels designed the present cathedral, taking inspiration from early-Roman style basilicas. St John’s, which was elevated from church to cathedral in 1961, also has a connection to the famous Yeats family. The parents of W.B. Yeats married there in 1863, while the grave of his maternal grandparents is located here. Bram Stokers mother is also buried here.

CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Temple St, Sligo – Opened in 1847 this Romanesque style Cathedral features 69 stained glass windows and a statue of The Blessed Virgin made of alabaster

Fishing

NORTH WEST ANGLING SERVICES GAME ANGLINGGUIDES – Sligo Town. T: +353(0)87 2149960 – North West Angling Services is owned by Ken Henry, a qualified guide who is also the founding member of the Professional Angling Guides of Ireland. The business is based in Sligo Town.

LOUGH GILL SLIGO FISHERIES – Sligo Town. T: +353(0)71 9142530 – Lough Gill is a large lake, nearly six and a half miles long and two and a half miles wide. There is public access to the lough from a pier on the south shore at the mouth of the Garavoge River, at Inishfree Pier and at Shriff Bay.

GARAVOGUE RIVER SYSTEM FISHERIES – Sligo Town – The Garavogue River drains Lough Gill through Sligo and is about three and a half miles long. It produces occasional spring salmon and the grilse fishing can be good in June and July.

COLGAGH LOUGH FISHERIES – Sligo Town – Clogagh Lough lies three miles east of Sligo on the Manorhamilton Road. It has a good stock of brown trout averaging nearly 1.5lb.

The Arts

HYDE BRIDGE GALLERY – Sligo. www.yeatssociety.com – Is in heart of Sligo Town in the Yeats Memorial Building at Douglas Hyde Bridge. This gallery houses contemporary and traditional paintings, drawings and sculpture. It also aims to encourage artistic endeavour in the community.

YEATS SOCIETY LITERARY IRELAND – Hyde Bridge, Sligo. T: +353(0)719142693 – The Yeats Society operates at the Yeats Memorial Building in Sligo Town. It includes the Yeats Photographic Exhibition, the Hyde Bridge Gallery and a café. The building also serves as the administrative centre of the society.

THE HAWK’S WELL – The Hawk’s Well is a 340 seat theatre in Sligo, North West Ireland. It hosts a diverse programme of arts and entertainments including comedy, professional and amateur drama, a wide range of music from traditional and jazz to opera, plus dance, pantomime and children’s theatre. The fully licensed bar and top of the range sound and lighting equipment make this theatre one of the best in Ireland. For details of what’s on, visit www.hawkswell.com or see local press.

THE MODEL – Built in 1862 as a Model School, this impressive building is home to The Niland Collection, which includes the second largest collection of Jack B. Yeats paintings, as well as many leading twentieth century Irish and International artists. Along with The Niland Collection exhibitions we host leading cutting-edge contemporary shows. Check out our website for further information on current exhibitions and events; www.themodel.ie

HAMILTON GALLERY – www.hamiltongallery.ie – On Castle Street which is part of the Cat and the Moon have great exhibitions. Blueraincoat Theatre – www.blueraincoat.com

TUBBERCURRY OLD FAIR DAY

Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo – Free festival with street theatre and Family Fun Day. The highlight is the Old Fair Day with crafts & heritage village, vintage collections, artisan food, prize winning animals, exhibitors and live demos. 10th-14th August.

SLIGO SUMMER FESTIVAL

is back at Stephen’s Street Car Park for the first of two exciting events this year. An amazing line up of acts is sure to entertain Sligo over the Bank Holiday celebration. This is a family friendly event and due to its reasonable entry charge it is always a rip-roaring success. www.thesligofestival.com. 3rd-5th May & 8th-11th Aug.

THE CELTIC FRINGE FESTIVAL

Grange, Co. Sligo – Remembering the Armada voyage of 1588 between Ireland, Spain and Europe. Experience Irish culture, heritageand our unique landscape. www.celticfringefest.com for dates and more information. Tel: +353(0)86 0802623. 20th-22nd Sept.