Best things to do in Sligo over Easter

SLIGO is full of wonderful walks and landmarks that can be enjoyed all year round.

Now that the long evenings are back and the Easter break is right around the corner, it is a great time to get out exploring these well-known tracks and, in some cases, hidden gems dotted around the county.

Below are some suggestions for walks and landmark sites you can enjoy this Easter.

Visit Streedagh Beach

If you’re looking for a place to exercise, carve out some time to visit Streedagh Strand.

Streedagh Strand is an impressive 3km long sandy beach that’s finely plonked on a sandbar that links Streedagh Point to Connor’s Island.

Those that stroll along Streedagh can soak up views of the mountains of Donegal on one side and the mighty Benbulben on the other.

Explore the Caves of Keash

The Caves of Keash are an ancient passage tomb cluster that are believed to predate the Pyramids of Egypt by a whopping 500-800 years. Geological and archaeological inspections in the 1900s revealed that early man used and lived in the caves at Keash. Evidence has also been uncovered that showed bears, wolves, arctic lemming, and other wildlife have lived here over the years. There are 17 caves in total here and you can visit them via a guided tour that leaves from the Keash visitor centre.

The Sligo Way

It is a long-distance ramble that’s best completed over time. The route kick-starts at Lough Talt and finishes in Dromahair in Leitrim.The route is waymarkd, so you’ll be able to follow wooden marker posts and metal fingerposts throughout the walk (you’ll still need to plan the walk well in advance). The Sligo Way will take you off-the-beaten-path and through corners of Sligo that many of those that visit miss. Expect scenery along with plenty of peace and quiet.

Knocknarea Queen Maeve Trail

The Queen Maeve Trail (pictured) up Knocknarea Mountain takes you up to Knocknarea’s summit and treats you to incredible views out over Sligo and Ballisodare Bay. If you give this walk a bash, you’ll make your way up the northern slopes of Knocknarea, past Megalithic and Bronze Age remains, and through forests along a raised boardwalk to the summit.

Gleniff Horseshoe Drive

The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive drive (or walk/cycle) takes you on a loop that’s enveloped from start to finish by spectacular mountain views.

Killaspugbrone Loop

The Killaspugbrone Loop is a lovely looped walk that passes the early Christian site of Killaspugbrone church. It takes walkers along a smattering of coastal habitats, including sand dunes, salt marsh, and pine woodland. Expect magnificent views of Ben Benbulben, Knocknarea, Sligo Bay, and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Sligo that’ll clear the cobwebs after a night on the beer, give this a lash!

Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird

If you’re looking for things to do in Sligo when it’s raining, then this is just the job. Why? Well, you can only see this waterfall when it’s raining, or after heavy rainfall. At a staggering 150m, Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird (also referred to as ‘the Devil’s Chimney’ online) is one of Ireland’s highest waterfalls. There’s a 45-minute moderately strenuous walk that’ll take you up to see it in action.

Aughris Walk

This walking route features the secluded north-facing beach of Dunmoran. A peaceful spot with a gentle tide for surfing, the strand also offers 4km of easy, tranquil walking. It crosses the beautiful secluded two mile beach of Dunmoran to the picturesque fishing harbour of Aughris.