Let’s face it: it takes somewhere pretty special to be christened “the land of heart’s desire” by one of Ireland’s most beloved poets. Perched on the Wild Atlantic Way, with the coast to the west and lush lakelands to the east, Sligo is the gateway to every Irish experience you could desire…
Sligo town is buzzing all year long, with festivals celebrating country music, sea shanties, surfing and literature. Ones to watch for are Cairde Sligo Arts Festival (July) and Sligo Live (October).
Rosses Point
Situated on the North West tip of Europe, Rosses Point stands on the far reaches of the Wild Atlantic. A picturesque village, it harks back to a simpler time and its rugged beauty oozes other worldliness and boasts some of the very best scenery to be found on the Wild Atlantic Way trail. Rosses Point was awarded its first Blue Flag in 1988, the first year the Programme operated in Ireland. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Beaches that achieve this accolade must comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management. Stretching only 400m, the First Beach is Rosses Point’s smallest, safest and most sheltered. Rosses Point’s Second beach stretches just over a kilometre from Bowmore Point to Wren Point. Of Rosses Point’s three beaches, the third beach is by far the quietest the best place to loose yourself in stunning surroundings. With the backdrop of Lisadell, Benbulben and Drumcliff bay, the beach stretches from Rosses Point right into the mouth of the Drumcliff river. Adjacent to Rosses point is the bustling coastal town strandhill, with lots of family friendly activities and top class eateries.
STRANDHILL
Located only a 20 minute drive from Markree Courtyard, Strandhill is a must to visit whilst you are visiting Sligo.Strandhill is a proud stop on the surf coast of the world’s longest defined coastal touring route – a sensational journey of soaring cliffs, hidden beaches and epic bays. On a Sunday why not take a stroll around Strandhill’s People Market located in Hanger 1 in Sligo Airport – it is packed full with local Artisan produce, Arts & Crafts Stalls, Entertainers and Caterers.The beach is home to a selection of Watersports, from surfing to kayaking there is something for everyone. With a wide choice of eateries, Shells Cafe is a must for lunch or dinner and of course look no further than Mammy Johnston’s for that all important treat, a fantastic Ice cream parlour and coffee shop serving pancakes, waffles and cakes. Voya Seaweed Baths are also located on the sea front, offering a range of treatments and experiences not to forget. All in all – Strandhill is another of Sligo’s many hotspots.
View map of Strandhill here
Queen Maeve Trail – Knocknarea Walk
The trail is a 6km loop reaching a height of 315m at Knocknarea’s summit. There are three access points to the trail, on the R292 Strandhill Rd., at Rathcarrick car park on the L3503 and at the Glen Rd. car park on the L3507. For ease of parking we suggest you begin at the Glen Rd. car park.
Benbulben walk
Undoubtedly Ireland’s most distinctive mountain, Benbulben is sometimes referred to as Ireland’s own Table Mountain. The most distinctive peak among the Dartry range, it was formed during the ice age by massive glaciers segmenting the landscape. Gortarowey is all weather in nature consisting of a hard surfaced finish and is suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail begins in a secluded forest area before opening out to provide genuinely stunning close up views of Benbulben head. Later in the walk panoramic views of Donegal Bay are also available with the mountains of Donegal including Slieve League highly prominent in addition to Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castle. For further information please visit Sligowalks.ie
Adventure
Embrace your Adventure in Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way. Choose surfing incredible waves, relaxing walks, secluded beaches, sailing, angling, kayaking, climbing or horse riding. It’s all waiting here for you – from high octane, thrill seeking adventure sports to something a little more leisurely. Either way get right into the great outdoors with experienced guides and teachers plus all the specialist equipment you need. For beginners, improvers and serious sports people. Let the natural beauty of Sligo, heritage and megalithic sites older than the pyramids inspire you with a guided walk or Kayak with Northwest Adventure Tours, Seatrails, Sligo Kayak Tours or Wild Wet Adventures. Choose from Ireland’s table mountain Benbulben, Megalithic sites in Carrowkeel, the prehistoric Caves of Keash, the wilderness of the Ox Mountain and much more. If you prefer climbing rather than walking, Carraig Climbing can bring you to new heights in stunning surroundings.
The Caves of Keash, Ballymote
A series of limestone caves located near the village of Keash, County Sligo. The route begins from the car-park beside the RC Church in the village of Keash. (just off the R295)
Eagles Flying Ballymote
This fantastic local attraction is nestled in amongst the green hills of south Sligo, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls, the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying is situated on more than 27 ha of mature parklands near Ballymote.
Sligo Abbey
This landmark was founded in 1252/3 and contains a wealth of carvings including Gothic & Renaissance tomb sculptures and the only sculptured 15th Century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church.
Lissadell House is a neo-classical Greek revivalist style country house, located in County Sligo. The house was built between 1830 and 1835, and is open seasonally offering tours of the beautiful period property.
Lissadell
Lissadell House is a neo-classical Greek revivalist style country house, located in County Sligo. The house was built between 1830 and 1835, and is open seasonally offering tours of the beautiful period property.
Sligo Golf Club
This world famous golf course in Rosses Point offers an excellent challenge. The traditional links layout, designed by Harry Colt, utilizes the natural contours of the dune-covered landscape.
Strandhill Golf Club
Strandhill Golf Club is a beautiful 18 hole links golf course situated on Ireland’s Atlantic coast in Strandhill, Sligo. This par 70 course is the jewel in the crown of Sligo golf.
“The epitome of golf along the Wild Atlantic Way”