County 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).

Roscommon was little affected by the Norman invasion and was one of the counties left to the native proprietors by Cromwell in the seventeenth century. One result was that many of the old ways survived here longer than elsewhere.

Located on the banks of the Garavogue River with Sligo Bay, the Coolera peninsula and Knocknarea to the west, Lough Gill to the East, the Ox Mountains to the south and the Dartry Mountains with the striking outline of Benbulben to the north.

Sligo City is the largest city in the North West and is one of the most beautifully situated towns of Ireland.

Sligo has all the amenities and services needed by the visitor; art galleries, theatres, a museum, excellent shops, restaurants and pubs, great traditional music and many links with the poet W.B. Yeats and his brother, Jack B. Yeats.

The Ordnance survey letters of 1836 state that 'cart loads of shells were found underground in many places within the town where houses now stand.' At that time shells were constantly being dug up during the construction of foundations for buildings.

This whole area, from the river estuary of the 'Shelly River', around the coast to the river at Ballysadare Bay was rich in marine resources and was a prime reason for large settlement of the region during the prehistoric period.

The Main Tourist Attractions Include :

Sligo Art Gallery
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.

Culkin's Emigration Museum
Located at 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.

The Sligo County Museum and Library
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.

Woodville Farm
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.

Lisadell House
Loocated at 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.

Drumcliffe Village
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.

Heritage Sites

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery - 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.

Sligo Abbey - Abbey Street, Sligo Town
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.

Sligo

Accommodation

Restaurants Golf Clubs

Local Attractions

Heritage Sites

Interesting Shops

Sligo Chat Room

Cyber Cafes

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