15 Best Things To Do In Sligo, Ireland (For 2024)

There are lots of things to do in Sligo, Ireland. Sligo is the capital town in the County of Sligo known as the birthplace of the 90s’ boyband – Westlife and the filming location of the popular Hulu series “Normal People”. 

From amazing landscapes to ancient sites, there are lots of interesting activities in Sligo that visitors can enjoy.

READ MORE:

• Best Hotels In Sligo, Ireland.
• 9 Best Pubs In Sligo

It is only 2.5 hours away from Dublin and it can be a good day trip from the city.

So here are the top things to do in Sligo, and why it’s worth visiting this charming Irish town.

15 Best Things To Do In Sligo (For 2024)

1. Carrowmore

Carrowmore is a large group of megalithic tombs from the Neolithic era.

It is also the largest cemetery in Ireland and it’s also among the oldest cemeteries in Europe dating back to 4600 BC.

Along with Bru Na Boinne, Carrowkeel and Loughcrew, it is one of the Big Four of passage tombs in Ireland.

The cemetery consists of over 60 tombs with only around 30 tombs visible on the ground.

It said to have more but due to the development within the area, some of the tombs have been ruined or replaced by modern structures.

Carrowmore is the heart of an ancient ritual landscape and a protected National Monument. 

And if you are looking for the best things to do in Sligo, these tombs are a must.

Opening Times

Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Contact Information

Address: Carrowmore, Sligo

Email: carrowmoretomb@opw.ie

Phone:  +353 (71) 916 1534

2. Benbulben, Sligo

Benbulben is the Table Mountain of Ireland. This large rock formation was formed by moving glaciers during Ice Age.

The mountain is part of the Dartry Mountains in an area known as Yeats Country – a name after the famous writer and poet W.B. Yeats.

The Benbulben offers the best view of Sligo town and it’s an easy trail to hike.

It is only 15-20 minutes away from the town center and although one of the most popular attractions in Sligo town, it is not touristy.

Along the trail are rolling hills and beautiful landscapes of forest, bogs, and plants.

3. Sligo Abbey

Sligo Abbey is a ruined Abbey built in 1253 by Maurice Fitzgerald.

It was destroyed by fire in 1414 and followed by the war in 1595  and further rebellion in 1641.

It was restored in the 1850s and currently one of the top attractions in Sligo. The Abbey features Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculptures and carvings.

It is also the only monastic church in Ireland that has 15th-century altar survived all throughout the years.

Opening Times

28th March – 30th October
Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Contact Information

Address: Abbey Street, F91 K796

Email: sligoabbey@opw.ie

Phone:  +353 (71) 914 6406

4. Classiebawn Castle

Classiebawn Castle is a Baronial country house built in 1874 for British Statement Palmerston. It is made from the sandstone bought by the ocean from Donegal.

The castle features a cone roof-shaped turret topping the central tower of the castle.

The castle was used as barracks for the Free State Army during the Irish rebellion.

And in 1947, it was modernized and improved by Lord and Lady Mountbatten.

Although not a part of Sligo town, the castle is close enough for a quick visit.

It is located in Cliffony and it’s only 30 minutes away from the town of Sligo.

The castle is also not open to the public but one can appreciate its Disney vibe from a distance.

5. Sligo County Museum

The Sligo County Museum is a museum dedicated to the history, culture, and arts of Sligo County.

The collections in the museum include William Butler Yeats collection and artifacts from the Stone Age to the present day.

Sligo County Museum also exhibits several paintings from local artists.

Opening Times

October to April: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm Tuesday to Saturday
May-September: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 4.50 pm Tuesday to Saturday

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Sligo County Museum, Stephen Street

Email: sligolib@sligococo.ie

Phone:  +353 71 9111679

6. Ballymote Castle

Ballymote Castle is located in the town of Ballymote, 25 minutes away from Sligo town.

The castle is almost square in shape with round towers in every corner.

It was built in the 1300s by Richard de Burgh – one of the most powerful noblemen in Ireland from the late 13th to 14th century.

Opening Times

24 hours

Admission Fee

There’s no admission fee but the access to the castle is through the Enterprise Center where you can get the key for a small deposit.

Contact Information

Address: Ballymote

Phone:  +353 71 9161201

7. Devil’s Chimney

Devil’s Chimney or Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird is 150-meter waterfall lies in the border between Sligo and Leitrim.

At 150 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in Ireland. The natural beauty of the waterfall is one of the main focal points in Glencar Valley.

And it’s also one of the less touristy places in Sligo that you can visit.

Devil’s Chimney is only 15 minutes away from Sligo town and it can be reached by walking for about 45 minutes from the highway.

8. Yeats’ Grave

William Butler Yeats was a popular Irish poet, and one of the pillars of Irish literature.

He was also one of the most prominent figures of the 20th-century literature and a Nobel prize winner for his contribution to the literary world.

He also served as a senator in Ireland for two terms.

He spent holidays in Sligo as a kid and when he died, as he requested when he was still alive, his remains were moved to Sligo.

His epitaph was taken from one of his final poems – “Under Ben Bulben”.

Located in Drumcliffe cemetery, it is only 15 minutes away from Sligo town.

9. WB Yeats Statue

As the town’s most famous son, a sculpture of WB Yeats was built by Ronan Gillespie in 1989.

The statue was erected at the corner of Stephen Street and Markievicz Road to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of the famous poet.

10. St Columba’s Church

St Columba’s Church is the parish church of Drumcliff.

It is known for its neo-gothic architecture and was built using the money of the Board of First Fruits in 1809.

Besides the church is Drumcliff cemetery where William Butler Yeats’ grave is located.

Contact Information

Address: N15, Drumcliff South

Email: N/A

Phone:  +353 71 914 3815

11. Go for a Knocknarea Walk

Knocknarea Mountain, along with Benbulben, is not just one of Sligo’s most distinctive landforms, but it is also steeped in Irish mythology.

Add in the fact that the sights along this walk are out of this world, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic morning planned.

Because this is one of Sligo’s most popular activities, the route can get crowded on weekends, so try to arrive early if possible.

The Knocknarea trek begins after passing through the gate. The path to the summit is beautiful and clear. For the initial part of the walk, you’ll be on a loose gravel path until you get to the steps.

12. Visit County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre

The County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Centre offers more than three decades of expertise in conducting genealogical research, assisting numerous people in discovering their family heritage.

They provide a wide range of genealogy study services and goods to people across the world researching their County Sligo ancestors.

The research staff makes every effort to assist enquirers and is lucky to have a variety of genealogy information at their disposal. Your assistance is much welcomed as a non-profit community and international service.

13. Discover the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The majestic building of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception dominates the skyline of Sligo Town.

Sligo’s Catholic Cathedral was constructed in 1874 on land formerly owned by a protestant property owner who bought the land from an earlier owner in disguise of developing it into a garden allocation, but the land had been bought with the sole intention of reselling it to the Catholic Church.

When the former owner of the site discovered the actual reason for which the land had been acquired, he notified the new owners that he was only going to sell the property to build a Catholic Church if the primary entrances faced away from Sligo Town.

14. Watch Shows at the Hawk’s Well Theater

The Hawks Well Theatre is a light of creative expression as well as cultural enrichment in the community. It is more than simply a venue; it is a thriving nexus where creativity thrives and plays come to life.

The Theatre showcases a varied range of acts, from compelling dramas and funny comedies to musical shows and dance productions. The theater’s diversified programming appeals to a wide spectrum of creative inclinations, giving each visit a unique and enlightening experience.

15. See Amazing Arts at the Model, Home of The Niland Collection

The Niland Collection is housed in The Model, one of Ireland’s major modern arts organizations. The current structure, which was constructed in 1862 as a Model School, has been enlarged twice.

The structure includes a restaurant and coffee dock, a bookstore, a beautiful gallery circuit, a purpose-built performing area, and a suite of stunning artist studios on the top level with enviable panoramas over Sligo town and County.

The Model offers an active music program that features a diverse mix of modern and classical music. The Model creates music pieces in response to the exhibition schedule, as well as the Sligo New Music Festival.

Where to Stay in Sligo

Easkey Hostel

Location: Easkey Main Street, Sligo, Ireland

Easkey Hostel is located in Sligo, 40 kilometers from Mayo North Heritage Centre. It has a garden, complimentary parking, a communal lounge, and a patio.

This facility has a shared kitchen and complimentary WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms include bed linen. The hostel provides a continental breakfast every morning.

Price per Night:

• $30 – $71

Amenities:

• Room service
• Free Parking
• Free WiFi
• Very good breakfast

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room For 1 (1 night): $30 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• 1 bunk bed
• Sea view
• Garden view
• Private bathroom
• Flat-screen TV

Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo

Location: Clarion Road, Ballinode, Sligo, Ireland

The contemporary Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and Essence Spa, is a 7-minute drive from Sligo’s downtown. Throughout the resort, guests can take advantage of complimentary WiFi.

The Clayton Hotel Sligo has large rooms with a flat-screen TV, coffee-making amenities, and access to the hotel’s recreational center.

The Clayton Hotel Sligo’s Club Vitae Health and Exercise Club features brand-new Precor equipment and a variety of exercise sessions. There is also a sauna and jacuzzi, as well as a separate children’s pool.

Price per Night:

• $117 – $259

Amenities:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa and wellness center
• Restaurant
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Bar
• Good breakfast

Large two bedroom Family Suite For 4 (1 night): $259 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• 3 single beds
• 1 double bed
• Private suite
• View

Sligo Travel Tips

If you will Rent a Car, Book it prior to your Flight

If there is one thing that has changed dramatically in recent years, it is the availability of automobile rentals. Car rental rates have risen by double digits over the world, including in Sligo, Ireland.

Check vehicle rental costs and availability before booking your travel ticket. Book a vehicle hire before booking your travel.

Participate in Sligo Travel Online groups

Members frequently contribute personal experiences, insights, and hidden treasures about Sligo that are not readily available in guidebooks. Locals and frequent tourists can provide you with firsthand knowledge.

Interacting with other passengers or residents might lead to new friendships and relationships. This might lead to joint activities, group trips, or even meetings throughout your stay.

Bring an Extra Card

Even if you just use Visa and Mastercard, having more than one card will provide you with backup in case your primary card is compromised.

Certain cards may fail to function owing to technical difficulties or incompatibility with local payment systems. Having options decreases the possibility of getting stuck without a means of payment.

Sligo is a Safe Place

Crime rates have risen in recent years. When strolling during the day, you may feel protected. In Sligo, you are quite unlikely to be assaulted or robbed.

It is best not to keep valuables in the car when visiting Sligo because they might be stolen. The likelihood of hearing insults or sexual harassment is quite low. Tourists of a different skin color, ethnicity, religion, or gender identity can feel comfortable in Sligo since the city is accepting.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our list of best hotels in Sligo.

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