Sligo
Sligo’s mix of incredible history and breathtaking scenery is hard to beat
Sightseeing
Discover a Megalithic Cemetery, a poet’s burial place and a 13th-century abbey
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
This is Ireland’s largest megalithic burial site with over 60 tombs, the oldest of which predates Newgrange in Co Meath (3200 BC) by a whopping 700 years. The site also includes a restored cottage and contains an exhibition relating to the history of the cemetery.
Drumcliff Church and Visitor Centre
The esteemed Irish poet W B Yeats is buried at this beautiful spot perfectly placed beneath the Benbulben Mountains and on the site of a sixth-century Columbian monastery. The visitor centre offers information on Yeats, Columba and the County of Sligo.
Lakeview Gardens, County Sligo
Set in the picturesque landscape of hills and lakes are the newly restored, privately owned organic gardens of Lakeview. Comprising an acre, the gardens are filled with unusual plants, an orchard and a stable yard.
See more highlightsLough Gill, County Sligo
A sublimely beautiful lake located about two miles east of Sligo Town. Lough Gill is about six-and-a-half-miles long and two-miles wide. And if you’re interested in fishing, you can try your hand at catching one of the lake’s many brown trout.
Sligo Abbey
Founded by Maurice Fitzgerald, Chief Justice of Ireland, in 1252, this Dominican Friary is known to locals simply as the Abbey. It has the oldest decorated high altar in an Irish monastic church, well preserved cloisters, carvings, and gothic and renaissance tomb sculptures.
Activities
From top golf in a country hotel to scenic walks around the county
Clay Pigeon Shooting, Lough Bo Shooting Centre, Riverstown, Sligo
Enjoy the popular sport of clay pigeon shooting in scenic countryside surroundings.
Cycling
What better way to explore the coast and landscapes than with the historic 225km Tour de Humbert cycling route through the Sligo countryside. Magnificent lakeland vistas, glacial valleys and deep beautiful glens forged by tumbling rivers make the whole North West a beautiful spot to visit.
Fishing
Fishermen will be delighted to find that Salmon fishing is the speciality in the Moy Estuary, County Sligo.
See more highlightsGolf
Sligo enjoys a wide range of excellent golf clubs and courses from picturesque nine-holes to scenic 18-hole links courses perched at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Check out Strandhill Golf Club, whose motto is Friendship in Sport; or the County Sligo Golf Club, which offers a scenic and challenging 18 hole links course at Rosses Point
Sailing
Let the kids get their sea legs with a sailing course at the Mullaghmore Sailing Centre in County Sligo. Sailing courses for juniors are run throughout the summer months.
Children
Enter a fabulous fantasy world with fairy life and lore, and learn about real life in the 19th century
Gillighan’s World, Knocknashee, Lavagh, nr Tubbercurry
Gillighan’s World is a fun and imaginative way to enlighten and entertain children about fairy life and lore. There are botanical gardens with “enchanted” areas, miniature villages, a pet village, and a play area.
Sligo Folk Park
Sligo Folk Park provides a fascinating look at life around the turn of the late 19th century. The village street, the traditional cottage, the forge and the restored Millview House are just some of the attractions.
Culture & Festivals
Enjoy Sligo’s rich cultural life with a renowned arts centre and a music festival with a difference
Model Arts and Niland Gallery
Housed in a beautifully renovated model school, which dates back to 1862, The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is one of the premier arts centres in Ireland with an extensive programme of visual and performing arts.
Sligo Contemporary New Music Festival
Focussing on the music of a specific composer, this festival takes place over three days with a series of concerts in the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
From glorious Georgian elegance to a modern county house with wonderful views
Coopershill House, County Sligo
Family home to seven generations of the O’Haras, Coopershill House dates back to 1774, and is a remarkable house overflowing with Georgian elegance. Indulge yourself with four-poster beds, candlelit dinners, open log fires and unique personal attention.
Cromleach Lodge, County Sligo
Voted Hideaway of the Year 2004 by the Georgina Campbell Jameson Guide, Cromleach Lodge is definitely a great place to get away from it all. A modern country house, the lodge has been designed with the stunning views in mind so wherever you go you’ll enjoy a feast for the senses.
The Beach Bar, Aughris Head, Templeboy
A beach bar with a difference, this thatched pub with a great location dates back to the 18th century and has been wonderfully restored with good food and lots of atmosphere.
Shopping
Sligo boasts a vibrant crafts industry with beautiful jewellery and unique ceramics
Sligo Craft Pottery, Market Yard, Sligo
Unique and original ceramics from one of Ireland’s top ceramicists, Michael Kennedy.
The Cat and the Moon, 4 Castle Street
Silver and gold jewellery inspired by the Irish landscape.
The Green Room, 10 Pearse Road, Sligo
Excellent designer boutique stocking top Irish designers and hip international labels.
