Sligo

With over 5,000 recorded archaeological sites, the largest of which is the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo has one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in Western Europe. And all of this history provides a insatiable draw to bring visitors from all over the world. They love the great simplicity of its past, and the natural manner in which it is presented. Sligo was the centre of power of the famous warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught In Celtic folklore, and this along with Sligo's legacy of ancient sites show that the county was quite densely populated in the Celtic era.

The beautiful scenery of County Sligo inspired much of the great works by W.B. Yeats and the sheer beauty of the place is clear to visitors when they spend time exploring county's fine mountains, lakes and golden beaches. The poet William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland’s most famous personalities, had close associations with Sligo, and indeed the wonderful topography of his county was one of the great inspirations of his work. He is now buried in Drumcliff Graveyard, beneath the shadow of beautiful Benbulben Mountain.

The bustling capital of the North West is Sligo Town. Is has a rich cultural and historic heritage stretching back 6,000 years. To the west of the county lie The Ox Mountains which provide a backdrop to the coastal plain. About 8 miles north of Sligo Town, the landscape is dominated by Benbulben, Sligo's most famous mountain.  It is part of the Dartry Mountain range, and is distinctive for its unusual loaf-like shape.

There are some excellent surfing beaches in Sligo at Strandhill, Mullaghmore, Rosses Point and Enniscrone.

Whether you're into Indoor and outdoor activities, there is plenty to do in County Sligo.

How to get to Sligo

By aircraft, train, bus, or car. There are currently no scheduled services to Sligo airport. Iarnrod Eireann provide daily services to Sligo Train Station. Alternatively take the M4/N4 from Dublin directly to Sligo.

Where to stay near Sligo

Sligo has fine selection of places to stay in the area including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Explore more

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

Things to do in Sligo

1. Enjoy the Sligo Town Walking Tour. A walking trail is available which takes you through all of the treasures of Sligo town. It begins at Stephens Street and is signposted throughout the town. A free map is also available of the trail from the Tourist board. Guided tours can also be arranged.
2. Visit beautiful Sligo Abbey. An official heritage site of the Office of Public Works now combining the ruins with an exhibition centre. It is a Dominican friary which was founded by Maurice Fitzgerald and dating from the mid thirteenth century. It is known for its tomb carvings and preserved cloisters and is one of the few buildings remaining with traces of the original medieval structure as well as later periods of Renaissance and Gothic rebuilding. Apart from the historical insights it gives into the history of the area and Sligo, it is the source of the Legend of the Silver Bell, which only the pure can hear.