NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
See what makes Sligo so special
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo is located just 5 minutes from the city centre and is right in the middle of a world of stunning walks, championship golf courses and a host of celebrated surfing spots. As the capital of the Northwest region of Ireland and a key fixture on the famous Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo is one of Ireland’s largest towns. From water sports and fishing, to seaweed baths and horse-riding, you can enjoy something in Sligo, whatever your interests may be. For more information, check in with reception when you arrive arrival. Here are some attractions that we recommend:
Rosses Point Blue Flag Beach
This popular seaside resort has some beautiful views of Knocknarea to the south and Benbulben to the north. The village of Rosses Point is set against the backdrop of the spectacular Dartry mountain range and the beauty of Sligo Bay. There are restaurants and good accommodation, as well as friendly pubs. The bay is ideal for windsurfing and other watersports.
County Sligo Golf Club
Widely regarded as one of the great championship links courses in Ireland, it’s located in the picturesque seaside village of Rosses Point just 8km from Sligo and known locally as “The Point”. Originally founded in 1894 as a 9 Hole course, it is now a modern 27 hole complex with spacious clubhouse and up to date facilities.
The Model Gallery
Home of The Niland Collection, The Model is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. Built in 1862 as a Model School, the present building has been extended twice since then. The building now boasts a restaurant and coffee dock, a bookshop, a wonderful gallery circuit, a purpose built performance space, and a suite of impressive artist studios on the top floor with enviable views of Sligo town and County.
Yeats Memorial Building
This beautiful building is the home of the Yeats Society, Sligo, and was donated to the Yeats Society by the AIB Bank in 1973. It contains The Yeats International Summer School, now in its 56th year and The Yeats Reference Library with over 3,000 titles and 54 years of audio-visual archives.
Voya Seaweed Baths
Voya Seaweed Baths let you experience the unique sensation of relaxing back into a luxurious steaming bath of fresh seawater and wild, organic seaweed, floating effortlessly in a soothing and tranquil state so your skin feels smooth and renewed. VOYA Seaweed Baths and organic treatments are especially recommended for those who are over worked, stressed or simply seeking an effective natural detoxifying process for the skin.
Eagles Flying
In what is the largest birds of prey and owl centre in the country, you can watch different species of eagles show off their hunting skills on prey dummies, while scientists discuss their importance in nature. Opening times vary according to both day and season. Please check the website for latest details.
Island View Riding School
Experienced horse riders, those with no prior riding knowledge and everyone in between will enjoy this family-run horse farm. Take a private or group lesson or just join a trek along the beach. Our horses can carry you for a gentle stroll along the seashore or you can tour with a maritime archaeologist who will tell you all about the Spanish armada shipwrecks as you ride by them. Treks last from 30 minutes right up to 5 hours. Prior booking is essential.
Perfect Day Surf School
Established in 1998, this professional surf school has a wonderful reputation for being safe and patient with beginners. Take a surfing or paddleboarding lesson while enjoying the beautiful coastline from the water. Lessons are offered in a group or individual setting but pre-booking is required. Visit the website to enrol and don’t forget to grab your Wild Atlantic Way experience card to benefit from the discount.
Lissadell House
Lissadell House is famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, her sister Eva Gore-Booth and her brother Josslyn Gore-Booth. Constance was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and was the first woman to be elected to Dáil Eireann, where she served as Minister for Labour, thus becoming the first woman minister in a modern Western European democracy. The exhibitions, galleries and gardens at Lissadell include the Countess Markievicz Exhibition, Yeats Exhibition, Yeats Muses Exhibition and Eva Gore-Booth Exhibition, Waterloo Exhibition and the Alpine and Kitchen gardens. For more information about art walks, art talks and art classes with Gareth Boyle, the artist in residence at Lissadell, contact angela@lissadellhouse.com
Innisfree Boat Tours
No visit to the northwest is complete without a trip on the Rose of Innisfree tour boat. Sail around the Isle of Innisfree, situated on one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes, Lough Gill, on the Sligo Leitrim border. Depart from the 17th Century Parkes Castle and take a leisurely cruise across Lough Gill, which is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and steeped in myth and legend. Enjoy tea, coffee, home baking, snacks and full bar service on board while the skipper, George McGoldrick, recites tales of folklore, history and poetry associated with the area and Ireland’s most famous son, W.B.Yeats. Lough Gill’s great diversity of geology, archaeology, history and scenery will provide permanent memories for all visitors.