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County Sligo packs as much poetry, myth and folklore into its countryside's lush splendour as any shamrock-lover and archaeologist could hope for. It was Sligo that most inspired the Nobel laureate, poet and dramatist William Butler Yeats (1865–1939). Ever fascinated by Irish mysticism, he was intrigued by places such as prehistoric Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Knocknarea Cairn, iconic and hulking Benbulben and cute little Innisfree Island.
And it's no complacent backwater: there's a vibrant and creative food culture, and the coast's surf is internationally renowned.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout County Sligo.
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Sligo's ultimate rock pile sits atop a magical mountain hike. Knocknarea Cairn is popularly believed to be the grave of legendary Queen Maeve (Queen Mab in Welsh and English folk tales). The 40,000 tonnes of stone have never been excavated, despite speculation that a tomb on the scale of the one at Newgrange lies buried below. The site is 2km northwest of Carrowmore. The parking area is off the R292.
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With a bird's-eye view of the county from high in the Bricklieve Mountains, it's little wonder this hilltop site was sacred in prehistoric times. But for a few sheep, it's undeveloped and spectacular. Dotted with 14 passage cairns, the site dates from the late Stone Age (3000 to 2400 BC). Carrowkeel is closer to Boyle than Sligo town. It's about 5km from either the R295 in the west or the N4 in the east. Follow the signs.
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One of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe, Carrowmore is finally receiving the renown it deserves and is Sligo's must-see attraction. Some 30 monuments, including passage tombs, stone circles and dolmens, adorn the rolling hills of this haunting site, which is thought to predate Newgrange in County Meath by 700 years. To get here, follow the R292 southwest from Sligo for 4km and follow the signs.
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Curving, dune-backed, 3km-long Streedagh Strand occasionally sees parts of the Spanish Armada washing up on its shores from three wrecks offshore: La Juliana, La Lavia and La Santa Maria de Visón; over 1000 soldiers and sailors drowned or were killed when the ships were caught in a storm. It's a site of immense archaeological significance, but there are also many examples of fossilised coral, fascinating geological formations, a wedge tomb and views to the island of Inishmurray.
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Yeats was long believed to be buried next to the doorway of Drumcliff Parish Church, but recent evidence suggests that the bones shipped here from France in 1948 were not his at all, owing to his actual bones being scattered about an ossuary during the chaos of WWII. Yeats' youthful bride, Georgie Hyde-Lee, however, is buried alongside. Almost three decades her senior, Yeats was 52 when they married.
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The imposing ancestral home of the Gore-Booth family is one of Sligo's top sights. Revolutionary nationalist and socialist Constance Goore-Booth (Countess Markievicz) grew up here and WB Yeats used to frequently drop by. The extensive grounds include a gorgeous walled alpine garden that boasts sea views. A 45-minute guided tour leads through the house's grand guest rooms and the servants' quarters. Take the N15 from Sligo to Drumcliff, head along the L3305 through Carney and follow the signs.
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A 10-minute walk from a car park leads through pine-scented forest to this enigmatic court tomb. Dating from around 3000 BC, the crumbling structure is comparable to a crude human form, with a large bellylike central court and several protruding burial chambers positioned as though the head and legs. Take the N16 east from Sligo and turn onto the R286. Almost immediately, turn left onto a minor road for Manorhamilton. Continue 3km to the car park.
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Set around 6km southeast of Ballymote, these splendid limestone caves high in Keshcorran Hill make for a fun expedition. You can park near the bottom at the fields at the foot of the slope and climb on up. It doesn't take long to reach the 16 caves, some of which are pretty deep, and afford excellent views over the countryside. Mind your step as it is steep and can be slippery after rain.
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The Model houses an impressive collection of contemporary Irish art including works by Jack B Yeats (WB's brother and one of Ireland's most important modern artists) and Louis le Brocquy.