Sligo

From left to right: Surfing at Easky, Drumcliffe Church, WB Yeats' sculpture, Sligo Town, Benbulben

Resounding with literary history, Sligo is one of the northwest’s most scenic counties and was the inspiration for poet WB Yeats, whose final resting place is beneath the beautiful Benbulben Mountains. 

As well as some truly beautiful mountainous scenery, Sligo is also blessed with still glassy lakes, and some beautiful beaches perched right on the edge of the Atlantic. 

Sligo Town, on the other hand, is a buzzy, atmospheric spot filled with great restaurants, shops and pubs, while the county’s smaller villages are excellent places to escape the frenetic pace of life. 

And if you’re interested in ancient history then you’ll be pleased to find the largest megalithic site in Ireland at Carrowmore.