Welcome to Sligo!
Sligo's name - 'the Place of Shells' comes from the fact that there was an abundance of shellfish found at the river and estuary - the river was also called the Sligeach (now called the Garavogue River).
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Top Hotels
Sligo Park Hotel Sligo
The Sligo Park Hotel is set on seven acres of quiet parkland and surro ...
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Yeates County Hotel and Leisure Centre Rosses Point
The Hotel in Sligo proudly hosts an award winning leisure centre, and ...
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The Glasshouse Hotel Sligo Sligo City
The Glasshouse, in the heart of Sligo town, is a stunning new developm ...
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Information Sligo Ireland
The county of Sligo is also known as Yeats County. The famous poet William Butler Yeats is buried at the Drumcliffe Churchyard, under the loaf-shaped Benbulben Mountain. The place is also considered to be the main source of inspiration by the poet, because it has beautiful sceneries and long coastlines.
Located in the west coast province of Connacht, Sligo actually translates to “the place of shells,” as the prehistoric people of the town is known for their huge appetite for the crustacean shellfish. Archaeologists and historians found the remains of shellfish buried all over Sligo. It is the largest town in the northwest of Ireland, and its history can be traced back to as far as 6,000 years ago.
Sligo is popular for its rich Irish history, heritage, folklore, and mythology. Almost every stone and hill in the county has its own and unique story to tell.
The magnificent mountains, winding rivers, and uneven coastline make Sligo popular among tourists and backpackers. As a striking contrast to the rugged uplands and terrains of the county, the lakes around Sligo are well-known for their very still waters and marshlands. The summit of Knocknarae is known for its imposing Neolithic cairn and is also identified by the locals as Queen Maeve’s grave. In neighboring Carrowmore, visitors will find the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland.
The county’s scenic coast has some excellent surfing beaches like Strandhill, Rosses Point, and Enniscrone. The Lissadell House is a good family attraction with a very beautiful beach nearby. It is once the home of Countess Markievicz. Golf courses are also found in the county. Other activities for tourists include horse riding, cycling, fishing, and other water sports.
When you are in Sligo, you can find a refuge in its small hotels, self-catering accommodation options, and bed and breakfasts.
Attractions Sligo Ireland
Sligo Tourist Attractions
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Culkin's Emigration Museum - Dromore West
Cannaghanally, Dromore West, relives a poignant era when emigration was the only hope for a better life and when families were scattered all over the world. The museum brings back to life this landmark, in a purpose built modern museum, with a host of fascinating artifacts and features, such as the original shop it self, now restored and housed within the building.
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Drumcliffe Village - Drumcliffe
Drumcliffe is the final resting place of W. B. Yeats, one of Ireland's greatest writers. When visiting Drumcliffe, take the opportunity to view the film animation 'Saint Columba and Drumcliffe' and discover Drumcliffe as an important sixth century Christian site.
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Lisadell House - Drumcliffe
The Gore Booths have lived near Drumcliffe since the time of Elizabeth I and the present house, built by Sir Robert Gore Booth in 1830s is still their home. Lisadell holds the legacy of generations of colourful Gore Boths including pictures and artifacts collected by Sir Robert on the Grand Tour. Lisadell is a fine but austere example of Greek Revival architecture and as a lot of the house was last refurbished 100 years ago visitors can expect an atmosphere of faded grandeur.
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Sligo Art Gallery - Sligo
Located in the Yeats Memorial Building at Hyde Bridge, this Gallery was founded in 1977 under the auspices of the Yeats Society. Its aim was to provide exhibition facilities for all art forms.
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The Sligo County Museum and Library - Sligo
Located in the Heritage Centre at Stephen Street, houses the Sligo Branch Library, Museum and Niland Gallery. The library contains books, newspapers, periodicals, audio tapes and information service. The Niland Gallery, contains the largest collection of Jack B Yeats, work outside of Dublin. It also houses an important selection of twentieth century Irish art including work by Paul Henry, Estella Solomons, Sean Keating and Patrick Collins amongst others.
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Woodville Farm - Woodville
Located in the townland of woodville, offers a guided tour through mature woodland, green fields and historic farm buildings. A variety of farm animals, including some rare breeds live in their natural surroundings here. Collect free range eggs from our hens, feed pet lambs and donkeys, hold chicks and ducklings and see our pigs enjoying the outdoor life. The farm museum is located in renovated horse stalls.
Heritage Sites
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Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery - Sligo
4Km from Sligo. This is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country's oldest. Over 60 tombs have been located by archaeologists - the oldest pre-date Newgrange by some 700 years. A restored cottage houses a small exhibition relating to the site.
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Sligo Abbey - Abbey Street, Sligo Town - Sligo
Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid-13th century by Maurice FitzGerald. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well preserved cloisters and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. This enigmatic Friary will inspire and enlighten its visitors.
The Golf Courses Sligo Ireland
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Ballymote Golf Club
Ballymote, Co. Sligo
9 hole parkland course located 1.5 km east of Ballymote town, on the road for Catlebaldwin nestled among rolling hills to the north of Keshcorran Mounatain and the caves of Kesh. There are plenty of tricky holes and greens that offer a good challenge. The club is open to for membership and visitors are welcome at all times.
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Castle Dargan
Ballygawley, Co. Sligo
Set snugly on 170 acres of mature woodlands with unrivalled scenery. "Castle Dargan reflects everything I love about the game. It's a club I am proud to be part of." - Darren Clarke (course designer).
- Tel: +353 (0)71 9118080
- Email: info@castledargan.com
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County Sligo Golf Club
Sligo Town, Co. Sligo
18 Hole Links Course. Situated at Rosses Point, a seaside village eight kilometres north west of Sligo town, and is one of the oldest and best known links courses in Ireland. Founded in 1894 on land leased from Henry Middleton, an uncle of W.B Yeats the famous poet and Nobel Prize winner for literature.
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Enniscrone Golf Club
10km from Ballina, Co. Sligo
18 Hole Links Course. Has hosted many major championships. Enniscrone gives the golfer a picture of life as it must have been for primeval person - rugged dunes, unchanged since time began, a bracing wind, clear sky, the most beautiful beach in Ireland, the Moy Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, all encompassed by the backdrop of the Nephin and Ox Mountains.
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Strandhill Golf Club
Sligo Town, Co. Sligo
18 hole links course. Situated 8km west of the City of Sligo and nestled under the famous Knocknarea mountain, this 5675 meters of undulating fairways and unforgiving short cuts makes it a course to remember. The player can also enjoy an uninterrupted view of spectacular scenery made famous in Song and Story. Strandhill Golf Club offers full restaurant and bar facilities, a fully equipped Golf Shop with club hire and buggy hire.
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Tubbercurry Golf Club
Co. Sligo
9 hole course. Nestling at the foot of the Ox Mountains, this picturesque course is situated on the N17 (main Galway - Sligo - Derry route). The club offers the idyllic combination of an excellent golfing challenge and a friendly and informal clubhouse atmosphere.
