Things to do near Sligo
We’ve had people asking us of suggestions of things to do near Sligo – we’re not listing Sligo attractions because the rest of the site is dedicated to them. We are keeping it to within an hours (ish) drive. So here are some suggestions:
An Toastal Festival, Drumshanbo, Co. Letrim 1st – 7th July. Worth a drive out just to see the Stylish Silage! Do check out the floating boardwalk on Acres Lake too and if you get a chance go Stand Up Paddling with Leitrim Surf.
Arigna Mining Experience, Roscommon – but very close to Drumshanbo. Go underground and hear the history of the mine from one of the miners who used to work there. Epic views too and a very nice cafe.
Carrick-on-Shannon. Boats and bowling, the smallest chapel in Ireland, a workhouse, The Dock arts centre and an amazing cinema that does grown up goodies…yes really.
Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon. Not just a forest park, Zip Wires, Segways, boats to hire, Boda borg (think Crystal Maze), kids playground and more.
Strokestown Park, Roscommon. Yes it’s a famine museum but there’s much more to it. You can explore the house and the walled garden and there’s a gorgeous fairy walk in the woods and a lovely cafe.
Elphin Windmill, Roscommon. A restored windmill that was built in around 1730. Open 7 days a week for tours and well worth a look.
Glencar Waterfall, sure you all know about this one 🙂
Manorhamilton Castle, The Glens Centre, The Organic Centre, Rossinver (check out nearby Fowley Falls, beautiful!)
Parkes Castle, free admission at the moment due to refurbishment and just across from there check out Troll Wood.
Glenade, Leitrim, which is also known as Jealous Valley. The lake has a tale to tell, in the 1700’s Grainne, a local lady, was washing clothes at the lake when her husband heard her scream. He ran to see what was happening and found she had been killed by a Dobhar-chú (half dog, half water creature). The creature is engraved on Grainne’s grave in the nearby cemetery.
The Cavan Burren. One of the finest prehistoric relict landscapes in the country. Miles and miles of walks, stunning views…and it’s free!
Florence Court, Fermanagh, one of the National Trust properties, a stately home and beautiful grounds.
Marble Arch Caves. Just magical! Stalactites, stalagmites, rashers and cauliflowers – all underground – don’t believe me? Go visit. Check out the grounds too. Can’t rate this highly enough.
Ballina Salmon Festival. 8th – 15th July. Fireworks, heritage, family fun and more all on the banks of the stunning River Moy – oh and there’s an epic Penneys if that’s your thing.
Belleek Forest, Ballina. A beautiful woodland walk full of surprises including a fairy trail, ice house and more. You might even see a red squirrel. A little mention for Jack Fenn’s Cafe….just wow.
Beautiful Bundoran. Bowling, Waterworld, seaweed baths, amusements, a fun fair, surfing and a cinema. We recommend Turf n Surf for surfing, top guys. Miles of walks including one around fairy bridges and there’s even a wishing chair.
Ballyshannon Museum, upstairs in Slevin’s Dept. Store and well worth a visit.
Donegal town. There’s Donegal Castle, a fairy walk on the banks of the river and the Donegal Railway Museum to name a few. A special mention for Harvey’s Point – the food is amazing!
Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. There’s loads to do here but as with the rest of the post we are just listing the things we’ve done. Enniskillen Castle is worth a visit and if you get a chance Halloween at the castle is wonderful. There’s a free firework show 🙂 One of the very special places in Enniskillen is Headhunters – it’s a barber shop with a difference because it’s also a railway museum! So even if you don’t need a haircut go for a visit. For food check out The Happiness Trap – it’s a vegetarian and vegan cafe but it’s amazing.
So there you are some suggestions of places to visit. Any to add? Just let us know.
