An archetypal coastal town situated in the north of Ireland, where the Garavogue River meets Sligo Bay, Sligo is known for its rugged countryside and intriguing literary history.
Among its many attractions are the ruins of a medieval monastery known as Sligo Abbey, a Megalithic cemetery complex, and a literary center dedicated to the poet W.B. Yeats.
Sligo is also home to Benbulben, a scenic flat-topped mountain on the outskirts of town with a short hiking trail to the summit. If you’re looking for a place to escape the tourist crowds or just enjoy the natural surroundings, Benbulben is the place to be.
If you like castles, the nearby town of Cliffony is home to Classiebawn Castle, which is worth a quick visit despite not being open to the public.
Of course, this is just a small sample of what Sligo has to offer. If you would like to know more, continue reading for a full list of attractions here
The 30 Most Popular Things To Do In Sligo, Ireland
30. Green Fort
5.0 (1 review)
Green Fort is an important part of Sligo Town history. The Fort itself is built in a star shaped. It was an integral part of the Jacobite war.
Credit: Mario Rodriguez, Google Maps
Location: Rathquarter Sligo
29. Kings Mountain
5.0 (2 reviews)
No Ireland travel itinerary is complete without a hike through the breathtaking Irish countryside. Kings Mountain is set in a beautiful part of the land and makes for a really fantastic hike.
Credit: Michael Murtagh, License, Wikimedia commons
28. Perfect Day Surf & SUP School
5.0 (3 reviews)
If you are looking for something more exciting to do with your Sligo itinerary then this is perfect. It is a family friendly attraction that can keep your kids busy for hours.
Credit: Niall O’Gorman, Google Maps
Location: Airport Road Killaspugbrone Streetrandhill Co Sligo
Tel: 87-202-9399
Web Address: http://perfectdaysurfing.ie/
27. Innisfree
4.1 (13 reviews)
The island of Innisfree is a picturesque little island in Sligo. There are amazing hiking trails on the island and it was the inspiration for the famous Innisfree poem written by William Butler Yeats.
Credit: Jay Sturner, License, Wikimedia commons
26. The Metal Man
4.6 (14 reviews)
The Metal Man stands as a monument to the lives lost with the sinking of the HMS Seahorse. Although the metal man is a fantastic site you cannot get too close to it as the cliffs in the area are particularly dangerous.
Credit: Djedi Guy, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Rosses Point Co Sligo
Web Address: http://irishlights.ie/safety-navigation/our-lighthouses/metal-man.aspx
25. Streamstown Beach
4.8 (14 reviews)
This is comparatively small beach on the coast of Sligo. However, it is a nice and scenic stretch of the Sligo coast. It is not great for swimming but makes for a beautiful coastal walk.
24. Coney Island, County Sligo
4.8 (34 reviews)
This delightful Irish island between Coolera and Rosses Point is named after the rabbits that inhabit it. A part of the island is also inhabited by people. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the island to see the natural fauna and flora around. There is also a local pub, the star-shaped forts, and the faerie ring.
Credit: NTF30, License, Wikimedia commons
23. Killaspugbrone
4.6 (49 reviews)
This site marks the remains of an early Christian church. It is actually one of the earliest churches in the county.
Credit: Wanfried-Dublin, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Maguins Island Streetrandhill Co Sligo
Web Address: http://stpatricksstrandhill.ie/
22. Lough Gara
4.6 (55 reviews)
Credit: Sailko, License, Wikimedia commons
21. Berties Pitch and Putt
4.2 (70 reviews)
Credit: Berties Pitch and Putt, Google Maps
Location: Bundoran Rd. Lisnalurg Sligo
Tel: 87-942-5516
Web Address: https://berties-pitch-and-putt.business.site/
20. Sligo Kayak Tours
4.9 (72 reviews)
Credit: Lee Dong Norman Chiong, Google Maps
Location: Aghamore Near Co Sligo
Tel: 86-199-9015
Web Address: http://sligokayaktours.com/
19. Union Rock
4.9 (86 reviews)
Credit: Ken Walsh, Google Maps
Location: Union River View Co Sligo
18. Slishwood Forest
4.8 (104 reviews)
Credit: Oliver Dixon, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Slishwood Co Sligo
Web Address: https://sportireland.ie/outdoors/walking/trails/slishwood-forest-walk
17. Dooney Rock Forest
4.8 (114 reviews)
Credit: Michael DELAETER, Google Maps
Location: R287 Lahanagh Aughamore Far Co Sligo
Tel: 71-911-1457
Web Address: https://coillte.ie/site/dooney-rock/
16. Tobernalt Holy Well
4.8 (175 reviews)
Credit: Djm-leighpark, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Holywell Road Aghamore Near Carraroe Co Sligo
Tel: 71-916-2136
Web Address: http://holywellsligo.com/
15. Benbulbin
4.8 (263 reviews)
Credit: Seamus Feeney, License, Wikimedia commons
14. County Sligo Golf Club
4.7 (335 reviews)
Credit: Bernard Gagnon, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Rosses Upper Co Sligo
Tel: 71-917-7134
Web Address: http://countysligogolfclub.ie/
13. Hazelwood Forest
4.8 (372 reviews)
Credit: Oliver Dixon, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Kiltycahill Sligo
Web Address: https://coillte.ie/site/hazelwood/
12. Strandhill Golf Club
4.6 (399 reviews)
Credit: Andy Withers, License, Flickr
Location: Golf Course Road Carrowbunnaun Streetrandhill Co Sligo
Tel: 71-916-8188
Web Address: http://strandhillgolfclub.com/
11. Parke’s Castle
4.5 (596 reviews)
Credit: Michmckenna90, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Parke’s Castle Kilmore Fivemilebourne Co Leitrim
Tel: 71-916-4149
Web Address: https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/parkes-castle/
10. Drumcliffe Church & W. B Yeats’ Grave
4.5 (600 reviews)
Credit: Robin Pollard, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Drumcliffe Church Drumcliffe Co Sligo
Tel: 71-914-3815
Web Address: http://drumcliffechurch.ie/
9. Rosses Point Beach
4.7 (899 reviews)
Credit: self, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: beach Rosses Point Co Sligo
Tel: 91-777-777
Web Address: http://wildatlanticway.com/
8. Strandhill Beach
4.7 (1,531 reviews)
Credit: Niallio77, License, Wikimedia commons
Web Address: http://gostrandhill.com/
Our Top picks
7. Sligo County Museum
4.4 (5 reviews)
Credit: Djedi Guy, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 3 Streetephen Street Abbeyquarter North Sligo
6. Hamilton Gallery
5.0 (11 reviews)
Credit: Hamilton Gallery, Google Maps
Location: 4 Castle Street Abbeyquarter North Sligo
Tel: 71-914-3377
Web Address: http://hamiltongallery.ie/
5. Famine Graveyard Sligo
4.0 (29 reviews)
Credit: richardobeirne, License, Flickr
Location: Ballytivnan Sligo
Tel: 71-916-1201
Web Address: http://sligotourism.ie/
4. Knocknarea
4.8 (90 reviews)
Credit: Pampuco, License, Wikimedia commons
3. Yeats Society Sligo
4.2 (224 reviews)
Credit: Chad K, License, Flickr
Location: Hyde Bridge Abbeyquarter North Sligo
Tel: 71-914-2693
Web Address: http://yeatssociety.com/
2. Sligo Abbey
4.3 (765 reviews)
Credit: Clemensfranz, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Abbey Street Abbeyquarter North Sligo
Tel: 71-914-6406
Web Address: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/sligo-abbey/
1. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
4.2 (953 reviews)
Credit: Andreas F. Borchert, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Carrowmore Co Sligo
Tel: 71-916-1534
Web Address: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/carrowmore-megalithic-cemetery/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Sligo, Ireland! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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