There’s so much to do in Sligo!
Sligo is set in the North West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way and is steeped in heritage and culture – visit Ballindoon Abbey, Ballymote Castle, Carrowkeel, Carrowmore - the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland and Creevykeel Court Tomb amongst other ancient sites.
There are plenty of outdoor pursuits for the active. Check out Sligo’s world-class golf courses, go horse-riding, enjoy surfing, sailing, scuba diving, deep sea angling, fishing, island tours and more! Explore Sligo’s amazing beaches: Rosses Point, Streedagh Strand, Mullaghmore, Strandhill, Culleenamore, Dunmoran Strand and Enniscrone. Or if you are not feeling particularily active, take a drive and enjoy the magnificent mountains and coastline of Sligo.
Shopping in Sligo
Sligo is the shopping capital of the North West offering top fashion boutiques, local craft shops and gourmet food parlours offering the highest standards of products and services.
Hotels in Sligo
To find hotels in Sligo, visit HotelsCombined.
Sligo Town - Things to Do and See
Sligo Town Walking Trail
A walking trail is available which takes you past a number of the places mentioned below. 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.
Tel: Bord Fáilte 071 9161201
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.
Parking is available in the public car park. The abbey is only a short walk off the centre. Toilets are available. Guided tours are also possible. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes for a good look around.
Abbey Street
Tel: 071 9146406
Open: March -end October 10.00 - 18.00 for off peak times check with the Tourist Board
Charges 2007: Adults € 2.10. Child and family concessions available.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
This important archaeological site is located outside of the town and is also an OPW heritage site. Some of the largest and oldest megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which predate the better-known Newgrange, are situated here. A small exhibition is located in a restored cottage. The site is off road in patches so good shoes are recommended.
Located R292 (watch carefully for the signs along the way to direct you to the site).
Tel: 071 9161534
Open: Easter - Oct 10.00 - 18.00.
Charges: Adults €2.10 child and family concessions available
Sligo County Museum
Those interested in Yeats or Countess Markievicz will find a collection of memorabilia on display. Including the Nobel Medal for Literature. There are also displays about the county and local geology.
Tel :071 9141623
Open June - Sept: Tue - Sat 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.50
Oct - May: Tue - Sat 14.00 - 16.50
St John's Cathedral
The Church of Ireland cathedral is the burial place of the Pollexfens, Yeats’ grandparents.
Tel: 071 9161201
Model Arts and Niland Gallery
An art centre for well-known local artists and contemporary exhibitions, it is also used for concerts and other cultural events.
Location: Mall Street
Tel: 071 9141405
Yeats Memorial Building
Open year round with local and international exhibitions. It also houses summer schools with courses.
Tel: 071 9142693
Sligo Races
Horse race meetings are held throughout spring, summer and autumn. The course is located just off the centre of the town and is accessible by both car and public transport. Race meets are advertised through various local media.
Located: Cleveragh Road Tel: 071 9183342
Doorley Park
The estate is located along the river approx 20 mins walk from the centre. The White Rose waterbus also runs from a pier at the entrance to the estate, and there is a regular bus service from Abbey St. The Park has a small nature trail and picnic area.
Sligo Recreational Sports Centre
A range of activities are available; wellness facilities; swimming pools; sports halls, as well as classes in aqua fitness and aerobics.
Location:.Cleveragh Road
Sligo Farmers' Market
Home produce from the local area for sale.
Location: Car park at the Institute of Technology.
Open: Sat 10.00- 13.00
Sligo Tennis Club
Tennis, squash and badminton courts available.
Location: Old Bundoran Rd 3km from centre
Tel: 071 9162580
Festivals and Events in Sligo Town
Yeats Country Music Festival
Irish country and country music played throughout the town in various hotels and venues.
Time: Easter
Sligo Feis Ceoil
Traditional music, dance, song, drama and arts
Time: April
Vogler Spring Festival
Quartet music
Time: May
Cairde Summer Festival
Theatre events are the basis for the festival, in particular with a focus on encouraging participation from the local community. Musicians and performers from other countries are playing an increasing role in the event.
Time: July
Sligo International School and Jazz Festival
A week of jazz workshops and concerts of jazz and bluegrass are held throughout the town.
Time: August
Queen Maeve Summer School
Traditional music, song and dance are celebrated with various concerts. Workshops are also available from top teachers for a whole range of instruments used in traditional music.
Time: August
Yeats International Summer School and Yeats Festival
The works of WB Yeats are celebrated and studied at a series of workshops, as well as a look at the man behind the poetry. There is also a winter school in January
Time: July/August and January.
Festival of Baroque Music
Time: October
Sligo Live
A festival of music from traditional to contemporary. Various concerts take place in Sligo Town. The festival is growing into one of the major musical events of the year in Ireland and attracting well-known artists on the Irish and International scene.
Time: End of October
Further information: www.sligolive.ie
World Rally Championship
Major car rally event taking in Sligo as one of the rally stages, as part of the Rally of Ireland.
Time: November
Sligo Annual Choral Festival
This four-day event is the second largest of its kind in Ireland, involving all different types of choral activity.
Time: November
Further information at www.sligotourism.ie and www.sligoarts.ie. A booklet is also available from Bord Fáilte Sligo, ‘Sligo Events Quarterly’