SLIGO 3 Day Itinerary – Family

Morning

Go for a scenic family walk!

Sligo is home to over 300km of walking trails through stunning forests, beaches, lakes and mountains. Below are our staff top picks for family-friendly walks in Sligo.

Culleenamore Beach: 45 – 90 mins (20 mins from hotel)

This Beach is the perfect place to start your morning. Take in the fresh air & be blasted into the present! If you’re booted with energy tackle the 90 minute excursion or if you’re dealing with some groggy little ones a 45 minute walk should do the trick!

Knocknarea Trail: 1.5 – 2hrs (Strenuous)

Queen Maeve’s Trail, is pouched with breath taking views over Sligo Bay! Steeped in myths, travel on this historic adventure up the northern slopes of Knocknarea, past Megalithic and Bronze Age remains, through a forest and a ‘bog bridge’ leading to the summit. Water is a must on this trek which works up a thirst!

Union Wood – 1.5 – 2hrs (Easy)

Union Wood is a large area of mixed forestry located between Cooloney, Ballygawley and Ballisodare. The wood provides a range of walk opportunities through diverse woodland as well as access to Union Rock and its wonderful panorama of the North West of Ireland.

Hazelwood Forest – 1 hour (Easy)

Only 5km outside of Sligo Town, the Hazelwood Demesne is located at Half Moon Bay along the shores of Lough Gill. The short walk is among the most beautiful in the country, with views from the trail towards Church Island, Cottage Island and Goat Island and the full expanse of Lough Gill

Visit Lough Key Forest and Activity Park (40 mins drive from the hotel)

 Get ready for an afternoon full of endless fun and adventure! You will officially be the coolest parents if you bring the kids to Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. With activities such as zipit, electric bike trails, adventure kingdom, Lough Key boats and woodland segway…. there is enough to keep the whole family entertained for hours! They also have a café onsite you wish to have lunch.

Lunch

If you are in Sligo area visit Shells Café 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. For Coeliac’s, the gluten free bread and chocolate cake are a must try.

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

If you have decided to visit Eagles Flying and the Caves of Keash in the afternoon, The Fox’s Den is a great family run Bar and Lounge. It was established in 1840 and is steeped in history.

Afternoon

Eagles Flying – approx. 25 mins from the hotel (show 3pm)

Eagles Flying is a thrilling experience featuring more than 100 magnificent birds of prey including falcons, hawks, vultures and eagles, some with a wingspan of up to 3 metres. The birds will sail above you, swooping right over your head, and, if you fancy, land on your arm!

Before or after if you are feeling adventurous Visit Caves of Keash

Evening

After a fun filled day with all the family, return to the Radisson Blu Sligo for a well-earned meal in the Brasserie or Waves Bar.

Morning

Choose one or two from the below, all within close range of each other….

Atlantic Sheep Dogs – 15 mins from the hotel

Atlantic Sheep Dogs Experience, run by Martin Feeney. Martin and his border collie, Jack is ranked 3rd in Ireland at sheep herding and 23rd in the world. One of the only such experiences in the country, Martin gives visitors an insight into how he, his father and grandfather before him have herded sheep on 20 parcels of land around Sligo and the training methods the family use with their 9 dogs.

Explore Mullaghmore Headland & Fishing Village – 25 mins from the hotel

Allow time to drive around Mullaghmore Headland, a signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way and view the splendor of Classiebawn Castle with the majestic Benbulben in the background….  an ideal photo stop for Instagram! Gleniff Horseshoe is a must visit for scenic enroute to or from Mullaghmore.

Lunch

Enroute back into Sligo visit Pink Clover which opens daily until 5pm and is situated next to WB Yeats Grave.

Afternoon

Choose one activity from the below options….

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 – 15 minutes from the hotel

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 of the Wild Atlantic Way! 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!

• Strandhill Surf School 
• Sligo Surf Experience 

Afternoon Treat

If you are nearby Strandhill, it’s definitely worth a trip to Mammy Johnston’s award-winning Ice-cream parlour. Located in the heart of the village.  The only problem you will face is there are too many delicious flavours of Gelato ice cream to choose from!

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 1 activity from the below options….

Horse Riding – approx. 20 mins from the hotel

Horse trekking at Island View Riding Stables in stunning North Sligo. Trot into an equestrian adventure where you explore the rugged coastline and the wild countryside at the foot of Benbulben Mountain on horseback. Families can take part in all their rides, from a gentle 30-minute stroll for the kids or a 5 or 6-hour ride with picnic or pub lunch.

OR

Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddle boarding – approx. 10 mins from the hotel

If you’re feeling adventurous, try Stand Up Paddle Boarding and see Sligo from a different viewpoint, with North West Adventure Tours. Slip down beautiful coastal estuaries and tranquil inland lakes.

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!

Paddle into unbelievable experiences, with Sligo Kayak Tours. Thread into world renowned landmarks from the comfort of your own sea kayak.

Lunch

Before you take off on your next adventure, grab some lunch in one of Sligo’s many Cafes and Restaurants such as Knox for Tapas, Rugantino’s for Pizza, Tucos for Mexican, Hooked for Artisan Food and Lyons for Home Cooking

Afternoon

Departing from Doorly Park enjoy a 2 hour boat ride on Lough Gill with the Rose of Innisfree, whilst relaxing and enjoying the amazing scenery and hearing all about WB Yeats. There is also a great playground there for kids of all ages

Or

Spend your afternoon indulging in a spot of retail therapy! There are 2 main shopping centres, Johnstown Court and Quayside. You will also find a range of small independent boutiques, bookstores and craft shops on the main street.

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).