DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Sligo

County Sligo, located along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in the northwest, is a captivating destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich literary heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Often called “Yeats Country” after the Nobel Prize-winning poet W.B. Yeats, Sligo blends rugged coastlines, ancient history, and modern adventures, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth. Sligo is Ireland’s 22nd largest county by size (1,796 square km) and seventh smallest by population (70,198).

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Benbulben Mountain: Sligo’s iconic flat-topped mountain, part of the Dartry range, dominates the landscape and is visible across much of the county. Visitors can hike trails at its base or tackle the strenuous 5.5km Benbulben Forest Walk for panoramic views, immersing themselves in the scenery that inspired Yeats’ poetry. The mountain’s sheer sides and unique shape make it a photographer’s dream.
Knocknarea and Queen Maeve Trail: This 327m limestone hill near Sligo Town is crowned by a 5,000-year-old cairn, believed to be the resting place of mythical warrior Queen Medb. The 6km Queen Maeve Trail (1.5–2 hours) offers rewarding views of Sligo’s coastline and mountains, with wooden steps aiding the steep climb. Its cultural significance and stunning vistas make it a top attraction.
Strandhill Beach and Surfing: Just 7km from Sligo Town, Strandhill is a surfing mecca with world-class waves. The National Surf Centre, opened in 2023, houses surf schools like Rebelle Surf and Sligo Surf Experience, offering lessons for all levels, plus changing facilities. Visitors can also relax with a VOYA seaweed bath, a therapeutic experience using locally harvested seaweed. The beachfront Shells Café is perfect for hearty meals while watching surfers.
Glencar Lake and Waterfall: Located on the Sligo-Leitrim border, this tranquil lake and its 15m waterfall, immortalized in Yeats’ poem The Stolen Child, offer serene walks through woodlands and stunning views. The waterfall flows reliably after rain, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Lough Gill: A scenic 8km-long lake east of Sligo Town, Lough Gill is ideal for anglers (salmon, trout, pike) and those seeking boat tours or kayaking. Its surrounding trails offer views of the Ballygawley Mountains, and the lake’s islands add a mystical charm.
Mullaghmore and Coastal Adventures: Known for big-wave surfing, Mullaghmore’s dramatic coastline attracts thrill-seekers. Enniscrone Boat Tours offers RIB vessel trips from Enniscrone Pier to explore Sligo Bay, while kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding with Sligo Bay SUP provide immersive coastal experiences.
Coney Island: Accessible by car at low tide via marked routes, this small island offers sandy beaches and beautiful views, making it a unique day trip for families or adventurers.

Historical and Archaeological Sites

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs, dating back over 6,000 years, features 30 surviving passage graves and dolmens. The visitor center provides insights into their alignment with surrounding mountains like Knocknarea, and guided or self-guided tours (1.5 hours) connect visitors to Ireland’s ancient origins.
Carrowkeel Megalithic Site: In the Bricklieve Mountains, this 5,000-year-old collection of passage tombs offers a quieter, more intimate experience than Carrowmore. Visitors can explore the stone structures, but climbing or damaging them is discouraged to preserve their integrity.
Sligo Abbey: A 13th-century Dominican Friary in Sligo Town, this well-preserved ruin features Gothic arches, 15th-century cloisters, and the O’Craian altar tomb (1506). Its history, including a cholera outbreak linked to Bram Stoker’s mother, adds intrigue. A self-guided tour with an informative booklet takes about an hour.
Lissadell House & Gardens: This restored estate near Drumcliffe, the childhood home of Countess Markievicz (a 1916 Easter Rising leader), offers tours of its historic rooms and unique Alpine Garden. A favorite of W.B. Yeats, it includes a tearoom for homemade treats, blending history and relaxation.
Moygara Castle: Near Gurteen, this 15th-century castle can be explored with guided tours led by landowner PJ O’Neill and archaeologist Dr. Kieran O’Conor, offering insights into Sligo’s medieval past.
O’Dowd Castle (Roslee Castle): A 13th-century tower near Easkey, built for the O’Dowd clan, offers stunning views of Sligo’s northern coast. Visitors can climb the tower for a glimpse into Gaelic history.

Cultural and Literary Experiences

Yeats Country and The Yeats Building: Sligo’s connection to W.B. Yeats is celebrated at The Yeats Building in Sligo Town, a 120-year-old arts and crafts structure housing the Yeats Society. Exhibits highlight the poet’s life, his sisters Susan and Elizabeth, and brother Jack, a renowned artist. The surrounding landscapes, from Benbulben to Glencar, inspired poems like The Lake Isle of Innisfree. Visitors can follow themed Yeats trails (walked, cycled, or driven) with an app featuring poetry recitals and videos.
The Model Art Gallery: In Sligo Town, this cultural hub houses the Niland Collection, showcasing works by Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, and others. With contemporary art exhibits, a performance space, a bookshop, and top-floor artist studios offering views of Sligo’s countryside, it’s ideal for art lovers.
Sligo Folk Park: In Riverstown, this park recreates 19th-century rural Ireland with reconstructed cottages, a schoolhouse, and 12 exhibits set around the restored Millview House (1850s). It’s an immersive family-friendly experience into traditional Irish life.
Drumcliffe Churchyard: The final resting place of W.B. Yeats, this serene churchyard north of Sligo Town is a pilgrimage site for literature fans, with the poet’s grave inscribed with his famous epitaph from Under Ben Bulben.

Food, Festivals, and Local Life

Sligo Food Trail: This trail highlights fresh seafood, farmers’ markets, and award-winning restaurants like Hooked in Sligo Town and Coach Lane for fine wines. Strandhill’s Honestly Farm Kitchen serves biodynamic wines and steaks from their own herd. Shells Café in Strandhill is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch with beach views.
Traditional Pubs and Music: Sligo’s music scene thrives in pubs with live Irish music sessions, especially during festivals. The county’s coastal villages, like Rosses Point and Easkey, offer warm hospitality and fresh seafood, including oysters and lobster in summer.
Normal People Filming Locations: Fans of the TV series can visit Tubbercurry, which served as the fictional Carricklea, and Streedagh Point, where Marianne and Connell’s romance unfolded, adding a modern pop culture layer to Sligo’s appeal.

Practical Tips

Accessibility: Sligo is a 2.5-hour drive from Dublin (N4), 1.5 hours from Galway (N17), or 2.5 hours from Belfast (A4/N16). Ireland West Airport Knock (89 miles) serves international flights, while Sligo’s Mac Diarmada Station connects to Dublin and Belfast via Irish Rail (€32–€44). Bus Éireann offers routes from Dublin (€20+).
Weather: Sligo’s oceanic climate brings mild summers (average 63°F in July) and wet winters (December is rainiest). Pack waterproof gear, especially for outdoor activities. April offers lower hotel prices, while July–August is peak season.
Accommodation: Options range from the luxurious Markree Castle to the budget-friendly Sligo Park Hotel, praised for its friendly staff, pool, and sauna. Strandhill Lodge & Suites or its hostel offer surf-centric stays.

What’s New for 2026 in County Sligo

Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival: Sligo’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Festival (March 14–17) will feature four days of vibrant celebrations, including parades, live music, football events, and walking tours across Sligo Town. Promoted as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greenings campaign, it aims to draw international visitors with its festive atmosphere.
Tubbercurry Music Festival: Launched in 2026, this new summer festival in Tubbercurry, announced by the Sligo Champion, will showcase live music and local culture, adding to Sligo’s packed events calendar. It’s expected to attract visitors with performances by artists like The Tumbling Paddies, aligning with the Sligo Summer Festival in August.
Taste of Sligo Food Festival: A brand-new event in 2026, this festival in Sligo Town’s Queen Maeve Square will celebrate the county’s culinary scene, featuring local seafood, artisan producers, and farm-to-table dining. It’s a key addition to the Sligo Food Trail, enhancing the county’s reputation as a foodie destination.
Holiday World Show 2026: Sligo will take center stage at Ireland’s largest tourism exhibition, the Holiday World Show 2026, at the RDS in Dublin (January). Local tourism businesses are invited to participate, promoting Sligo’s attractions to a wide audience, with a focus on its surfing, hiking, and Yeats heritage. This aligns with a broader “Visit Sligo” campaign to boost global visibility.
Gran Fondo World Series: For the first time, Sligo will host this international cycling event in 2026, drawing cyclists to its scenic routes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect road closures and vibrant community support, making it a draw for active travelers.
Enhanced Social Media and Digital Content: Sligo County Council is seeking a creative provider to elevate its “Visit Sligo” social media presence in 2026, with new digital content unveiled at Ireland West Airport. This includes videos and campaigns like The Great Irish Bucket List by Discover Ireland, highlighting Sligo’s beaches, trails, and cultural sites to attract younger, eco-conscious travelers.

Visitors to County Sligo in 2026 can expect a rich tapestry of experiences, from hiking Benbulben and Knocknarea to exploring ancient sites like Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Sligo Abbey. The county’s surfing culture thrives at Strandhill, while its literary legacy, tied to W.B. Yeats, shines through at The Yeats Building and Drumcliffe. The Sligo Food Trail and vibrant music scene add culinary and cultural depth. New for 2026, the Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival, Tubbercurry Music Festival, and Taste of Sligo Food Festival elevate the county’s event calendar, while the Gran Fondo World Series and Holiday World Show 2026 boost its global appeal. Enhanced digital campaigns and sustainable tourism initiatives make Sligo a compelling destination for adventurers, history buffs, and culture seekers alike.

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