Rosses Point

The charming village of Rosses Point is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Dartry mountain range to the east, and the wild beauty of Sligo Bay to the west. And between them is wonderful Rosses Point with its two magnificent beaches, harbour, yacht club, and stunning views. And there in the middle of all the action is the Rosses Point “Metal Man” standing high on Perch Rock, pointing the way to safety for all seafarers just as it has done since 1821 when it was first installed. And there he stands, a man apart. Apart, and yet held at the very heart of the community. To the people of Rosses Point the Metal Man links past with present, and no doubt will link present to the future too.

Many ships entering the port have come to grief on the Perch Rock. This rock, which is clearly visible at lower points of the tide, lies between Rosses Point and Coney Island. Local Sligo shipowners lobbied for a change of plan to have the Metal Man placed upon this rock, and a proper lighthouse erected upon the Blackrock further out in the bay. Their lobbying was successful, and in 1821 Thomas Hamm of Ballina erected a 15-foot limestone base on top of which was placed the Metal Man. He stands with right arm outstretched, pointing to the safe deep channel. Dressed in the uniform of a Royal Navy Petty Officer, he is an impressive monument to mariners. He stands 12-foot-high and weighs seven tons. A navigational light is mounted on a pedestal in front of him, and in the darkness this light is kept to starboard when passing upriver. This light also acts as a leading light for ships in the bay. Having lined up with the lights on Oyster Island, they now know that their approach is correct.

There are many stories and anecdotes relating to the Metal Man. Some say he is the only Rosses Point man never to have told a lie. Others swear to have seen him come ashore to fetch a loaf of bread. One can assume, however, that a ship was near the rocks the day he took up duty, for in his haste to get to his position, he dressed hurriedly, buttoning his tunic incorrectly. Apparently, he has not noticed, or perhaps been too busy to correct his mistake.

The Metal Man has been depicted in poem and painting by W.B. and Jack Yeats. He has watched the emigrant ship pass, seen Rosses Point men and women sail the seven seas in search of their livelihoods in peace and war. He has watched too often a community in sadness at the loss of loved ones. He’s seen happy times with young lads fishing Pollock from beneath his feet, and yachts and boats slipping past in search of pleasure.

And as your ship sails in, he’s the first man to welcome you to the West Coast of Ireland.

How to get to Rosses Point

By bus and car. Bus Eireann Route 473 provides regular services from Sligo to Rosses Point. Alternatively take the R291 from Sligo to Rosses Point.

Where to stay in Rosses Point

Rosses Point has fine selection of places to stay including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

Book Rosses Point Accommodation

Explore more

Rosses Point is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Raghly Point Harbour and Mullaghmore if you are travelling north, and don't miss Sligo and Ballysadare Bay if you are travelling south.

Things to do in Rosses Point

1. Rosses Point has two superb beaches which are ideal for bathing, surfing, kitesurfing, hiking, and just taking it easy.
2. Rosses Point has a world class 18-hole championship links golf course, a yacht club and a fully equipped sea angling boat for hire too.
3. Spend a day Kitesurfing in Rosses Point. Because of the amazing selection of beaches and great wind conditions, the Sligo area is the best place in Ireland to get kitesurfing lessons. LSD are the only kitesurfing centre in the north west and teach every suitable windy day.