November 26, 2022
twelve amazing things to do in Sligo, Ireland
Sligo on the west coast of Ireland is a little-visited county that deserves WAY more attention than what it currently gets. This guide details the 12 best things to do in Sligo, Ireland (in our opinion). We hope that we inspire you to consider adding this beautiful area to your next Ireland trip. Whether it be a weekend getaway from somewhere close by, or as part of your longer Wild Atlantic Way road trip.
If you’re looking to extend your trip in Ireland we have plenty of other guides to nearby counties and areas including Donegal, Connemara, the Aran Islands and a 7 day unique road trip guide.
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Gleniff Horseshoe
In this article
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When to go to SligoWhen to go to Sligo
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How long do you need in SligoHow long do you need in Sligo
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How to get thereHow to get there
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Cost breakdownCost breakdown
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Where to stayWhere to stay
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Map of locationsMap of locations
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Best things to do in SligoBest things to do in Sligo
When to go to Sligo
If you let the weather stop you from doing outdoor activities in Ireland, you’d never get outdoors. If you have flexibility, try to keep an eye on the forecast and adjust your schedule if the weather really doesn’t look good. But otherwise try to embrace the rain if it isn’t too heavy.
At the end of the day, it rains a lot in Ireland and that doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying the best things to do in Sligo Ireland. In fact when we went in the fall (October), it rained a lot. The only negative side to this was that we didn’t end up climbing Knocknarea Mountain. But we found plenty more to do instead.
Like anywhere in Ireland, traveling during the summer months is going to give you the best chance of nice weather and longer daylight hours. It’s also going to be the busiest time to travel, because everyone has the same idea. Ireland is an expensive country, and summer is obviously the most expensive season in general. Car hire prices will be 3 times as expensive than in the low season (from our experience).
We think if you can aim for the fall months that would be perfect. It won’t be as wet as it is in Spring, you will still have plenty of daylight hours, and it won’t be so cold that you can’t spend all day outside.
Left: Gleniff Horseshoe, Right: Benbulben
How long do you need in Sligo?
Sligo is pretty compact. Two full days is the perfect amount of time to complete the entire list of things to do in Sligo Ireland included in this guide. We provide a map further below of where everything is located. We suggest that you save these locations and plan out your days so that you minimise driving as much as possible.
If you have more time you could consider adding a day for some surfing lessons (or just surfing if you already know how), or tackle Knocknarea Mountain (we didn’t get a chance due to low clouds).
How to get there
Although this guide covers some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll find in the country, unfortunately public transport routes in Ireland don’t get you very far. Car hire in Ireland is quite expensive, especially with insurance and fuel, but it will be about 3 times more expensive in summer. If you’re able to travel to Ireland outside of the peak months (June-August) we highly recommend it.
Sligo is a 3 hour drive from Dublin, and a 2 hour drive from Galway. Driving in the region is pretty relaxed, but with all areas in Ireland you will need to expect narrow country roads.
Left: Benbulben, Right: Dún Briste Sea Stack
Cost breakdown
We found 3 days in Sligo to be super affordable! Well, except for fuel and car hire prices, but it’s 2022 and inflation is wild. The below are our actual costs for 2 nights / 3 days for 2 people in 2022. Luckily most of the best things to do in Sligo Ireland are for free!
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €120 |
| Food | €70 |
| Car hire | €220 |
| Fuel | €95 |
Where to stay
Sligo town
County Sligo isn’t huge, but there are a few options for where to stay. Sligo town is a convenient option especially for the northern locations (Benbulben, Gleniff Horseshoe, Classiebawn Castle). As it’s a city there are plenty of accommodation options as well as restaurants and coffee shops.
Easkey
When we visited we stayed in Easkey, a tiny town famous for surfing. It is much cheaper than Sligo town, but a lot slimmer when it comes to choice. There’s just one pub in town and there’s a great grocer turned cafe called Pudding Row where you can pick up a morning pastry. Twenty minutes up the road is a fantastic traditional pub called The Beach Bar. This beautiful pub sits right on the water at Aughris beach. It has a cozy interior for bad weather days as well as a huge outdoor area with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a beer in the sun. We really enjoyed spending an hour or so here soaking up the local atmosphere.
Enniscrone
If we go back to Sligo, we’ll probably stay in Enniscrone. This sleepy beach town just gave us such a nice feeling. Even in the fall there were plenty of people heading to the beach to enjoy the sunset, and as it caters to the summer crowds there is a good number of places to stay and eat.
Left: Benbulben, Right: Gleniff Horseshoe
Map of locations for the best things to do in Sligo Ireland
Best things to things to do in Sligo Ireland
1. Classiebawn Castle
Starting this list strong with one of the best things to do in Sligo Ireland is Classibawn Castle. This pretty country house located on Mullaghmore Peninsula is a fantastic spot at sunset. This is one of the most popular spots along Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way as it was featured in season 4 of The Crown. The castle was originally built by a UK Prime Minister who died before construction was finished in 1874. It’s located conveniently close to many of the other locations listed in this guide. It is only 25 minutes from Sligo town if that’s where you’re staying.
You can’t actually visit the castle as it’s located on 3,000 acres of private land, but there are multiple points on the peninsula that give you fantastic vantage points. If you put Classiebawn castle viewpoint in Google maps you’ll find a pretty spot over the water with Benbulben in the background.
Best location for a photograph
For a much better vantage point in our opinion, keep heading north up the peninsula for a couple hundred metres. The perspective changes and Benbulben enlarges in the distance. The combination of the curvy country road and Sligo’s very own tabletop mountain in the background is breathtaking! Now as it is so famous, you will find quite a few people here especially at the viewpoint listed on maps. However, we found plenty of spots to take in the views and get some great photos without anyone around. In fact we were the only ones further up the road except for locals going on their runs.
If you have some extra time while you’re on the peninsula, take a swim at Bishop’s Pool. This is a naturally sheltered tidal pool. It can get deep in places (up to 5 metres) and note that there are no lifeguards or amenities here. If you’re here in the summer, the water can warm up to very pleasant temperatures.
2. Benbulben
This distinctive table top mountain was formed in the Ice Age from glaciers carving through the landscape. This is Yeats Country and the landscapes are described in his famous poem Under Ben Bulben. When you arrive, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the Benbulben Forest Walk. It’s an easy trail that will take 1.5 hours (5.5km). There’s a very large car park from where the trail starts. The trail is all weather and gives you panoramic views over the coast including Classiebawn castle. For another great vantage point, put Luke’s Bridge into maps. The road leading up to the small car park has some great spots to pull over and admire the countryside.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hike the Benbulben and Kings Mountain Loop Walk. This one is more strenuous, taking 3.5 hours (8km), and will take you past the dramatic gullies on Benbulben Head and across the spectacular plateau. You’ll need proper hiking shoes for this one, while the path is clear it can get mushy and muddy in parts. Part of the area around Benbulben is owned by a farmer. So be respectful to the local community and leave no trace regardless of what walk you take.
I’m sure these photos will make it obvious why we think Benbulben is one of the best things to do in Sligo Ireland.
3. Glencar Waterfall (and valley)
Another spot in Yeats Country that is featured in his poetry. This beautiful waterfall is located in Glencar Valley and is just over the border in County Leitrim but can’t be excluded from a Sligo itinerary. It’s not Ireland’s tallest waterfall but it is very pretty, tucked inside a lush forest. If you’re keen on seeing this waterfall, arrive early (and preferably not during summer). HUGE tour buses stop here which can ruin the tranquility of the location a little bit.
There are a few different routes to the waterfall, including a very short 5 minute direct walk that is all weather and suitable for all types of access. It’s certainly worth a quick stop to see this 15m waterfall. There are plenty of amenities here including toilets, picnic tables and a seasonal cafe. Some people get this waterfall mixed up with the much taller Devil’s Chimney which requires a longer walk (we’ll mention this one later).
4. The Glen
This fairytale location is a great stop mostly visited by locals. This unusual landscape was likely caused by a fault line in Knocknarea mountain while glaciers were carving through during the Ice Age.
There’s a very small track that leads down into a large opening. The canopy has been trimmed back recently due to overhead lines which opens up the space and creates a bit of a different feeling, but it’s still incredibly pretty. Keep walking through and you’ll find yourself walking between large limestone walls which are steeped in Irish mythology.
If it’s been wet make sure you’re wearing proper boots as there are plenty of very muddy spots along the walk. It can be tricky to find the entrance which is located on the same road as the car park for Queen Maeve’s Grave walk. Keep an eye out for an old white stone well on the side of the road about 350m from the end of the road. This blog has more detailed instructions.
5. Yeats’ grave
This is a very quick pitstop, but is well worth it to see the final resting place of one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets. Yeats was (eventually) buried in the cemetery at Drumcliffe Church which has views over Benbulben, exactly as he specified in his poem Under Ben Bulben that we mentioned earlier in this post. The very simple headstone is engraved with the last three lines of one of his poems “cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by”. There is a coffee shop, toilets and a craft shop on site.
6. Enniscrone
We spontaneously stopped at Enniscrone and can’t wait to go back for an extended visit. This beautiful coastal town has a lovely atmosphere about it. For those looking for a quiet beach holiday, we highly recommend that you stay here. Although it is a bit further away from most other locations listed in this guide, it’s close to County Mayo where there is plenty more to see and do. Make sure to take some time to stroll on the beautiful sandy beach. If you’re looking for an interesting activity that apparently makes your skin feel incredibly soft, stop by Enniscrone Seaweed Baths. A traditional hot seaweed bath with luxurious bath oils will set you back between €30-45 depending on what you would like.
7. Rathcormack Craft and Food Market
An unexpected addition to our list of the best things to do in Sligo Ireland is this small craft market. If you’re in Sligo on a Saturday make some time to stop at the lively Rathcormack Craft and Food Market. It’s located up the road from Yeats’ grave and is open from 10am to 3pm. There are local artisan craft stalls, galleries, a beautiful antique store, workshops, a super cozy cafe and plenty of food stalls.
8. Devil’s Chimney
Devil’s Chimney is only worth visiting after rainfall. Luckily in Ireland, that will be most of the time. The Irish name for this waterfall is Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird which means stream against the height. Basically when the wind conditions are right, the water is blown right back up into itself. You can see the waterfall in the cliff face from the road at the start of the walk. So if it’s dry then just keep driving and visit Glencar waterfall up the road instead.
There are quite a few spots to park at the gate where the trail head starts. The walk takes half an hour each way and is slightly uphill. If it is wet, the trail can be a bit slippery. At 150m, this is Ireland’s tallest waterfall!
9. Gleniff Horseshoe Loop
Top of the list for the best things to do in Sligo Ireland
This is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Sligo, Ireland and I was amazed that there wasn’t ANYONE else in the area the entire time we were there in October. You can drive the loop in about half an hour, or you can walk which will take you about 2.5 hours. The more moody the weather, the better for this location. It feels like it’s straight out of a film and a bit of low cloud at the tip of the mountains makes it feel so dramatic. Like a lot of other landscapes already mentioned in this guide, the landscape at Gleniff Horseshoe was created during the Ice Age when glaciers scraped through creating a beautiful valley.
The incredibly wild scenery here can apparently get quite busy during summer. So if you’re visiting during the peak season, arrive early. Trust me, you want this place to yourself. You’ll start and end the loop in Cliffoney but there are signs everywhere for the loop that you can’t miss. Plan to spend an hour or so here, taking your time to stop at many of the photogenic locations along the way.
10. Union Wood
We ended up going to Union Wood because we got rained out from hiking nearby Knocknarea and we ended up absolutely loving it. There are a couple of walks that you can do. We chose the walk to Union Rock (Union Rock Trail) which takes between 1.5 and 2 hours (5.5km). The trail was easy and is now well marked (previously the signposts weren’t very clear).
The walk initially winds through pine forests managed for biodiversity, taking you all the way up to a viewpoint of the surrounding countryside. It does get a little steep at the end along some narrow boardwalks, but it’s well worth it for the view. Beware the boardwalk gets very slippery in the rain, and there are slight drop offs. There’s a big car park and you normally won’t have an issue finding a spot unless the weather is incredibly good. Note that there are no toilets located here. Like a lot of spots on this guide, it’s not far from a lot of the other top attractions in Sligo.
11. Dún Briste Sea Stack
Dún Briste Sea Stack at Downpatrick Head (Gaelic for Broken Fort) stands at 45 metres tall. It is located in County Mayo, but we couldn’t help but include it in this guide as it is quite close especially if you’re staying in Easkey. There is a large car park, and you will need to walk about 10 minutes or so to reach the cliffs. If you can, try to arrive at this magnificent location for sunset to enjoy the most beautiful colours.
One of my favourite parts about this area was the funky lumpy ground similar to the Teletubbies landscape! The dominant grass here is red fescue and apparently as it is not grazed it grows in bunches and becomes thickly matted. As the sea stack is separated from land prey, it is home to many bird species including puffins, kittiwakes and cormorants.
It’s very important to note that there are absolutely no fences or barriers on the edge of the cliffs so keep a good distance away from the edge. There is evidence of erosion in plenty of areas, especially those used frequently for photographs where all vegetation has been removed by footfall (the best way to increase erosion!).
There is an Eire 64 sign and lookout post here from WW2. Ireland was a neutral zone and so you will find these signs constructed of white stones embedded in concrete in many locations. There’s also an inland blow hole (this is fenced off and protected) which was created by a partial collapse of the headland. If you’re lucky enough to visit during rough weather you’ll witness rough foamy waves spurting up through the chimney.
12. Keshcorran Caves
Keshcorran Caves, or the Caves of Keash, are a perfect stop if you’re driving in or out of Dublin. There are 17 caves in total sitting on top of Keshcorran Hill, dating back to the Ice Age which makes them older than the pyramids. The caves are easy to reach with a handful of car parks at the bottom (otherwise park in the nearby town of Keash Village). There is a clearly marked trail through some farmland to reach the caves. Again, be respectful to the community and take everything you bring with you. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this ancient area, there is a visitor centre in Keash Village that runs tours throughout the year although they reduce the tours to once a day in winter.
Being here for sunrise or sunset would be magical with the light pouring through the cave system and the beautiful views over the surrounding farmlands. In general, these caves are certainly off the beaten path and you won’t find many other tourists around. The walk gets steep in parts and if it’s been raining it will be very slippery. The first couple of caves are pretty easy to reach but the narrow trail gets more difficult the further you go and eventually peters off. It is very steep and the grass is incredibly slippery so we wouldn’t recommend trying especially without the correct footwear.
Thanks for stopping by!
We hope we’ve inspired you to check out Sligo, a much under-appreciated county in the beautiful country of Ireland. Out of anywhere we’ve visited in Ireland so far, this county has been our favourite! Chill beach towns, dramatic mountain areas straight out of a movie set, and romantic castles, there’s nothing more you could want from a trip in Ireland.
If you’re looking for even more detail to plan your trip to Ireland, we have written detailed guides including budgets for Connemara, the Aran Islands and Donegal. We also have a 7 day road trip guide to some of our other favourite spots in the country.
If you have any questions, please let us know, and please subscribe!
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