Sligo is the place to avoid the Summer crowds
What To Do In Sligo
Sligo is too often ignored by tourists, but Irish people know all about it. We spend our active weekends here, to hike, golf, surf and for solitude. Sligo is home to Ireland's most iconic mountain and Europe's second biggest wave. Do you dare to drive along the beach to the island that gets cut off with high tide?
This is the uncrowded Ireland that you don't find in Dingle or Blarney.
Best of all, Sligo's natural attractions are free. You just pay in breaths.
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Sligo is for you if…
- Want to feel alive with windswept cheeks after a beach or mountain walk.
- Like to golf. The best links courses you haven't heard of are here.
- Want to wander into a pub full of locals and instantly feel at home.
- Love authentic Ireland away from the tourist buses.
Tourists Love
Gleniff Horseshoe
Last time I drove this was on a dark December day and I was the only person on the hour long loop. It was just me and a few hundred sheep for miles. It seems like a pleasant drive until you round the bend and there it is, the majestic horseshoe, rising up rapidly, with a crack in the middle. The last time I saw a similar sight was in Wyoming. That one was dusty & dying. Our one is green & vibrant. Being on my own, I had no shame in trying to get an echo. The rain dampened the sound, but not my spirits. I smiled for hours afterwards.
Essential.
Benbulben
Benbulben is Ireland's version of Cape Town's Table Mountain. Its symmetry feels out of place on the craggy west coast. You see it for miles as you approach Sligo Town. As you drive up the narrow country road towards its car park, the angle makes it look like a proud ocean liner, Titanicesque.
Instead of a captain at its bow, you see sheep impossibly high on the slopes. Enjoy the easy walk under Benbulben's shadow.
Mullaghmore
At first, Mullaghmore seems like just another quiet harbour town. But there's more to it than that. Bring your long lens to capture the silhouette of Classiebawn Castle in front of Benbulben. Catch it at the right time & light and it will be the best photo of your time in Ireland. It's privately owned so that's as close as you will get it though.
In Winter Mullaghmore transforms into Mully as the world's surfers come to ride one of Europe's biggest waves and this tiny corner of Ireland briefly favors Red Bull over Guinness.
Locals Prefer
The Beaches
Sligo is famous in Ireland for its beaches. Streedagh, Eske, Strandhill & Rosses Point. While Mully only comes alive in the winter, the other beaches are busy year round with big waves, cold swims & long walks. This is Sligo's social scene. Huddled over steaming coffee in Dry Robes, welcoming to all who share the stoke.
Queen Maeve's Trail
The massive stone cairn at the summit is 5,000 years old. Legend says the Warrior Queen Maeve is buried inside, standing upright and facing her enemies in Ulster. Walk the 500 steps up a raised boardwalk to the top of Knocknarea, it's not as hard as it sounds. You'll pass ruined old cottages, walk through a forest and as you catch your breath, see views over all of Sligo. On a clear day, you can see Mayo & Donegal too.
Where to Stay
Pearse Lodge, Sligo Town
A family run B&B with exceptional reviews
"The hosts were lovely and welcoming. She made us feel like family. Additionally, the location is perfect. It's just a short walk to the restaurants, pubs, and town. Added bonus: onsite parking."
The Driftwood, Rosses Point
Sea views not far from the town or the mountains. Perfect place to relax.
"Lie back in bed and gaze out at the sea and Coney Island through the giant, floor-to-ceiling glass." Irish Independent's Fab 50, 2025
Castle Dargan, Ballygawley
A castle, a golf course and WB Yeats wrote this about it
I liked the place", he said, "For the romances of its two ruined castles facing one another across a little lake"
Places to Visit
In addition to the places already mentioned, here's more things to do in Sligo
Sligo Town
Sligo is charming in its own way town. It has a 'this is who we are' attitude, they're not trying to be a tourist town but that's why I like it. It's small, it's comfortable. You won't see many tourists, you might even nod in recognition when you see a fellow traveller. But the locals are extremely friendly and there's enough small bars & restaurants to keep you wandering around for the weekend.
Strandhill Beach
Just outside the town but a destination of its own. Plan an afternoon here. Walk along the stoney beach. If you're lucky, you can watch some surfers or take a lesson yourself. If not, the views are delightful. The blustery golf course behind the beach is on my list to play. You might prefer a seaweed bath or lunch in the lovely Honestly Farm Kitchen.
Coney Island
Do you dare drive over to Coney Island, only accessible at low tide. Your insurance company wouldn't recommend it I'm sure and nor do I. I didn't even attempt it in my junker but it's fun watching those who do.
Streedagh Beach
While Strandhill is a destination, only the determined end up at Streedagh. Which is why I love it. Turn right when you see the Highland Cows (really!) and you'll find an empty beaches with just the shadow of Benbulben for company.
Wild Atlantic Way
Sligo sits on the Wild Atlantic Way so just follow the signs and discover your own favourites
Things to Do
- Watch Martin and his Atlantic Sheepdogs in action in Streedagh.
- Do the Sligo Dark Tales walk in Sligo Town.
- Take a boat tour on a lake close to Sligo Town.
- Hike Benbulben with Northwest Adventures.
- Play golf at County Sligo Golf Club with Benbulben as a backdrop.
Festivals & Events in Sligo
- Fleadh Sligo - Real traditional music usually in May
- Taste of Sligo - Food festival in September
- Hagstravaganza - Brewery beer festival in August
When To Go To Sligo
The joys of not being a tourist hub is that you can go anytime of the year.
I absolutely recommend going to the Northwest instead of the Southwest if you are in Ireland in the Summer. The Southwest is just too busy, well the main tourist areas, West Cork is always good to visit.
How Long To Spend in Sligo
Sligo is a small county and many people will find themselves in Sligo as they do a Northwestern tour from Mayo to Donegal and cross Sligo along the way.
I think two days/one night is good here unless you specifically want to do any activity that takes time. If you're coming from the south, it's mostly beaches until you get to Sligo Town. If you stay there for a night, the next day will be a very pleasant one and will get you to your next stop in Donegal without spending too much time drive.
How To Get Around Sligo
You do need a car here. It would be very hard to get around otherwise. Compare rental car rates here.
Summary
Now you know why I think it's a shame that so few people visit Sligo. It's got so much for the visitor who might be tired of the famous sites. Come to Sligo and see why it's a favorite among Irish locals.
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