Sligo sets your spirit free

Sligo will enchant you; it is a county that celebrates its independent spirit and that is why writers and artists have long been inspired by its wild beauty.

The world-renowned poet W.B. Yeats adored the scenery around County Sligo and you will find this captured in Yeats’ poetry such as the ‘Lake Isle of Innisfree’. The final resting place of W.B. Yeats, the site of a 6th Century Columbian monastery, nestles under the spectacular Benbulben mountain.

The Model, home of the Niland Collecton, is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres, featuring works by John and Jack B. Yeats, Estella Solomons, Paul Henry and Louis Le Brocquy - among others.

Sligo is proud of its traditional music heritage, which is celebrated at regular events throughout the year. The popular Michael Coleman Heritage Centre draws together the many strands of traditional music and is the place to go for ‘the real thing!’

Sligo is a fantastic foodie destination too. Take in some of the exciting Food Trail experiences - from a craft beer tour and baking classes, to lunch on the seashore with your ancestors.

Foond Tdour,

Take a Sligo meet the proud personalities behind Sligo food, hear fascinating local stories and gain some insider knowledge on where the food comes from and how it is produced.

Check out the Sligo Oyster Experience: Indulge in Sligo Bay Oysters at WB’S Coffee House, while you are guided by owner Aisling through the history and current farming methods of harvesting oysters on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Sligo Foodie Tour brings you on a culinary tasting and the experience is different on each and every tour. Discover lively locals in vibrant neighbourhoods with a mix of cultural and architectural heritage.

Sligo’s archaeological and mythological heritage is incredibly rich, with one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric and later monuments in Western Europe. This ancient county is filled with over 5,000 archaeological sites.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetary is the largest cemetary of megalithic tombs in Ireland. Overlooking Carrowmore, on the summit of Knocknarea Mountain, is the huge flat-topped cairn called ’Miosgan Meadhbha’ (Maeve’s Cairn), 55m in diameter and 10m high. In the beautiful limestone upland of the Bricklieve Mountains, above the western shore of Lough Arrow, is the impressive passage tomb cemetery of Carrowkeel.

CreevyKeel Court Tomb, in the foothills of Tievebaun Mountain, is one of the best examples of a court tomb in Ireland. Knocknashee (The Hill of the Fairies), located near Tubbercurry, is a spectacular limestone tabletop plateau commanding a widespread view of the north Connaught plain.

Sligo offers an array of outdoor activities and is renowned for its surfing. There’s something to suit every interest, from walking trails in stunning landscapes, championship links golf courses, stand up paddling, off-shore diving and kiteboarding; to a relaxed afternoon of fishing, or even an uplifting horse ride along the beach.

Sligo’s stunning coastline hosts many discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way. Bustling seaside villages and hidden bays alike are waiting to be found.

Mullaghmore Beach, overlooked by the majestic Classiebawn

Castle, is situated in north Sligo next to the picturesque village of Mullaghmore. Nearby, Streedagh Strand is a 3km sandy beach with dunes and a lagoon behind with fantastic views over the sea to the mountains of Donegal, and behind to the famous Benbulben mountain.

Further along the coast at Rosses Point - the area that inspired many of Jack B. Yeats’ artwork - are three sandy beaches, where there will always be space to walk, run, or simply sit. The coastal towns of Strandhill and Enniscrone offer both spectacular scenery and activities, all overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Walking trails are plentiful around the county. Easy-going terrains set in beautiful forests, hills and lakesides are accessible for families and make for a great day out. Longer trails like the Sligo Way (a 74km walking route that traverses the county) or the Miners’ Way and Historical Trail offer more challenging routes for the dedicated walker. Popular walking routes include Queen Maeve’s Trail on Knocknarea, Benbulben-Gortarowey Trail and The Devil’s Chimney.