Sligo
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Tips
7 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
Dramatic flat-topped mountain that dominates the Sligo skyline.
3 tips
- Walk the Gortarowey forest trail
- Best views from Drumcliffe
- Bring rain gear
📷 Photos
- 2
Romantic waterfall in a lush glen, celebrated by Yeats.
3 tips
- Short woodland walk from the car park
- Best after rain
- Small fee for parking
📷 Photos
- 3
Wild Atlantic surf beach with seaweed baths and lively cafés.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Swimming is dangerous, surf with lessons
- Try Voya seaweed baths
- Sunsets are spectacular
📷 Photos
- 4
Ruined 13th-century Dominican friary with fine carved cloisters.
3 tips
- Guided tours are included
- Open seasonally, check OPW hours
- See the carved high altar
📷 Photos
- 5
Quirky bronze of Yeats draped in his own poetry by Hyde Bridge.
3 tips
- Read the verses on his cloak
- Great photo with the bridge
- Free, any time
📷 Photos
- 6
Hill crowned by a huge Neolithic cairn with sweeping coastal views.
3 tips
- About 45 minutes up from the car park
- Don't take stones from the cairn
- Windy at the top
📷 Photos
- 7
Seaside village with sandy beaches and views to Benbulben.
3 tips
- Look for the Waiting on Shore statue
- Safe bathing on the second beach
- Golf links nearby
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Sligo tips
Transportation
- Train from Dublin: Irish Rail runs direct trains between Sligo and Dublin Connolly, a scenic and relaxing alternative to driving.
- Use Bus Eireann: Bus Eireann connects Sligo with Strandhill, Rosses Point and towns along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Rent a car for Yeats Country: To reach Glencar Waterfall, Mullaghmore and Lough Gill easily, renting a car is the best option.
Security
- Respect the Atlantic: Beaches like Strandhill have strong currents; swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
- Prepare for hikes: Benbulben and Knocknarea can be windy and misty; carry layers, water and a charged phone.
- Drive carefully on rural roads: Country lanes are narrow and winding; watch for tractors and livestock.
Saving
- Hike Knocknarea: The walk to Queen Maeve's cairn on Knocknarea is free and offers panoramic views over Sligo Bay.
- Enjoy free trad sessions: Many Sligo pubs host free traditional music sessions in the evenings.
- Visit Carrowmore: The megalithic cemetery is affordable and one of Ireland's oldest sites.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack waterproofs: Sligo is often wet and windy; bring a waterproof jacket and good boots.
- Layer for summer: Summers are mild; bring layers for changing weather and evening breezes.
- Dress warm in winter: Winters are cool and damp; warm clothes help on coastal walks.
Cultural
- Visit Yeats' grave: W.B. Yeats is buried in Drumcliffe churchyard beneath Benbulben.
- Try seaweed baths: The seaweed baths at Strandhill are a traditional relaxing experience.
- Join pub culture: Pubs like Hargadons are part of local life; chat with locals over a pint.
Local Hacks
- Learn to surf at Strandhill: Surf schools offer lessons for beginners on the Atlantic waves.
- See the Isle of Innisfree: Take a boat trip on Lough Gill to see the island from Yeats' poem.
- Visit Glencar Waterfall after rain: The waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain.
1-day itineraries in Sligo
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.