Spring is Coming to Sligo
Open From February
Spring is coming to Sligo. We’ve listed some amazing experiences that are open over the next couple of months.
Rebelle Surf
Surf lessons in Strandhill and Streedagh. If you are looking for a new experience or to take up where you left off, a family activity for you or your kids or a corporate group team building activity or staff outing, this is a great place to start. Rebelle Surf have lessons to suit everyone. Learn to surf with a beginner surf lesson, improve with an intermediate level 2 lesson or request a private guiding session for groups, families, or solo surfers. Price: Starts from Adult €40, Kids €30. Opening: Scheduled and private surf lessons available for Feb 26th. Allow: 2.5 hours. Location: Strandhill. Web: www.rebellesurf.com.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
An area alive with prehistoric significance, Carrowmore is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland! Self-guided tours available of more than 30 stone tombs, many of which are still visible. Most are passage tombs and boulder circles. There are various forts and standing stones in the area too. The origins of these monuments reach far into prehistory – the most ancient among them is close to 6,000 years old. *Visitor centre is currently closed, self-guided only* Price: Free. Allow: 2 hours. Location: Carrowmore. Web: www.heritageireland.ie
Coleman Traditional Irish Music Centre
The centre is a celebration of Irish Music, Culture and Heritage as expressed in the South Sligo Style!
The Coleman Music Centre is a community based traditional music and cultural centre, it is dedicated to the memory of the legendary fiddle player, Michael Coleman, universally acclaimed as one of the finest traditional fiddle players of his era. Visitors can experience an audio-visual presentation on the history of Irish Traditional music and the exhibition area with its interactive multimedia of various musicians, their music and styles from the beginning of the last century to modern times. Learn about Irish dancing styles and tradition, how musical instruments are made and much more.
The Coleman Archive houses an extensive collection of music, folklore, songs, videos, photographs and has a link to the National Comhaltas Archive. Gift shop stocks a vast selection of traditional music audio, books, musical instruments and accessories, gift ideas and lots more. Price: Adults €5, Family €10. Opening: All Year-Round Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:30pm. Allow: 1.5 hours. Web: www.colemanirishmusic.com
Voya Seaweed Baths
VOYA Seaweed Baths mission, based on their knowledge and respect for the local tradition of seaweed baths, and with emphasis on ensuring environmental sustainability, is to share with customers the full therapeutic power of nature in its purest form through their offering of seaweed baths and therapy.
At the bathhouse, the seaweeds are hand harvested on the Atlantic Coast. Imagine relaxing in a luxurious steaming organic seaweed bath this Spring or try a massage, exfoliate, or body wrap. VOYA has used generations of acquired wisdom about the sea to bring you an organic beauty range designed to delight and purify your body. Price: Seaweed bath starting at €30. Opening: Monday – Thursday 10am – 6pm Friday – Sunday 10am – 6pm. Allow 2 hours. Location: Strandhill. Web: www. www.voyaseaweedbaths.com
Sligo Oyster Experience Farm Tour
Enjoy a unique seafood experience, the Sligo Oyster Farm Tour guided by Aisling owner of Sligo Oyster Experience. Learn all about Sligo’s ancient seafood and get exclusive access to a long-established working oyster farm producing delicious oysters. Learn about the care, craft and expertise that goes into growing Sligo Bay Oysters from a tiny seed all the way to your plate.
Take in the views of the iconic mountains of Benbulben and Knocknarea, the grand expanse of Sligo Bay and learn how land and sea together influence the taste of our oysters. Complete the experience by enjoying oysters by the shore with a local craft beer, bubbles and refreshments. The Sligo Oyster Farm Tour showcases Sligo’s stunning coastline and its native oysters with an exclusive tour of a working oyster farm, where you will see oyster beds and how oysters are harvested. Price: Adults: €50 per person, Children (Ages 6- 17): €10, Children (Ages 5 and under) free. Opening: Every Friday at 11am The 1.5-hour tour must be pre-booked Allow: 2 hours. Location: Kilpllapugbrone Strandhill. Web: www.sligooysterexperience.ie
Taste of Sligo Food Tour with Anthony Gray
The Taste of Sligo food tour is a 2.5-hour long foodie tour of Sligo’s finest venues. Host Anthony Gray takes you into the heart of Sligo town to experience exquisite culinary delights from Sligo’s award-winning chefs. You will visit 5-7 of the best of Sligo’s venues, taste and sample local food delights and beverages with a focus on the freshest local produce. There is no better way to explore Sligo than through its hospitality industry in good company. Price: €65 per person min booking No 6. Opening: Monday, Wed – Sat 12:00pm – 2:30pm 3:00pm – 5:30pm. Allow: 3 hours. Location: Sligo Town. Web: www.tasteofsligo.ie
The Model – Home of the Niland Collection
The Model is a world-class visitor centre that boasts a restaurant and coffee shop, a bookshop, a wonderful gallery circuit, a purpose built performance space, and a suite of impressive artist studios on the top floor, with enviable views of Sligo Town and County. This award-winning building is home to one of the most notable public art collections in Ireland, which features one of the largest public holdings of work by Jack Butler Yeats in existence. The Niland Collection also features a broad range of both traditional and contemporary works by artists including Norah McGuinness, Dorothy Cross, Alice Maher, Clodagh Emoe, Eamon O’Kane, Sean McSweeney, Estella Solomons, and Paul Henry amongst many others.
What’s on: This February The Model welcomes artists Dominic Corrigan and Tessa Marsden to present their work at the Artist Breakfast Club. Price: Free Admission. No Booking Required. Opening: Tues – Sat 11.00am – 5.00pm Cafe: 11.00am – 4.00pm lunch served 12.00 – 3.00pm. Allow: 2 hours. Location: Sligo Town. Web: www.themodel.ie.
Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths
The Traditional Hot Seaweed Baths, Relaxing, Therapeutic, Natural and Pure established in 1912!
In 1912, the year of the “Titanic” the doors of Kilcullen’s Bath House opened for business. For over 100 years and into the fifth generation of ownership by the same family the Bath House has opened its doors for the summer tourist season. The therapeutic power of the Seaweed Bath is attributed to the high concentration of Iodine that occurs naturally in Sea Water and in Seaweed. In its growing process Seaweed extracts this Iodine from the surrounding Sea Water and concentrates it in its fronds to such an extent that some seaweeds have up to 20,000 times the concentration of Iodine of the water in which they grow.
Invigorate yourself this Spring at the Bath House the “full treatment” comprises a “Steam & Seaweed Bath”. In concept the steam bath is very similar to modern Sauna Baths but that is where the familiarity ends… You are enclosed in your individual wooden cabinet with only your head exposed to the light of day. You can breathe fresh cool air as your body is gently seamed with pure moist vapour. The treatment is completed by taking a warm Seaweed Bath followed by an invigorating cold sea water shower. Also available, relaxing therapeutic massage, the perfect complement to a Seaweed Bath. The combination of Bath and Massage induces a feeling of deep relaxation and well-being. Highly skilled therapists provide half hour or one-hour sessions, by appointment. Price: start at €25. Opening: Jan, Feb, March closed Tues & Wed, April 1st Mon-Fri 12-8pm Sat-Sun 10-8pm. Allow: 1 hour. Location: Enniscrone. Web: www.kilcullenseaweedbaths.net.
Waterpoint Aquapark
Waterpoint Aqua Park is based in the beautiful seaside village of Enniscrone. Its facilities include; an indoor heated pool, a 65-metre flume waterslide, a separate children’s pool, children’s party room and climbing wall. A health suite comprising of a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as a fully equipped gym. Outdoors there are 3 Astroturf Pitches and Inflatable Obstacle Course. Fun for all ages. Price: Adult Gym & Swim €10, Child (U15) €8, Infant (U3) €3, OAP. Opening: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 9p.m. Weekend 12 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Enniscrone. Web: www.waterpoint.ie
* Please note Slides, Inflatables, jacuzzi, Fun zone & steam room are not currently operational due to renovations. Expect to be open in early March*
Sligo Folk Park
Sligo Folk Park is located in the beautiful village of Riverstown, County Sligo. This community-based attraction provides a true experience of rural life and Irish heritage at the turn of the 19th Century. The Folk Park is set in the grounds of the authentically restored Millview House, which was originally built in 1873 by George Reid a farmer, shoemaker and the local church sexton. Stroll around the park and visit the wonderful museum and evocative exhibition hall which houses one of Ireland’s finest collections of rural history and agricultural artefacts. Catering to all ages and group sizes, Sligo Folk Park has something for everyone.
With 12 different exhibits and 6 acres of space, social distancing is easy. Please call ahead on 071 916 5001, to book in a time to tour the site, to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at Sligo Folk Park. Self Guided Audio Tour available. Please note it is recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before closing time to allow time to visit all of the exhibitions at the park and enjoy the café. Price: Adult €8, Children aged 4 to 16 years €4, Family of 4 €20, Children under 4 go free. Opening: Monday, Wed – Sat 12:00pm – 2:30pm 3:00pm – 5:30pm. Allow: 1.5 hours. Location: Riverstown. Web: www.sligofolkpark.com.
Drumcliffe Church
Drumcliffe Church and Churchyard the final resting place of the internationally famous poet W.B. Yeats. Pilgrims and Visitors have been visiting Drumcliffe for over 1500 years. Drumcliffe Church and Churchyard has an array of points of interest to discover. From the remains of the ancient monastery to the burial place of W.B. Yeats, the current Church of Ireland Church and its fascinating history. Why not book an audio guide tour of this amazing place! New for 2021: Drumcliffe Church Tourism Development have created an Audio Tour of Drumcliffe – ‘Discover Drumcliffe’ Mobile App. You can also download the mobile app audio tour for free on your smartphone and discover Drumcliffe for yourself! No visit is complete without a trip to the Tea House for a cuppa and browse at the wide selection of craft and books. Price: Free. Opening: The Churchyard is open at all times. Drumcliffe Tea House currently closed. Price: Free Admission Allow: 1 hour. Location: Drumcliffe. Web: www.drumcliffechurch.ie
*The Church is currently closed but the churchyard and burial place of W.B. Yeats is available to visit. * *The Tea House is currently closed*
Open From March
Yeats Society Sligo
The Sligo-based appreciation society celebrates the life and work of poet laureate WB Yeats and his talented family along with hosting the world’s longest-running annual literary summer school.
The Yeats Building is a hub for literary culture and the arts and in 2019 the Yeats International Summer celebrated its 60th year. Hyde Bridge Gallery supports young and emerging artists providing free access to contemporary visual arts to visitors. 2021 saw the launch of ‘Yeats Unwrapped’ the App (free to download now from Google Play and the App Store) the first to commemorate an Irish literary figure. Visitors to Sligo can follow in the footsteps of the poet through a series of experiential nature trails and linking the many beautiful locations throughout Sligo to the enduring poetry of National Poet WB Yeats. Price: Admission to Yeats Exhibition €3. Entry to the gallery is free. Opening: March 1st. Location: Yeats Building, Hyde Bridge. Web: www.yeatssociety.com
*Yeats exhibition currently closed for renovation, due to reopen 23rd April* *Gallery open 1st March*
Hike and Yoga Excursion with Blaithin
This outdoor yoga adventure combines the exhilaration of scaling new heights whilst finding mindfulness in connection with nature. The guided hike will take you to one of Sligo’s many breath-taking vantage points with the journey enhanced along the way by earthy meditations. Upon reaching your destination you will be guided through a stress releasing and energising yoga sequence with the most expansive yoga studio view you’ll ever experience. Mountain top picnic is included as part of the package. You’ll takeaway tools to help you destress in any location or situation. Price: €65. Opening: March 1st– This is a half day experience. Allow: 3-5 Hours. Location: Strandhill. Web: www.yourwellbeingwarrior.com
Sligo Surf Experience
All our surf lessons include professional instructors as surf guides, all necessary surfing equipment (soft surfboards, warm wetsuits and boots) and storage for personal belongings. Price: Adult surf lesson: €40 per person. U16s surf lesson: €35 per person. Adult bodyboard lesson: €35 per person. U16s bodyboard lesson: €30 per person. Opening: March 1st– Surf lessons last 2.5 hours. Allow: 3 hours. Location: Strandhill. Web: https://www.sligosurfexperience.com
North West Adventure Tours
Spring Hiking series: Northwest Adventure tours guided hikes kick off in Sligo in early March. visit hiking section of website for full details of Sligo hikes. Price: from €35. Opening: Guided Hikes in Sligo available from March 1st Allow: full day. Location: Sligo. Web: https: www.northwestadventuretours.ie
Eagles Flying
Spectacular interactive bird shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls. The Attraction for All the Family! Excitement, Fun,
Photo opportunities and much more. Nestled in the green hills of south Sligo, it is Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls. The Irish Raptor Research Centre was established in 1999 as an institution for research on birds of prey and in 2003 parts of the area were opened to the public. Now Eagles Flying is one of the major tourist attractions in the northern part of Ireland attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually to see the spectacular interactive bird shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls. During the entertaining interactive bird shows visitors can experience several types of raptors flying right over their head or landing next to them.
During the shows, starting at 11 am and 3 pm every day and lasting for approximately one hour, the birds are presented in their natural environment. Before and after the shows the visitors can walk the park lands and enjoy the birds displayed in aviaries or on perches close to the walking path. There is also a large, supervised Petting-Zoo. Here, visitors can get hands-on with guinea-pigs, pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, ferrets, Grizzly, the raccoon, Tui and Allan, the tame foxes and Monty, the 4-metre python. Price: Adult €15.90, Child €8.90, Under 3’s Free, Family €45.90. Opening: April 1st 2 hour programme Guided Tour, Show, Petting Zoo 10:30 a.m , – , 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. , – , 4:30 p.m. BIRD SHOWS start at 11a.m. & 3p.m. every day Allow: 2 hours Pre-book your tickets on their website: www.eaglesflying.com Location: Ballymote
Hope you find something you like. See some of our blogs on things to do in Sligo here