Welcome to County Sligo
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 (WB) 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.
Top experiences in County Sligo
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County Sligo activities
Northern Ireland 5-Day Tour from Dublin
Day 1: Dublin - Connemara - GalwayTo begin our amazing experience we depart Dublin and make our way to the West of Ireland and tour beautiful Connemara. On our way across the midlands of Ireland, we take a comfort stop for refreshments before arriving in the enchanting village of Cong. Famed by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in the film Quiet Man, the village is home to Ashford castle, a regular haunt of the rich and famous. We have time to visit Cong Abbey before continuing our journey through the wilderness of Connemara. We arrive in Galway mid afternoon.Day 2: Galway - Sligo - LetterkennyAfter a great night in Galway, we set off through parts of Connemara to the Museum of Country Life. Here we are introduced to the Irish way of life that has existed in this rugged and beautiful part of country since 1800s. Our lunch stop today shall be Ireland's premier surf venue and beach at Strandhill, County Sligo. We watch some of Ireland's finest breakers roll against our Atlantic shores before heading off through the poetic heartland of Ireland, W.B. Yeat's country. We visit his final resting place in Drumcliff Abbey.Day 3: Letterkenny - Donegal - Derry - LetterkennyBegin today with an excellent in-depth tour of Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park. Here we take the opportunity to enjoy nature with lakeside walks and a visit to Glenveagh Castle. Onwards to Grianan of Aileach a hilltop fort. This afternoon we’ll visit the city of Derry. Enjoy a walking tour of Derry's walls (1613) and the well known Bogside district made famous by the 1972 massacre and U2 song "Bloody Sunday". Day 4: Letterkenny - Rope Bridge - Giant’s Causeway - Glens of Antrim - BelfastToday we cruise the beautiful North Antrim Coast. A highlight of the tour for many is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (weather- dependent & cross at your own risk by making a small charitable donation to the UK National Trust charity who maintain the bridge). We continue along the coastal route, with fantastic views and photo opportunities of Whitepark Bay. Next it's Northern Ireland's highlight the Giant's Causeway with its 37,000 basalt columns forming stepping stones leading from Ireland to Scotland. This afternoon we’ll visit Titanic Belfast, a fascinating museum located in the very docklands where this infamous ship was built. Day 5: Belfast - DublinWe begin the day with a city tour of the highlights of Belfast including City Hall, Queen's University, Botanic Gardens and much more. Together we’ll visit Titanic Belfast, a fascinating exhibit housed in the very docklands where this most famous ship was built and launched before her tragic maiden voyage. You will also have some time at leisure and many guests will take a Black Taxi tour (optional) of the political murals and of course the Peace Walls which divide the Catholic Republican from the Protestant Loyalist communities. Finish in Dublin at 17:00 approx.
2-Hour Surf Lesson and Guided Walking Tour of Coolera Peninusla from Strandhill Village
Our group tours begin with a two-hour surf lesson to awaken the senses. Our surf lessons generally take place at 10 am or 2 pm (times may change according to conditions). After our surf session we get changed and regroup for a coffee before we head off on a guided walking tour that will broaden our mind. North along Strandhill beach and the sandhills. Hear about Strandhill's origins and the curse of the 'shifting sands' that buried the cottages of local villagers. Find out about the marine archaeology of Strandhill beach and why Knocknarea has fossilised seafloor on its summit. Beyond Walkers Banks and Sligo airport is Strandhill's archeological gem, Killaspugbrone. Here we will explore the ruins, hear about Saint Patrick's visit to Strandhill and about the religious centre he founded. Next we will visit Walkers Lodge, one of the area's 'big houses' before arriving to Dolly's Cottage, a preserved 18th stone cottage. Here we can stop for tea, listen to the story of Dolly's Cottage and maybe even hear some music or song. Then we make our way back to the seafront, passing various sites of interest until we reach the famous Strandhill cannon. (Terrain: Uneven in places, strand, shore, rocks, road. Duration: 1hour 30 minutes)
Sligo Dark Tales Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Sligo Abbey, Sligo, County Sligo, Western IrelandSligo Abbey on Abbey Street: This ruined twelfth-century abbey in Sligo has a long and dark history, visitors will hear some of the tales associated with the Abbey. It was destroyed in 1414 by a fire, ravaged during the Nine Years’ War in 1595 and once more in 1641 during the Irish Rebellion.Duration: 15 minutes
Sligo Surf Experience
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productVisit Strandhill Beach, a world-class surfing location. Learn to surf or bodyboard with local surf legend Seamus Mc Goldrick underneath the sand dunes and the prehistoric Queen Maeve's tomb on top of Knocknarea.Duration: 2 hoursLocation: Strandhill Beach, Strandhill, Sligo, County Sligo, Western Ireland
Irish Whiskey Tasting and Food Pairing in Local's Ballina Home
Spending six years working in France and Ireland as a brand ambassador for the Jameson Irish Whiskey brand injected a passion for whiskey into Rachel’s blood, and it’s there for life. Now, Rachel is proud to be home in Ballina to spread the gospel of Irish whiskey to the world. She loves nothing better than imparting to others in her own inimitable way, her knowledge and fervor for whiskey, its craft and its heritage on one of her much sought-after whiskey tasting and appreciation experiences. Gather in Rachel's home (also a bed and breakfast) for an absorbing journey through the ages. Begin with the origin of whiskey - Rachel will share with you from her years of industry experience tales of whiskey’s colorful past, and will explain the painstakingly fine art of distilling which results in the smooth, golden liquid which clings so appealingly to the glass you’re holding. Experience specially selected samples of whiskeys and learn about the processes that make each so unique in taste and texture. Discover how the maturation process gives each whiskey its own flavor and character, right down to the type of cask in which it is matured, and the skill that lies behind the craft which ensures you enjoy every warming sip. Rachel will also teach you about whiskey food pairing and you will enjoy light finger foods that complement your whiskeys. By the end of your session, you’ll know what type of whiskey you like best, and you’ll have gained a new appreciation for sipping and savoring its distinctive flavors. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a premium whiskey, specially selected by Rachel for the evening. Rachel is flexible on start times so if you prefer another time for your whiskey tasting experience, please let her know when making your booking.