72 Hours In Sligo

Morning- Explore the pristine beaches!

We cannot over-describe how stunning Sligo’s beaches are and the best thing? They are usually empty! From the white sands of Dunmoran in South Sligo to the popular Strandhill and Rosses Point beaches and further north to Lissadell and Mullaghmore, you are never short of a beach to explore. NB you cannot swim at Strandhill.

• Rosses Point (Blue Flag) – 5 mins from the hotel
• Enniscrone – 40 mins from the hotel
• Lissadell Beach – 15 mins from the hotel
• Dunmoran Beach – 25 mins from the hotel
• Mullaghmore – 25 mins from the hotel
• Streedagh – 20 mins from the hotel
• Strandhill Beach – 15 mins from the hotel

OR

Go Surfing! 

Sligo is named the ‘Surf Coast of the Wild Atlantic Way’ for good reason. 

Throw your body on a board and cruise along the coast! Roll with the waves and bash your skills on the choppy water. If your more of a beginner, don’t worry Sligo has plenty of surf schools, eager to get you up on your feet! For a list of local surf schools, visit Sligo Tourism

Fun fact, Sligo holds the record for the largest wave surfed in Ireland. Mullaghmore, in particular, has a terrifying worldwide reputation because of the size and power of its winter waves.

Lunch 

While in Sligo, it would be a shame to miss out on all the flavours culled in our vibrant streets. Here are some hot spots we highly recommend to fill your tummy before another round of activity.

Shells Cafe: Along the shore front in Strandhill and one of the hippest places with a variety of regular menu options, as well as delicious daily specials. With freshly baked breads and locally sourced ingredients you’ll get a real taste of Sligo.

Lyons Café: Known for its warm hospitality, this 1920’s Tea Rooms is in the heart of Sligo Town and operates as a Café, Bakery and Cookbook

Across the Bay in Rosses Point visit the Little Cottage Café situated along the promenade – a little gem for great home cooking

Late Afternoon

Choose one activity from the below.….

The Yeats Walking Tour – Enjoy a 2-hour guided walk, taking in the many places and sights directly linked to the Yeats family and which inspired his work. Includes poetry recitals and thoughts of Sligo as described by WB Yeats. There is also a shorter, 30-minute tour available. 

Sligo Town Walking Tour – Enjoy a 2 hour guided walking tour taking in numerous buildings and locations in the centre of town, incl. the Abbey c.1250, the Courthouse, both Cathedrals and others recalling significant events and people in the social, cultural and political history of Sligo. 

Evening

And……. Relax! After an exuberating day, take some time out in Solas Spa and enjoy a treatment from one of our highly trained therapists. Allow your muscles to rejuvenate and your mind to relax. End your wonderful day with dinner in The Brasserie with stunning views overlooking Sligo Bay. Finish with a night cap in Waves Bar!

Morning

Visit the Weekend Markets & grab some grub! It’s a hard ask to pick just one, so we’ve included them all below, happy eating!

• Strandhill People’s Market – 15 mins from the hotel (Sunday 11am-4pm) located at Sligo Airport, it’s a favourite Sunday destination for locals and visitors alike.

• IT Sligo Farmer’s Market – 10 mins from the hotel (Saturday morning 10 am – 1 pm) – the best in fresh produce, you will find fishmongers, fresh-baked bread, baked goods, great veggie stalls, a creperie.
• Rathcormack Market – 5 mins from the hotel (Saturday mornings from 10 am – 2 pm) – don’t worry about the rain as this market has you covered. Expect to find fresh produce, local craft, baked goods, cheeses and much more.
• Cliffoney Market – 20 mins from the hotel (Held on the first and third Sundays of each month) The market takes place in Cliffoney village hall between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. Each Country Market features a live traditional music session featuring local musicians.

Early Afternoon

Choose one activity from the below.….

Golf: Waste away a few glorious hours on one of Ireland’s most prestigious golf courses – County Sligo Golf Club, only 5 minutes from the hotel. As your manoeuvre around the 18-hole circuit with the stunning backdrop of Benbulben Mountain on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side

Take a Hike: Sligo is home to over 300km of Walking Trails through stunning forests, beaches, lakes and mountains. There are lots of walks for different ages and abilities. Our top favourites, would be Culleenamore Beach, Benbulben Forest Walk or Knocknarea Trail. For a full list of local walks, please visit Sligo Walks.ie

Lunch

If you decide to visit Mullaghmore in the afternoon, Ethna’s By the Sea Restaurant is a must as they serve delicious award-winning seafood. Another option is Pink Clover which is located next to WB Yeats Grave. 

Late Afternoon

Choose one activity from the below.….

One of Sligo’s “must see” tourist spots, Drumcliffe Churchyard is world famous as the final resting place of Nobel Prize Winning Poet WB Yeats. In this tranquil setting, framed by the dramatic sweep of Benbulben Mountain, the village is also home to the site of a 6th Century Monastery.

Allow time to drive around Mullaghmore Headland, a signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way and view the splendour of Classiebawn Castle with the majestic Benbulben in the background.  It boasts some of the top sandy beaches in Ireland with Ocean Views and a Skyline dominated by Benbulben Mountain.

Glencar Waterfall is situated near Glencar Lake and is only a 15 minute drive from the hotel. It is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. There are more Waterfalls visible from the road although none quite as romantic as this one which is mentioned by WB Yeats in his poem “The Stolen Child”

Evening

After a day bustling with action, we can already hear the soundtrack of a grumbling belly! Enjoy a delicious meal in Waves Bar or head out to Rosses Point (3km from the hotel). Suggested restaurants include Driftwood or Austies.

Morning

Choose one activity from the below.….

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – If you’re feeling adventurous, try Stand Up Paddle Boarding and see Sligo from a different viewpoint. Slip down beautiful coastal estuaries and tranquil inland lakes with North West Adventure Tours, starting in the town centre by the Riverside Hotel.

Sligo Kayak Tours run guided Kayak Tours of the beautiful coastal estuaries and tranquil inland lakes of Co Sligo. Discover untouched nature and world-renowned landmarks from the comfort of your own sea kayak. These tours give you a chance to get up close and personal with unique marine, bird and wildlife.

Stand Up Paddleboarding is a great activity for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and water! Niall Harte from Sligo Bay Sup offers lessons and tours for all abilities and age groups, which showcases the best of Sligo’s beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings, such as Rosses Point, Lough Gill, Glencar Lake or Streedagh to name a few!

Sail around the Isle of Innisfree, situated on one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes, Lough Gill. WB Yeats love of Sligo is well documented and much of his poetry is inspired by the locality. In the poem titled “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”, Yeats talked about one of the Islands on Lough Gill here in County Sligo. The Island is not accessible but may be viewed from land or by boat.

Early Afternoon

Choose one activity from the below.….

Seatrails – Offering guided heritage walks in coastal locations, horse-back rides on gorgeous beaches and scenic mountain treks. Discover the ancient hidden gems of Sligo including historic towns, hidden away places, incredible fossils, archaeology, wild flowers and birds

Seaweed and Seafood on Sligo Seashore– A unique culinary adventure along the seashore with Dr Prannie Rhatigan. Discover the nutritional powerhouse that is seaweed, now appearing on supermarkets and restaurants menus nationwide. Location: Streedagh Beach (approx. 25 mins from the Hotel)

Late Afternoon

Sligo is renowned as a culinary destination! Choose between one of the below tours to experience exquisite gastronomic delights from Sligo’s award-winning chefs.

Taste of Sligo Tours– this is a delicious 2.5 hour trek through Sligo’s finest gastronomic establishments, visiting 7 venues and sampling both locally inspired dishes plus desserts, craft beers, oysters and other tasty treats from the West of Ireland. A tour where “ceol agus craic” is the order of the day. Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm and 3pm. Booking is essential through Hooked.

Sligo Oyster Experience – 2 hour unique Food Tour with Aisling Kelly, around a working Oyster Farm in Strandhill 

Evening

Relax and unwind after a very active 3 days exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, by enjoying a leisurely swim in The Fitness Club followed by a delicious meal in the Hotel or head into Sligo Town (3km from the hotel). 

Suggested restaurants include: Knox (Tapas), Eala Bhan (European), Flipside (Burgers & Salads), Jalan Jalan (Thai), The Bridgefoot House (European), Rugantino’s & Bistro Bianconi’s (Italian), Coach Lane, Hooked, Embassy Rooms Steakhouse and Miso (Asian).