Ten Things To Do In Sligo

1. Go for a drive.
If you are interested in castles or cottages Sligo has them all. The photo above was taken at the Gleniff Horseshoe drive. You can see an old schoolhouse in the shadow of Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave. This is a spectacular drive in any weather – just mind the wandering sheep! Or drive around Lough Gill stopping off at Hazelwood Forest, Dooney Rock, Slish Wood and more – it’s easy to see why the poet W.B. Yeats got his inspiration.

2. Eat, drink and be merry.
We have some of the most amazing restaurants, coffee shops and pubs in County Sligo. A few of my favourites are: Cawley’s in Tubbercurry (gorgeous desserts),  Osta (for the best chocolate brownies in town),  The Glasshouse Hotel (something for everyone), Eala Bhan (fine dining at its best), Heart’s Desire(great coffee), Hargadons (an award-winning pub with great food), Swagman Bar (go for the peanut butter stack), The Blind Tiger (mint aero hot chocolate), Hooked (knickerbocker glory), Eithna’s by the Sea in Mullaghmore (superb seafood), Sweet Beat (fab plant based food), Shells in Strandhill….and that’s just a few. Check out Sligo Food Trail as well for lots of foodie experiences.

3. To the Waters and the Wild!
Get your adventure on! Sligo is the adventure capital of Ireland. You can choose from surfing, kayaking, free diving, scuba diving, stand up paddling, boat trips, fishing trips and more. Suitable for all abilities and a great way to see the county. Plan your next adventure here.

4. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside.
Sligo is home to so many beautiful beaches and is located on the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Look out for the Wild Atlantic Way signs and visit one of the many beaches. Check out our post for inspiration.

5.Get on your horse.
You can visit so many fantastic stables in Sligo, suitable for all levels and most ages. Choose from beach or forest rides. Check out our guide here.

6. Go Walking
There are so many different walks in Sligo for all levels of fitness and abilities, choose from forest or coastal walks, urban or rural walks, mountain climbs and more check Sligo Walks for details. Take a walk on the dark side with the Sligo Dark Tales Walking Tour.
Seatrails run guided walks in County Sligo, you will hear the history from a maritime archaeologist. Go walking up the Caves of Keash and check out the village and also nearby Ballymote Castle.

7. Off to the market
Sligo is home to many markets. On Saturday you can visit Sligo Farmers Market at the IT, the Rathcormac artisan food and craft market, Beltra Country Market and Achonry Farmers Market. On Sunday the Strandhill people’s market is on at Sligo airport. The new Collooney Market is on every Sunday from 11am – 3pm at the Teeling Centre. Cliffoney Market is on the first and third Sunday of the month. All the markets are the perfect places to pick up gifts and try some fabulous food.

8. Immerse yourself in a seaweed bath.
Your skin will feel wonderful after you’ve relaxed in your hot water bath. Check out Voya in Strandhill or Kilcullens in Enniscrone.

9. Explore your cultural side.
Sligo is home to The Model Sligo, one of Ireland’s leading centres for contemporary art. You can also visit The Hamilton Gallery and the Hyde Bridge Gallery who host regular exhibitions. Whatever your interests Sligo has something for everyone.

10. Talk to the Animals.
At Eagles Flying you will get to see all kinds of animals including an albino hedgehog, a pick-pocket raccoon, ferrets, donkeys, horses and of course the birds of prey. The birds fly right over your head and in some cases will even land on you! You get to hear all about this fascinating creatures in an informative and entertaining way by the team at Eagles Flying. The flying show is usually held outdoors but if it’s raining they will move it inside.  It’s for people of all ages and is a great day out, one you’ll remember for years to come.