Beautifully wild and deeply poetic, County Sligo is a landscape so enchanting that it indeed served as the primary muse for the verses of W.B. Yeats. Dominated heavily by the unmistakable, flat-topped silhouette of Benbulben mountain, this north-western county presents a raw, untamed canvas of extraordinary geological drama and deep mythical resonance. From the salt-sprayed Atlantic cliffs to the heather-clad slopes of the Ox Mountains, Sligo is a place where nature’s majesty is matched only by its ancient, layered history.
The county’s landscape is inextricably linked to Ireland’s ancient legends. The majestic Knocknarea mountain rises powerfully from the coast, famously crowned by the colossal megalithic tomb of the legendary Queen Maeve. This profound connection to the past continues at Carrowmore and Carrowkeel, home to some of Ireland’s oldest and most significant megalithic cemeteries. For literature lovers, the quiet churchyard of Drumcliffe, where Yeats found his final resting place, offers a moment of reflection beneath the watchful gaze of Benbulben, the mountain that inspired so much of his world-renowned poetry.
Beyond its ancient and literary allure, Sligo pulses with a vibrant, modern energy. Its rugged Atlantic coastline offers world-class surfing at Strandhill and Mullaghmore, while the serene, island-dotted waters of Lough Gill provide an idyllic setting for kayaking and peaceful lakeside walks. Sligo town itself is a bustling creative hub, its historic streets filled with contemporary art galleries like The Model and a thriving, award-winning culinary scene celebrated on the Sligo Food Trail. Whether you are exploring the well-preserved mediaeval ruins of Sligo Abbey or cycling the scenic tracks of the Coolaney mountain-bike trail, County Sligo delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure and inspiration.
Aughris Head, sligo
On the north‑west coast of County Sligo, Aughris Beach and its dramatic headland offer sweeping Atlantic vistas, ancient forts and a wartime lookout. Walk the coastal trail, surf the waves, and unwind at the historic thatched Beach Bar.
Aughris Head, sligo
Aughris Head juts out at the south‑westerly tip of Sligo Bay, offering sweeping Atlantic vistas, ancient forts and WWII relics. Below the cliffs lie Aughris and Dunmoran beaches, perfect for surf, fishing and a bite at the iconic thatched Beach Bar.
Ballintogher, sligo
Luminous as the lake’s surface at sunrise, Ballintogher asks: where does a small village become a gateway to poetry and greenways? Set on the shores of Lough Gill, it offers gentle walking trails, the historic Sligo‑Leitrim railway greenway, and a direct link to Yeats’s Lake Isle of Innisfree.
County Sligo, sligo
What ancient alignment does the Ballygawley range answer? On cross‑quarter days in November and February, the sunrise pierces a gap in the mountains, flooding the nearby Listoghil passage‑grave with golden light—a phenomenon recorded since the Neolithic settlement of the area.
Maugherow Peninsula, sligo
1986 marked the year Ballygilgan was officially designated a national nature reserve after a sharp decline in its barnacle goose population. Today the 29.5‑hectare mosaic of pasture, pond and mudflats hosts up to three thousand geese each winter, alongside a colourful array of waders and summer orchids.
County Sligo, sligo
Ballymote blends a bustling market‑town atmosphere with the imposing ruins of a 14th‑century Norman fortress. Visitors can wander the castle’s thick walls, trace the story of the Book of Ballymote, and enjoy gentle hill walks, limestone caves and a lively craft‑brew scene.
Ballysadare, sligo
The Ballysadere River tumbles through the heart of its namesake village, offering thundering waterfalls, world‑class salmon runs and exhilarating grade‑3 to grade‑5 rapids. History, myth and bird‑rich tidal lagoons add depth to a perfect day of angling, paddling or strolling.
Ballysadare, sligo
Ballysadare sits where the roaring falls meet a tidal lagoon, offering world‑class salmon runs, white‑water thrills and a resident seal colony. History lovers can wander from early‑Christian stone churches to the ancient stone‑age tombs that crown the surrounding hills.
Cork, cork
In 1603, Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare led a fourteen‑day march from the Beara Peninsula to the province of Breifne, a historic trek that the Beara‑Breifne Way now retraces. The 700‑km trail stitches together twelve national waymarked routes, guiding walkers through rugged cliffs, copper‑rich mountains and the tranquil Shannon banks.
Benbulben Forest Walk, sligo
A gentle 5.5 km loop winds through fragrant pine woods, past an early‑medieval ringfort and a Yeats Trail marker, before opening onto breathtaking vistas of Benbulben and Donegal Bay. Perfect for families, dog walkers and anyone craving a quick taste of Sligo’s wild Atlantic scenery.
Benbulben Forest, sligo
A gentle 5.5 km loop winds through pine‑filled woods, past an early‑medieval ringfort and a Yeats Trail stop, before opening onto breathtaking vistas of Benbulgen’s sheer cliffs and Donegal Bay.
County Sligo, sligo
Benbulben towers over the Dartry range with its iconic flat‑topped silhouette, while nearby Drumcliffe holds the modest grave of poet W.B. Yeats. A network of well‑marked loops at Gortarowey offers sweeping coastal vistas and a glimpse of ancient stonework, making the area a must‑see for nature lovers and literary fans alike.
South County Sligo, sligo
In 3500 BC, Neolithic builders erected the Carrowkeel passage tombs, aligning their chambers with the sun and moon across the Bricklieve hills. These glittering quartz‑capped peaks still shelter the famed Caves of Kesh, where folklore tells of the harper Corann lulling a magical sow back to sleep.
Mullaghmore, sligo
Wild Atlantic breezes sweep over Bunduff Strand, where pristine white sand meets calm, shallow waters beneath Benbulben’s looming silhouette. The beach’s Blue Flag status and welcoming atmosphere make it a versatile spot for families, naturists and surf enthusiasts alike.
Near Castlebaldwin, sligo
Perched on the limestone terraces of the Bricklieve Mountains, Carrowkeel offers a dramatic skyline of fourteen Neolithic cairns and sweeping views over Lough Arrow. Visitors can step into ancient chambers, glimpse rare spiral carvings and watch midsummer sunsets through a roof‑box that rivals Newgrange.
Carrowmore, sligo
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the densest Neolithic burial complex in Ireland, crowns the Cúil Íorra Peninsula with over 30 stone monuments. At its heart stands Listoghil, a 34‑metre cairn whose carved capstone glints in midsummer light, while the surrounding dolmen circles frame sweeping vistas of Knocknarea and the Atlantic coast.
Killala Bay, sligo
Mist rolls off the River Moy as it sweeps past the crumbling keep of Castleconnor, cloaking the 1520 tower house in a ghostly veil. The ruin, erected by chieftain Conor O’Dowd, still commands sweeping river vistas and recalls the 1580 tragedy when Tadhg Riabhach O’Dowda fell from its roof.
Castlebaldwin, sligo
What secrets lie within the stones of Castlebaldwin’s fortified house? Built in the 1600s from salvaged nunnery stone, the house’s walls—rumoured to have been mortared with animal blood—stand as a testament to pragmatic resilience, while nearby Carrowkeel Passage Tombs whisper a 5,000‑year‑old story.
Temple St, sligo
Upon entering the cathedral, the cool scent of limestone mingles with the hushed echo of footsteps beneath the towering 70‑metre spire. Its Romanesque façade, 69 stained‑glass windows and mosaic floor create a solemn atmosphere, while ongoing restoration work adds a living layer to its 19th‑century grandeur.
Keash, sligo
Perched above the village of Keash, the limestone cliffs of Keash Hill open onto the stark black mouths of the Caves of Keash. Walk the rugged trail, soak up mythic legends of kings and heroes, and enjoy sweeping Atlantic vistas from the hill’s summit.
Keash, sligo
Halfway up Keshcorran Hill, sixteen white‑cherty limestone chambers whisper of Ice‑Age beasts, Neolithic artefacts and legendary heroes. A short, steep climb rewards visitors with dramatic vistas over Sligo’s plains and the Atlantic beyond.
Mullaghmore Peninsula, sligo
Holding a reputation as one of the most photographed private landmarks in County Sligo, Classiebawn Castle crowns the Mullaghmore headland with its yellow‑brown sandstone silhouette. Designed in the late 19th century for Viscount Palmerston and later home to Lord Mountbatten, its Scottish‑Baronial towers loom over Ben Bulben and the Atlantic, drawing photographers to its weather‑worn stone.
Cliffoney, sligo
In 1802 the Palmerston estate reshaped Cliffoney, rebuilding the inn and adding schools that still dominate the village’s streetscape. The village’s rich archaeological landscape, highlighted by the state‑care Creevykeel Court Tomb, offers walkers a glimpse into Ireland’s Neolithic past.
Cloonacool, sligo
Sudden mist rolls off the Atlantic as the road descends into Cloonacool, revealing the three rivers that cradle the village. The nearby Cashelore stone fort and the annual September sheep festival celebrate a community rooted in both ancient defence and lively tradition.
County Sligo, sligo
Sunlight glints on the stone façade of the Teeling Monument as you approach Collooney, casting a golden halo over the crossroads of the N4 and N17. The monument marks the 1798 clash where United Irishmen seized a British gun, while the remnants of three historic railway stations whisper of the town’s once‑busy transport hub. Beyond the bustle, the Ballysadare River offers quiet angling and the rolling Ox Mountain panorama beckons walkers to explore County Sligo’s rugged heart.
County Sligo, sligo
Rabbit‑filled shores greet you as the tide recedes, revealing a 5 km sand causeway that leads to Coney Island’s lone pub and sweeping Sligo Bay vistas. Fairy forts, a 13th‑century motte and the echoes of a once‑thriving 19th‑century community invite walkers to explore the island’s layered past.
County Sligo, sligo
Six‑thousand‑year‑old human presence is traced on the Coolera Peninsula, where Mesolithic charcoal finds date back to around 5,400 BC. Today the landscape blends prehistoric stone circles, the towering Knocknarea cairn and world‑class surf at Strandhill, offering a compact yet richly layered coastal experience.
Culleenamore Strand, sligo
Sligo's Culleenamore Strand boasts the only recorded Irish stranding of a 45‑foot sperm whale in 2006, a dramatic episode that still draws curious onlookers. The beach also supports one of Ireland’s largest seal colonies and oyster beds that earned international awards in the 19th century, blending wildlife wonder with a storied culinary heritage.
Cummeen Strand, sligo
A golden tidal plain framed by Benbulben, the stone pillars of Dorrin’s Strand and the distant lights of Sligo town, Cummeen Strand is a haven for birds, seals and poets alike. At low tide the pillars guide a 1.5 km walk across the sandflats to the quiet Coney Island.
Roscommon, roscommon
Rising 259 m above the Connacht countryside, the Curlew Mountains offer sweeping vistas of Lough Key and the Shannon valley. History buffs can trace the 1599 Battle of Curlew Pass, while bird‑watchers listen for the mournful call of the Eurasian curlew. A network of well‑marked trails makes the ridge perfect for a day hike or a longer trek on the Miners Way.
County Sligo, sligo
Cummeen Strand stretches from the Sligo‑to‑Strandhill road into a shimmering tidal plain, framed by Benbulben and the distant Coney Island. Its fourteen stone pillars mark a historic low‑tide path, while winter flocks of Brent Geese and basking seals make it a wildlife haven.
Cúil Íorra Peninsula, sligo
Western Europe’s largest Neolithic cemetery resides on the Cúil Íorra Peninsula, where over 35 passage graves form the Carrowmore complex. The landscape also shelters the earliest known causewayed enclosure at Magheraboy (c. 4,150 BC) and offers sweeping views of Knocknarea, Benbulben and the Ox Mountains.
Sligo, sligo
The Dartry range offers rugged limestone plateaux, iconic peaks and mythic tales. Ben Wisken’s frozen wave and Tievebaun’s white cliffs provide unforgettable panoramas and rewarding loops for walkers and photographers alike.
Gleniff Horseshoe, sligo
Perched on the sheer cliffs of Annacuna, the massive limestone arch of Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Cave watches over the Gleniff valley. Legend, prehistoric artefacts and breathtaking views make it a must‑see stop on any Sligo hike.
Dooney Rock, sligo
Yeats found lyrical inspiration atop Dooney Rock, where the gentle ascent rewards walkers with sweeping views of Lough Gill that sparked his poem ‘The Fiddler of Dooney’. A modest bench at the summit and an information board trace his footsteps, while red squirrels dart through the surrounding conifers, making the walk a literary and natural pilgrimage.
Drumcliff Bay, sligo
At the western edge of County Sligo the Drumcliff estuary unfolds into shimmering mudflats and golden dunes, while the gentle Drumcliff River winds from Glencar Lake to the Atlantic. Together they offer unrivalled birdwatching, award‑winning salmon angling and a landscape steeped in early‑medieval lore and the poetry of W.B. Yeats.
Drumcliffe, sligo
Perched at the foot of the iconic Benbulben, Drumcliffe blends early‑Christian stonework with the simple limestone headstone of poet W.B. Yeats. Wander among a 10th‑century high cross, the stump of a round tower and the Neo‑Gothic St Columba’s Church before relaxing in the village café or art gallery.
Dublin, dublin
Echoing the rhythm of steel on rails, the Dublin‑Sligo line greets travellers with sweeping midland vistas as the train departs Connolly. Historic stations such as Carrick‑on‑Shannon and MacDiarmada in Sligo punctuate the journey, each hinting at the line’s 19th‑century roots and its role as the sole rail link to the northwest.
County Sligo, sligo
Sun‑kissed dunes rise behind a ribbon of golden sand, the Atlantic’s spray misting the air as you step onto Dunmoran Beach. The 0.85 km strand, honoured with a Green Coast Award for its pristine water quality, offers a 400 m lifeguarded bathing zone and gentle breaks that attract beginner surfers.
Rosses Upper, sligo
Did you know that Elsinore House once served as a summer retreat for the Yeats family, inspiring verses and paintings? Built by merchant John Black in the 1820s and later visited by William Butler and Jack Yeats, the ivy‑clad ruins overlook Sligo Bay and echo whispered tales of smugglers and ghostly taps on the windows.
Ballymote, sligo
Surprisingly, the site of Emlaghfad traces back to a 6th‑century monastic settlement founded by St Colmcille for his disciple Enna, long before the 19th‑century Church of Ireland building rose there. The cruciform stone church, erected between 1815 and 1820, dominates Ballymote’s skyline with its octagonal spire and castellated tower, linking early Christian roots to Victorian craftsmanship.
Enniscrone, sligo
Enniscrone’s five‑kilometre stretch of golden sand glitters under the Atlantic sun, framed by sweeping dunes and the distant Nephin Mountains. From beginner‑friendly surf lessons and therapeutic seaweed baths to a 27‑hole links golf course and centuries‑old ruins, the village offers a lively mix of nature, sport and history.
Enniscrone, sligo
Enniscrone’s five‑kilometre stretch of golden sand, backed by dunes and the Atlantic, is a Blue Flag haven for families, surfers and walkers. History whispers from 17th‑century ruins while modern comforts include a championship golf course, water‑park and the iconic Kilcullen seaweed baths.
Glencar Valley, leitrim
Nestled on the Leitrim‑Sligo border, Glencar Valley bursts with mist‑shrouded waterfalls, a tranquil ribbon lake and dramatic limestone cliffs. From Yeats’s poetic inspiration to the wind‑defying Devil’s Chimney, the valley offers unforgettable scenery and a wealth of outdoor pursuits.
Gleniff, sligo
The Gleniff Horseshoe is a striking U‑shaped valley carved by the last Ice Age, winding a quiet 10 km road around towering limestone cliffs. Walk the Benwisken Trail, spot the legendary Diarmuid & Gráinne’s cave and enjoy panoramic views of Truskmore, Tievebaun and Donegal Bay.
Gleniff, sligo
The Gleniff Horseshoe offers a dramatic 10 km loop of road and trail through a glacial valley framed by the Dartry peaks. From the historic barytes‑mill car park you can drive, hike, and discover legends like Magic Hill and Diarmuid & Gráinne’s cave.
Grange, sligo
Echoes of surf crash against the golden sands of Streedagh Strand as you approach Grange, perched between Benbulben’s looming silhouette and the Atlantic. The village’s history is etched into the shoreline, where the wrecks of three 1588 Spanish Armada ships lie beneath the tide, their story commemorated at the nearby interpretive centre.
Gweedaney Stream, sligo
When the stream first appeared on local maps in the early 20th century, it quickly became a focal point for community angling clubs. Today its gentle bends mirror the sky, supporting brown trout that thrive in riffles and pools cherished by Sligo anglers.
Half Moon Bay, sligo
Hazelwood Forest offers a tranquil, wheelchair‑friendly walk along Lough Gill’s shimmering shore, framed by centuries‑old trees and the silhouette of an 18th‑century Palladian house. Spot island silhouettes, spot wildlife and pause beside contemporary sculptures that echo Yeats’s poetic legacy.
Heapstown Townland, sligo
Surprisingly, a fragment of megalithic art uncovered on a south‑facing kerbstone in 1998 confirmed the ritual significance of Heapstown Cairn. The massive mound, about 60 m wide and 10 m high, is linked in folklore to Ailill mac Echach Mugmedóin and to the mythic story of Ochtriallach’s cairn formed after the Second Battle of Moytura.
County Sligo, sligo
Sharp cries of gulls echo off the sandstone cliffs as waves tumble into the sea‑caves surrounding Inishmurray. The island’s well‑preserved 6th‑century monastic enclosure, with beehive cells and stone‑roofed oratory, invites walkers to trace early Irish Christian life.
Keash, sligo
On the western shoulder of Keshcorran Hill, sixteen black‑mouth caves carve a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Their ancient bones, legendary forges and sunset‑lit chambers make the site a magnet for walkers, history buffs and photographers alike.
Coolera Peninsula, sligo
Perched on the Coolera peninsula, the weather‑worn stones of Killaspugbrone Church overlook Sligo Bay and the silhouettes of Ben Bulben and Knocknarea. A 7 km moderate loop weaves through dunes, salt‑marsh and a nearby airfield, offering history, wildlife and dramatic sea‑side scenery in one half‑day walk.
Kilmongan, sligo
Rustic stonework at Kilmongan boasts the only known Irish example of a two‑light window hewn from a single stone, a rarity recorded in 1889. The 17th‑century church’s narrow rounded window and the adjacent Mass Rock of Doo echo centuries of Penal‑era worship amid the quiet Corran countryside.
South‑west County Sligo, sligo
Deirdre Kinahan’s 2002 play brought the hill’s mythic aura to contemporary audiences, echoing the ancient fairies of Cnoc na Sí. The 276 m table‑top fort still encloses double ramparts, neolithic passage graves and thirty hut foundations, offering visitors sweeping views from its limestone cap toward Benbulben and beyond.
Coolera Peninsula, sligo
Rising 327 m above Sligo’s coast, Knocknarea crowns the landscape with the massive Neolithic Queen Maeve’s Cairn. From its plateau visitors can sweep their gaze across the Atlantic, Benbulben and distant Croagh Patrick, while walking historic trails that echo ancient rituals and literary myth.
Moytura ridge, sligo
Nuada of the Silver Arm, the mythic king slain at the Second Battle of Moytura, is said to rest beneath Labby Rock’s massive capstone. The 70‑ton limestone slab, aligned with the winter‑solstice sunrise, dominates the Moytura ridge and can be reached via a short, sign‑posted walk from Cromleach Lodge.
Maugherow Peninsula, sligo
Step into the restored neo‑classical splendor of Lissadell House, where poetry, rebellion and Celtic revival converge. Just beyond the walled garden, the sweeping Lissadell Strand offers golden dunes, surf‑ready waves and unrivalled views of Ben Bulben.
Northwest Ireland, sligo
Ever wondered why anglers flock to a lake framed by rolling hills and ancient tombs? Lough Arrow’s clear, cool waters host a prized brown‑trout fishery, four tranquil islands and the nearby Carrowkeel passage‑tomb complex dating to c. 3000 BC.
Sligo, sligo
Hosting the greatest concentration of crannóg islands in Ireland, Lough Gara spreads across 16.9 km² of shimmering water between Sligo and Roscommon. Designated as both an Important Bird Area and a Ramsar wetland, the lake draws birdwatchers eager to spot the rare Greenland White‑fronted Goose amid its reed‑fringed shallows.
County Sligo, sligo
Lough Gill’s tranquil waters and wooded hills inspired Yeats’s most beloved poems. A short, well‑marked loop up Dooney Rock offers sweeping lake views, wildlife spotting and literary insight, all within easy reach of Sligo town.
South County Sligo, sligo
Three French soldiers fell in the Lough Talt valley during the 1798 rebellion, a little‑known reminder of the area’s wartime passings. The glacial lake, framed by the Ox Mountains and dotted with Iron Age crannógs, offers an 8‑km shoreline walk rich in wildlife and history.
Rosses Point, sligo
Quiet dunes contrast with bright lighthouse beams at Lower Rosses, where a modest 8‑metre tower stands on timber piles against shifting sands. Originally lit by acetylene in 1908, the beacon now runs on solar power, merging early 20th‑century maritime heritage with 21st‑century sustainability.
Sligo, sligo
Maugherow Peninsula stretches out on the north‑rim of Sligo Bay, offering sweeping Atlantic vistas, untouched sandy strands and a patchwork of ancient forts and grand estates. From the red‑tinged fields of the “red plain” to the quiet harbour at Raghly, it rewards patient travellers with wildlife, history and unrivalled light for photography.
Roscommon, roscommon
The Miners Way is a 144 km figure‑of‑eight walking network that loops from the former mining village of Arigna. It weaves through rugged mountains, tranquil loughs and Neolithic monuments, offering a vivid mix of industrial history and natural beauty.
West of Ballyfarnon, sligo
Silent stone walls of the Giant’s Grave whisper Neolithic rituals, while nearby modern fields hide a thriving agricultural landscape. The 13‑metre long court cairn’s U‑shaped court and four‑chamber gallery stand stark against the 80 cm‑tall summer grass, linking mythic battles to present‑day countryside walks.
Castlebaldwin, sligo
Perched above Lough Arrow, Moytura Ridge blends stark limestone pillars with rolling grasslands and sweeping mountain panoramas. The ridge is dotted with ancient monuments – from the Giant’s Grave court cairn to towering glacial erratics – all set against the backdrop of Ireland’s legendary Second Battle of Moytura.
Mullaghmore, sligo
Mullaghmore is a rugged peninsula where golden sands meet towering cliffs, the Atlantic brews world‑class surf, and the turreted Classiebawn Castle watches over a bustling stone harbour. It offers a compact yet varied Wild Atlantic Way experience for walkers, surfers, and history lovers alike.
Gurteen, sligo
Gentle currents wind through County Sligo’s rolling drumlin landscape, threading past the ruins of the 17th‑century Templehouse estate. Uniquely, its Irish name translates to “big river” while the water remains modest, offering quiet angling and low‑grade paddling.
Sligo, sligo
Rugged heather‑clad peaks rise from the Atlantic‑kissed coast to the heart of County Sligo, where ancient stone circles and Saint Patrick’s wells whisper of millennia past. From the summit of Knockalongy to tranquil lakes and salmon‑rich rivers, walkers, drivers and anglers find unrivalled wilderness in the Ox Mountains and Slieve Gamph hills.
County Sligo & County Leitrim, sligo
From rapid‑filled stretches that beckon beginner rafters to legendary caves linked to Diarmuid and Gráinne, the River Duff/Gráinne offers adventure, angling and myth‑steeped scenery in one unforgettable Irish landscape.
County Sligo, sligo
Imagine a river so short that it barely stretches three kilometres yet earned a place among Ireland’s nine royal rivers. The Garavogue, once called the Sligeach, surged through the 536 AD Battle of Sligo, its ford shaping the town’s very layout.
County Sligo, sligo
According to 12th‑century legend, Gráinne fled her betrothal on the night before her wedding, sparking a daring chase that led her and Diarmuid to the remote Gleniff Horseshoe. The river’s gentle course now winds past the famed Diarmuid and Gráinne’s cave, its waters echoing the whispered secrets of their escape amid limestone cliffs and the expansive Caves of Kesh.
Roskeeragh Point, sligo
Steep sandstone cliffs rise from the Atlantic at Roskeeragh Point, drawing trad climbers to classic, sand‑bagged routes. Below, a limestone platform teems with seaweeds and corals, offering marine naturalists a quiet counterpoint to the crag’s bold ascents.
County Sligo, sligo
Yeats spent countless summers at the ruined Elsinore House, drawing inspiration from Rosses Point’s sweeping seascape. Today the village’s trio of lighthouses, the Bronze Age Metal Man statue and the ‘Waiting on Shore’ monument echo the artistic and maritime heritage that shaped the poet’s imagination.
Lough Gill, sligo
Designation of the hill within the Lough Gill Special Area of Conservation protects its orchid‑rich grassland. Today, a short trail leads to a viewing platform where the lake mirrors the sky, framed by woodlands and the distant Dartry peaks.
County Sligo, sligo
Astonishingly, the Great Way of County Sligo is not a single marked trail but a flexible network of public rights‑of‑way, local roads and footpaths that lets each hiker craft a personal route. Stitching together Benbulben’s flat silhouette, the windswept Mullaghmore beaches and the silent stone circles of Carrowmore, Slighe Mhór offers a seamless blend of myth, landscape and history across the heart of Yeats Country.
Abbey Street, sligo
Amid the 1414 accidental fire that gutted much of Sligo Abbey, Prior Brian oversaw a rapid reconstruction that restored the church and cloister by 1416. Subsequent centuries saw the abbey endure sieges, dissolution and a final abandonment in 1698, leaving today’s dramatic ruins as a testament to resilience.
Strandhill, sligo
Contrasting its quiet rural peninsula setting with the roar of aircraft, Sligo Airport transformed from a scheduled passenger hub—operating flights to Dublin from 1983 until 2011—into a vibrant centre for flight training and Coast Guard SAR operations. Today the open‑air café offers runway views while the miniature world exhibit and free parking invite families to experience both the legacy of commercial aviation and the modern pulse of general flying.
Sligo Bay, sligo
From the sweeping panoramas of Benbulben over Sligo Bay to the tiny lighthouse‑crowned Oyster Island in the sheltered harbour, this coastal jewel offers history, wildlife and adventure in one breathtaking stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Sligo Town, sligo
Only the Dominican Friary remains above ground from the original medieval complex, while the castle’s exact footprint now lies beneath Sligo Town Hall. Built in 1245, the stronghold once anchored English authority before being razed in the 1294 attack by Richard de Burgh’s forces.
Stephen St., sligo
Surprisingly, the museum’s lower gallery displays a firkin of bog butter that survived for over a century, offering a rare glimpse into ancient food preservation. Alongside this, the Yeats Room showcases the poet’s Nobel medal, manuscripts and a digital archive that draw scholars and casual visitors alike.
North‑west Ireland, sligo
Astonishingly, the sight of weathered stone stations and rusted rails greets walkers as they step onto the former SLNCR line, now reborn as the SLNCR Greenway. Opened in 1875 and closed in 1957, the trail links the Wild Atlantic Way to the Marble Arch Caves, offering a gentle, low‑gradient route for cyclists and wheelchair users.
Stephen Street, sligo
Launch of the Creative Ireland Programme transformed Sligo Library into a cultural incubator, offering workshops and exhibitions alongside its traditional collections. The hub also houses a Local Studies Centre where historic maps and photographs illuminate County Sligo’s past.
Northwest Ireland, sligo
Rising from limestone plateaus to rugged cliffs, the Sligo‑Leitrim Mountains dominate north‑west Ireland with iconic peaks like Benbulben and Truskmore. Steeped in myth—from Queen Maeve’s cairn on Knocknarea to Yeats’s verses under Benbulben—the range offers wild scenery, rare birds and unforgettable hikes.
Quay Street, sligo
Honouring Mayor William Abbott Woods, who laid the foundation stone on 12 October 1865, Sligo Town Hall rose from a 1825 civic ambition to become a Lombard‑Romanesque landmark. Its ashlar façade, three‑stage clock tower and restored interiors continue to host council meetings, literary lectures and cultural events, anchoring the town’s civic life.
Sligo, sligo
Sligo town bursts with history, art and rugged scenery, from the cloistered peace of Sligo Abbey to the soaring silhouette of Ben Bulben. At its heart stands the elegant 1870s Town Hall, a civic jewel that has hosted poets, rebels and council meetings alike.
Strandhill, sligo
Strandhill sits at the foot of Knocknarea, where dramatic Atlantic swells meet golden dunes and a lively village of cafés and pubs. Home to Ireland’s first purpose‑built surf hub, it blends world‑class wave riding with ancient myth and coastal walking trails.
Streedagh, sligo
Storm‑tossed Spanish Armada ships ran aground on Streedagh Beach in September 1588, leaving thousands of sailors scattered across the sand. Today the visible wreckage at low tide, towering limestone cliffs and a Green Coast Award‑winning shoreline draw surfers, fossil hunters, and history enthusiasts alike.
South County Sligo, sligo
What ancient purpose do the crannogs dotting Templehouse Lake hint at? These Iron‑Age artificial islands reveal a millennia‑old human presence, while the surrounding Georgian manor and medieval castle ruins illustrate the lake’s layered history within a protected Special Area of Conservation.
Border of County Leitrim and County Sligo, leitrim
Imagine a mountain that claims the title of the highest independent summit in Leitrim, yet remains quieter than the famed Benbulbin. Its stark white limestone cliffs, especially the arrow‑shaped Eagle’s Rock, plunge over the Glenade Valley, rewarding the 18‑km loop with unrivalled panoramas of the Sligo coast and Slieve League.
Holywell Rd, sligo
Mist rises from the cliff‑side basin of Tobernalt Holy Well, while the sound of bubbling water mingles with the rustle of nearby trees. The stone‑lined spring, reputed to cure eye ailments and madness, is framed by a modest altar and a prayer‑tree where coloured rags flutter, preserving centuries of pilgrimage tradition.
Trawalua Strand, sligo
Cliffoney’s tight‑knit community has long tended the sands of Trawalua, anchoring the beach in local tradition. Spanning four miles of golden dunes beneath Benbulben, the strand separates a naturist‑friendly rock‑fringed cove from a family‑oriented side where the village’s horse‑riding school trails across the sand.
Dartry Mountains, sligo
Ascending the paved road to Truskmore, the sudden emergence of a 175 m mast against a blanket of Dartry peaks feels like stepping onto a broadcast beacon. At 647 m the summit hosts cairns for both Sligo and Leitrim, offering panoramic views from sea cliffs to Benbulbin.
South‑west County Sligo, sligo
What small town in Sligo hosts a vibrant music summer school and a Fairtrade award while sitting at the foot of the Ox Mountains? Tubbercurry answers with its lively festivals, a historic Gothic‑Revival church, and a welcoming market‑town atmosphere that makes it a perfect base for exploring south‑west Sligo.
Enniscrone, sligo
2026 marked a brief off‑peak closure for essential upgrades at Waterpoint Aqua Park, underscoring the management’s commitment to community goodwill. The £2 million indoor complex in Enniscrone now dazzles with a 65‑metre flume waterslide, heated pools and a spa, offering locals and tourists a year‑round escape from the Atlantic coast.
County Sligo, sligo
Balancing ancient mythic landscapes with sleek contemporary art, the Yeats Trail weaves fourteen Sligo sites into a single looping walk. Each stop features a purpose‑built installation that displays verses and invites listeners to hear the wind over mountains and sea, juxtaposing the poet’s 19th‑century reverence with today’s modern visitor experience.
Raghly Peninsula, sligo
Can a hidden stretch of golden sand truly feel untouched on a summer’s day? At Yellow Strand, the remote Raghly Peninsula offers waves that attract surfers, a promontory fort hinting at ancient settlement, and a quiet dune‑backed beach where the Atlantic’s power is felt but the crowds are absent.
