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12 things to do in Sligo on your next holiday
Enjoy all that Sligo has to offer.
County Sligo is a place full of memorable experiences wrapped up in an unforgettable landscape. With captivating historical sites, the amazing Sligo town, roaring waves and tranquil islands, there’s a lot you can pack into a short break.

Here’s 12 things not to miss in spectacular Sligo.

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1Mullaghmore Head

Home to some of the best big-wave surfing on the planet, Mullaghmore Head is a world-renowned destination for surf lovers. Grab a seat and watch daredevils ride giant waves, some as big as 30ft, or take a stroll along the cliffs and beaches with the striking Classiebawn Castle and Benbulben in the distance. 

View of water and cliffs from above Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo
See the power of the Atlantic Ocean at Mullaghmore.
2Streedagh Beach

Stand on the edge of the world and watch as the Sligo coastline fades away into the Atlantic Ocean at Streedagh Beach. With historical features in every direction, you’ll see where the Spanish Armada ran aground and can search for fossils in the rocks dotted along the 3km long sandy stretch - it's easily one of the best beaches in Sligo. 

Remains of a Spanish Armada ship on Streedagh Beach in Sligo
Uncover the remains of the Spanish Armada on Streedagh Beach.
3Lissadell House

On the shores of Sligo Bay visit the recently restored Lissadell House & Gardens, which has played an integral part in Ireland’s recent history. The childhood home of Countess Markievicz, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, it was also a favourite place of the great WB Yeats, who drew inspiration for his poetry from Sligo’s landscape. Spend a relaxing afternoon touring the house and unique Alpine Garden before stopping by the tea rooms for a homemade treat.

Colourful plants and shrubs at Lissadell House & Gardens, County Sligo
Marvel at beautiful Lissadell House.
4Sligo Food Trail

Sligo may be best known for its landscape but it’s also a place to enjoy great food. The Sligo Food Trail has stops dotted throughout the county and includes fresh farmers markets, cute cafés and award-winning restaurants. Think fresh seafood, stunning scenery and an incredible atmosphere and you’ll understand what the Sligo Food Trail is all about.

5Coney Island

At low tide, you can drive or walk across the 5km long causeway from Rosses Point and escape from it all on Coney Island. Keep an eye out for the rabbits that give the island its name. With sweeping sandy beaches, lush green fields and gentle hills, Coney Island is a proper hidden treasure.

Coney Island in County Sligo
Enjoy the wildlife on Coney Island.
6Sligo Abbey

In the heart of Sligo town, explore Sligo Abbey, a medieval Dominican monastery built in 1252 and destroyed by an accidental candle fire in 1414. Home to Gothic and Renaissance works of art, legend has it that its silver bell was thrown in Lough Gill and only those living sin-free lives can hear it ring.

Sligo Abbey in Sligo town
Go back in time at Sligo Abbey.
7Drumcliffe Church

In the foothills of his beloved Benbulben (Benbulbin) in Drumcliffe Church, lies the final resting place of the poet WB Yeats. This picturesque and quiet place is a must-visit if only to read for yourself the poet’s famous epithet:  "Cast a cold eye on life, on death Horseman, pass by."

The grave of WB Yeats in Benbulben, County Sligo
Pay a visit to WB Yeats' resting place at Drumcliffe Church.
8Carrowkeel Megalithic Site

Step back into Neolithic times on your trip to Sligo with a visit to the Carrowkeel Megalithic Site. This collection of tombs is one of the largest and most important ancient sites in Ireland, with stone structures standing here for over 5,000 years. Visitors are welcome to explore, but please don’t climb on or damage the tombs.

Neolithic tombs in Carrowkeel in Sligo.
Wander the Neolithic tombs at Carrowkeel.
9Eagles Flying

Add a dash of excitement to your Sligo holiday with a trip to Eagles Flying at the Irish Raptor Research Centre but check before you visit as there are restricted opening hours. Watch as the handlers show off the laser-focused hunting skills of falcons, eagles and hawks. Young families love spending time at the petting zoo, especially if the kids take a piggy-back ride on Rosie, the resident pig.

A little girl holding a bird at Eagles Flying at the Irish Raptor Research Centre in County Sligo
Watch eagles soar through the sky in County Sligo.
10Benbulben

The iconic flat-topped Benbulben mountain has dominated the landscape in the west of Sligo for over 300 million years. Visible throughout the west of the county, you can really get a feel for its sheer size and otherworldly shape by exploring the trails and laneways at its base.

Benbulben Mountain in County Sligo
Catch a glimpse of Sligo's famous Benbulben mountain.
11Enniscrone Boat Tours

For those that want to explore beyond the shores of Sligo, head to Enniscrone Pier and hop onboard Enniscrone Boat Tours' RIB vessel, the Grace Anne. Book into a short tour or full-day safari and your skipper will bring you along Killala Bay and share details of the area's history and folklore. Killala Bay is also home to incredible wildlife such as gannets and dolphins, which you may be able to spot depending on when your travel. 

12Sligo Folk Park

It may only be a 20km drive from Sligo town, but Sligo Folk Park will make you feel like you've been transported to a completely different world. Set on the grounds of the restored Millview House, which was originally built in the 1850s, Sligo Folk Park offers an immersive experience into old rural Ireland. Wander through reconstructed village streets, cottages and a school house and explore the 12 exhibits on display.

Reconstructed village in Sligo Folk Park in Co Sligo
Window shop in a 19th century village in Sligo Folk Park.
Start planning your trip to Sligo

Whether you’re coming to Yeats Country for a quick visit or planning a longer stay, you’ll find that Sligo has so much to offer. Discover fun things to do in this spectacular place.

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