County Sligo Travel Guide

Plan your visit to County Sligo, Ireland with our guide featuring the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to County Sligo

Located in the northwest of Ireland, County Sligo is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. From stunning natural attractions to culturally rich historical sites, County Sligo has something for everyone. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip to County Sligo and make the most of your time in this beautiful region of Ireland.

List of Places to Visit in County Sligo

There is no shortage of must-see attractions in County Sligo. Here are some of the top places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sligo Abbey: A well-preserved 13th-century monastery with detailed carvings and inscriptions.
  • Lissadell House: A stately historic home with a rich history that has been converted into a museum.
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: A prehistoric site with over 60 tombs and standing stones.

Natural Attractions of County Sligo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Benbulben: A striking table mountain with hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Strandhill Beach: A popular spot for surfing and watersports with a lively seaside village nearby.
  • Glencar Waterfall: A scenic waterfall that cascades down a rocky ravine into a pool below.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Sligo

County Sligo offers a range of hiking and biking routes for all ability levels. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Sligo Way: A 78-kilometer hiking route through the stunning landscape of County Sligo.
  • Mullaghmore Head: A challenging coastal hiking route that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Gleniff Horseshoe: A challenging driving route through the stunning Gleniff valley.

Best Things to Do in County Sligo: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and exploring the natural beauty of County Sligo, there are several other activities and tours to enjoy, including:

  • Horseback riding: Take a leisurely ride on horseback through the stunning countryside.
  • Surfing Lessons: Learn to surf at one of the many surf schools in the area.
  • Boat Tours: Take a guided boat tour of the coastline or go fishing on the Atlantic Ocean.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Sligo

If you have a week to spend in County Sligo, here is a sample itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of what the region has to offer:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Sligo Town and visit local attractions such as Sligo Abbey.
Day 2-3 Hike Benbulben and explore the surrounding area.
Day 4 Take a guided boat tour of the coastline or go fishing on the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 5 Visit Lissadell House and explore the gardens and surrounding area.
Day 6-7 Take a surfing lesson in Strandhill or explore the nearby village. End the day with a relaxing meal at one of the local restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of County Sligo

County Sligo is home to many traditional Irish dishes and locally-sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carrageen Moss: A traditional Irish pudding made from seaweed, milk, and sugar.
  • Boxty: A potato pancake that can be served with various fillings like sausage, bacon or egg.
  • Irish Lamb Stew: A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness: A dark, creamy stout beer that is brewed in Dublin.
  • Whiskey: Ireland is well-known for its Whiskey, and Sligo is no exception.
  • Murphy’s Ice Cream: A locally-produced ice cream made with fresh ingredients like cream, milk, and sugar.

Where to Stay in County Sligo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

County Sligo offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best options include:

  • Sligo Park Hotel: A four-star hotel located in scenic surroundings, offering a spa and leisure centre.
  • Riverside Hotel: A three-star hotel located in the heart of Sligo town centre, close to local amenities and attractions.
  • Yeats Village Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel nestled amidst the natural beauty of County Sligo.

What to Buy in County Sligo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

County Sligo is home to many unique and locally produced products that make for great souvenirs. Here are some of the best products to bring home:

  • Knitwear and Wool: County Sligo has a long tradition of wool production, and high-quality woolen goods can be found in many shops in the area.
  • Pottery: County Sligo has a thriving pottery scene, and beautiful handmade pottery can be found in many local shops and galleries.
  • Jewelry: Ireland has a rich cultural heritage when it comes to jewelry-making, and you’ll find many unique pieces to bring home in the shops around County Sligo.

Local Culture and Customs of County Sligo

The people of County Sligo are generally warm and friendly, and visitors are sure to feel welcome. Here are a few customs and cultural norms to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Greetings: Always greet people with a friendly “hello” or “good day”.
  • Punctuality: Arrive on time for events and appointments.
  • Food and Drink: It is customary to offer guests food and drink.

Best Time to Visit County Sligo

County Sligo can be visited year-round but the best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is mild and the outdoor attractions are at their best. July and August can be busy with tourists, so those looking for a quieter experience may prefer to visit in the Spring or Autumn months.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Sligo

When visiting County Sligo, it’s always important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try local cuisine: Sample the local dishes and flavors to get a real taste of Irish culture.
  • Leave no trace: Clean up after yourself when hiking or camping, leaving the natural beauty of the region unspoiled.
  • Respect local customs: Observe local customs and traditions, such as attending church services or festivals.

Don’t:

  • Be loud or obnoxious: Keep noise levels down especially at night, to avoid disrupting others.
  • Disrespect nature: Do not disturb or damage plants or wildlife in the region.
  • Over-tip: Tipping is appreciated, but overtipping may be considered rude.

Safety and Health

While County Sligo is generally safe, like any destination, it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

Safety in County Sligo

  • Crime: Be aware of pickpockets and be wary in any area that seems unsafe or deserted.
  • Ocean Safety: When swimming or surfing be mindful of the coastline and weather conditions and aware of strong currents.
  • Traffic Safety: Always observe speed limits and traffic rules.

Health in County Sligo

  • Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen when visiting outdoor attractions to protect against sunburn.
  • Tick bites: Be mindful of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme Disease when spending time in wooded areas.
  • Emergency Services: Know the emergency phone number for Ireland, 112 or 999.

Getting to County Sligo: Transportation Options and Logistics

County Sligo is well-connected to major Irish cities and airports by several transportation options.

Airports Near County Sligo

  • Ireland West Airport: Located in Charlestown, County Mayo, Ireland West Airport is 55 km from Sligo town.
  • Dublin Airport: Located in Dublin, Dublin Airport is approximately a three-hour drive from Sligo town.

Bus Stations Near County Sligo

  • Bus Eireann: Bus Eireann operates frequent bus services to and from Sligo town connecting it with major cities in Ireland.

Other Options

  • Train: Sligo train station connects the town with major cities like Dublin and Galway via rail services.
  • Car Rental: Car rental services are available at Ireland West Airport or at Sligo town for travelers who prefer to explore the region on their own.

How to Get Around in County Sligo

County Sligo is best explored by car rental or public transportation. Buses and trains offer easy access to major attractions. However, many natural attractions are accessible only by foot or by bike, so it is recommended to have rented car or an organized tour.

Where to Go Next from County Sligo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

County Sligo offers easy access to several nearby destinations that are worth visiting:

  • Galway City: Two hours south of Sligo, Galway City is known for its vibrant nightlife and traditional Irish music scene.
  • Donegal: An hour northwest of Sligo, Donegal offers stunning natural scenery and a charming small-town feel.
  • Northern Ireland: Many tourists who visit County Sligo go on to visit Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Conclusion

County Sligo is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a range of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether it’s exploring the historical sites and local culture, hiking through stunning natural scenery or trying new foods and drinks, there’s never a dull moment in County Sligo. With the information provided in this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect itinerary for your visit!

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