The 15 Best Things to Do in Sligo, Ireland

Last updated on November 18th, 2024 at 03:59 pm

After multiple trips to Ireland, I finally made it to County Sligo which had been recommended to me time and again for its amazing outdoor adventures and great music scene. In October 2024, on my annual trip to Ireland, I added Sligo as the first stop on my itinerary and it did not disappoint! I spent 3 days there going on hikes, trying out the benefits of a seaweed bath, and of course checking out the pub scene. In this post, I’ll share my top travel tips for exploring this gorgeous part of Ireland.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

Why Should You Visit Sligo?

Sligo has so much to offer for everyone. 

If you’re a foodie, the town itself is a charming Irish city with plenty to offer in the way of food and drink. For literature buffs, County Sligo is also known as Yeats Country as the famed Irish poet W.B. Yeats spent his youth exploring the landscapes here which greatly influenced his poetry.

If you love the outdoors you can go surfing at Strandhill or hike to the top of Knocknarea Mountain.

If you want a bit of relaxation, you should definitely do a seaweed bath and if you love the mythological side of Ireland there are plenty of megalithic locations to explore.

Where is Sligo?

Sligo is located in the North West of Ireland on the banks of the Garavogue River which connects Lough Gill to the Atlantic Ocean. County Sligo is part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and includes beautiful places like Strandhill, Ben Bulben mountain, and multiple megalithic sites like Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and the Carrowkeel Passage Tombs.

How to Get to and Around Sligo?

I typically travel around Ireland without a car, and this trip was no different. Sligo is easily accessible via public transportation with a bus and train station in town. You can also use the bus to get to most of the locations I’ll mention here and if not, there are taxis readily available. 

But let’s dive into the various ways to get to and around Sligo.

By Car

Having your car is the most flexible option for getting to and around Sligo. It will offer you the ability to stay outside of town, in the countryside, if that is your preference. With a car, you can also get to some of the historical sites more easily.

That being said, renting a car is the most expensive option for getting to and around Sligo when you factor in the cost of gas. It can also be a bit intimidating if you’re not used to driving on the opposite side of the car and the road. I was exhausted after my Scotland road trip because of how much concentration it took to drive on the opposite side and down super narrow roads.

But if that doesn’t bother you and you’re planning a more extensive Wild Atlantic Way road trip, a car may be the best option for you. Just remember when booking accommodation to ensure that there is parking available.

It’s best to pick up your rental car at the Dublin airport. I’d recommend spending a few days in Dublin to adjust to the time difference and see some of the fun things to do in Dublin. Then return to the airport to pick up your rental car and start the rest of your Ireland itinerary!

Book your rental car here!

By Bus

You can easily get to Sligo by bus from various other destinations in Ireland. 

From Dublin take the Expressway Route 23 service. There are multiple daily departures and stops in Dublin, including the Dublin Airport. The journey takes about 3.5 hours and costs €21.85. 

From Galway, take the Expressway Route 64 service. There are multiple daily departures and includes a stop at Ireland West Airport (Knock). The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs €19.00.

Purchase your bus tickets online here and just show the QR to the driver when you board the bus. 

Once you’re in Sligo, you can take the local bus out to Strandhill or Rosses Point for €2.00.

By Train

Iarnród Éireann is Ireland’s train service and it will connect Sligo (MacDiarmada) to Dublin (Connolly Station). The journey takes about 3 hours and costs anywhere between €15-20 depending on the fare type.

There are multiple daily departures.

Purchase your tickets online and plan your journey here. 

By Taxi

Once you’re in Sligo, use the FreeNow app to book taxis! It is basically the same thing as Uber! Alternatively, you can ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you. I used a taxi to take me to Benbulben for the forest walk and to Rosses Point.

Sligo Tours

If you want to be able to see as much of Sligo as possible, consider booking one of these Sligo tours. There is a tour that takes you to Normal People filming locations, one that includes Glencar Waterfall, and another that will take you out to Mullaghmore and Slieve League.

These are definitely the most expensive ways to see Sligo, but it might be worth it if you’re limited on time. The tours last from 7-9 hours and cost anywhere from €400-500. If you’re traveling with a group, you will split this cost amongst the group so it may be worth it!

Check out the tours offered here.

You can also book a private driver there as well.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Sligo

I visited Sligo in late October and generally speaking I love Ireland in October. There are fewer crowds, the weather is still pleasant enough for outdoor activities, but cozy enough for an afternoon in a pub. Ireland in May is another of my favorite times to visit as the weather is mostly good and the tourist crowds haven’t picked up yet. If you can, plan your trip for these shoulder season months.

That being said, any time of the year that you can make it to Ireland is a good time to be in Ireland.

Sligo in the Fall (September – November)

Sligo did not disappoint in October. The fall colors made the hikes that I did extra stunning and while it rained a little, I found that was the perfect time to experience a seaweed bath!

Even though it’s technically the low tourist season, October is also when the Sligo Live music festival occurs which gives a lively atmosphere to the town.

Sligo in the Winter (December – February)

If you don’t mind the cold, Sligo would be quite enjoyable in the winter. You’ll find the cheapest accommodation out of the year and it’s a good time to check out art galleries or Yeats’ literary sites. It’s also a good time to indulge in a spa day at Voya Seaweed Baths or take a sauna at HotBox. Of course, in the evening, head to the pubs for a hearty meal and some live music.

Sligo in the Spring (March – May)

In the Spring, temperatures warm up although it’s always best to expect rain in Ireland, no matter the time of year. Since it’s not quite the peak tourist season yet, you can enjoy the hiking trails like Benbulben without large crowds.

You’ll also see cute lambs in the fields!!

Sligo in the Summer (June-August)

Summer is a gorgeous time of year to be in Ireland. With longer daylight hours you’ll have plenty of time for all of the outdoor activities. Summer is the most popular time of the year for tourists driving the Wild Atlantic Way so expect more crowds and more expensive accommodations.

What to Pack for Sligo, Ireland

What you’ll pack for Sligo depends on the time of the year you’re visiting and the type of activities you’re planning to do while you’re there. 

I’ll share some essentials to have on your packing list for Sligo and some things that I packed that were unnecessary., But make sure you read my Ireland packing list for any time of the year to help you hone in on what to bring.

Comfortable Shoes

If you’re planning on hiking bring a pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots. I brought my Keens which I’ve been wearing for YEARS and have not let me down yet. If you’re just doing the Benbulben Forest Walk then sneakers with good tread will be sufficient, but if you want to do the Queen Maeve’s trail up Knocknarea Mountain then you will need hiking boots. Other than that, bring whatever pair of shoes that are suitable for slippery cobblestones and that you can wear for thousands of steps.

These are the shoes I brought:

Keen Hiking Boots: As mentioned above these are my go-to hiking boots. I was considering splurging on the Salomon XT-6s so I could just bring one pair of athletic shoes, but couldn’t justify the $220 price tag. That being said I did see a lot of people wearing them.

Keen Sneakers: I bought these sneakers just before the trip and while they’re not waterproof, I absolutely loved them! They have Vibram tread which worked so well on the slippery cobblestone and they were so comfortable! Buy the sneakers here!

Black Combat Boots: I call these my knock-off Docs that I bought for $35 off of Amazon. These were my “fancy” shoes. They’re not waterproof and I only had an issue with that on the first day when it was heavily raining. A better option would be a pair of Blundstones, which I wore in Scotland and they did really well. I personally just don’t find them very comfortable.

Teva Sandals: Honestly, the only reason I packed these was for the Hot Box sauna and I didn’t even end up using them. You probably don’t need a pair of sandals unless you’re visiting in the summer and plan to do a lot of wild swimming.

Thermal Leggings

I bought these thermal leggings from Amazon for my trip to Scotland last year and they’re amazing. I wore them hiking and walking around town in the morning. They’re perfect, you need them. Buy the leggings here!

Wide Leg Jeans

I wore these wide-leg jeans from Madewell EVERY SINGLE DAY. They were so comfortable and on trend. I also packed a pair of wide-leg trousers from Madewell and they did not get worn once. So you really just need one good pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down.

Sweaters

I recommend bringing 2-3 sweaters. One that can be worn for outdoor activities and 2 that you can wear around town or out to dinner. I brought 4, and I think that was too many because I didn’t wear the fourth one until the very last day. Instead, I wore a thrifted Patagonia fleece, a black crew neck from Uniqlo, and a cream-striped sweater from Abercrombie constantly (similar to this one). 

Shirts

Bring 2 long-sleeve shirts, 1-2 tanks, and 1-2 t-shirts. Also, bring 1-2 workout tops if you’re planning on hiking. These numbers may vary depending on the time of year you’re visiting.

Jackets

I brought this rain shell from REI which was perfect for hiking. I also brought a London Fog trench coat that I found at a thrift store for $15. However, I wish I had brought a leather jacket or something like that for going out. Since I didn’t, I had to wear a sweater because the trench coat did not provide much warmth. It did look cute though. You will need something waterproof and something for going out.

Socks

I love Darn Tough socks for just about everything. They’ve never given me a blister and they can be worn a couple of times in a row without stinking. Get your Darn Tough socks here.

Umbrella

This is obviously an essential item on your Ireland packing list. I like this travel umbrella that you can get from Amazon.

Portable Power Bank

You will be out all day long. You’ll be using your phone for directions, photos, videos, etc. Make sure you stay charged with a portable power bank. I use this one and one full charge of it allows me to full recharge my phone and camera at least 3 times. I love it! Buy it here!

Travel Adapter

I use this universal travel adapter everywhere I go. It has two USB ports on the side as well for extra charging abilities. Get your travel adapter here.

Day Bag

Whether it’s a crossbody bag (I love the Uniqlo ones) or a backpack (I like this one, but it’s not waterproof). You’ll need something to take you with for the day that keeps your essentials and an extra layer or two. 

Solo Travel Safety Tips 

Sligo is an incredibly safe town. As I traveled during late October, it got dark out at like 5:00 pm! Of course I was out past dark and I felt perfectly comfortable walking to my hotel after a few drinks at the pub.

That being said, follow the common solo female travel safety tips including this one: don’t overindulge in the drinks. A lot of people say don’t overindulge in drinks because it lowers our inhibitions and can make us “easy targets”. While that’s true, of course, it can also lead to twisting your ankle on a cobblestone and requiring a trip to the hospital or simply waking up hungover the next day. There is nothing worse than having to spend the next day in bed severely hungover. I just don’t recover like I did in my 20s!

Other than that, you will have a great time in Sligo and people there will be happy to talk to you!

The 15 Best Things to Do in Sligo

Now that we’ve gotten all of the practicalities out of the way, let’s get into the fun things to do in Sligo! I’ve tried to group these activities based on location so you can plan your itinerary a bit easier.

Explore Sligo Town

Sligo city is not only a great base to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding the town, but the town itself deserves a bit of time on your itinerary. It offers great places to eat, cozy pubs, and of course historic sites.

Yeats Society

The poet W.B. Yeats grew up in the Sligo countryside and the Yeats Society is the perfect place for fans to learn more about the poet’s life and work. The Yeats Society is housed in the Yeats Memorial Building in the center of Sligo. 

There is a permanent exhibition on Yeats that is open to the public Thursday-Sunday. I unfortunately could not visit as it was not open during my time in Sligo. Tickets are €6 for adults.

In the same building is the Hyde Bridge Gallery which is free to enter and open Tuesday-Saturday. 

Enjoy a Pint & Live Music in a Pub

There are so many great pubs in Sligo, but the one that is an absolute must-visit Is Thomas Connolly Bar. I love this pub because it has the cozy little nooks of old-school pubs, the bartenders are incredibly warm and welcoming, and there is live music most nights of the week!

Explore Sligo Abbey

Take a glimpse into medieval Ireland at Sligo Abbey, which was founded in the 13th century. You can walk along the cloisters and tombs and join a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Abbey.

Admission is €5.00. 

Check their website for opening times during your visit.

Liber Bookshop

There are lots of shops in Sligo, but the one I recommend checking out is Liber Bookshop. They have such a huge collection of books on Ireland. You’ll find everything from Irish mythology, to current events, and yes of course a nice collection of books on Yeats.

Hike Benbulben

Benbulben is the iconic table mountain that Sligo is known for. It’s not recommended to hike to the top of the mountain, instead hike the nature trail that is a leisurely stroll through the forest. 

Perhaps one of the most popular Sligo walks is the Benbulben forest walk. This is a 3.5 mile loop trail at the base of Benbulben that provides amazing views of the sea and the mountain (on a clear day). Even if it’s not a clear day, it’s a lovely walk to do! 

You’ll see sheep grazing along the side of a mountain, walk through the forest, and alongside a stream. It’s stunning.

It’s a mostly flat hike with a minor incline at one part, but overall it’s pretty easy and should take around 2 hours (including photo ops!).

I hired a taxi to take me to and from the trailhead, which admittedly was very expensive. If you have a car, there are two large parking lots at the trailhead.

There is a bus you can take to Drumcliff (where Yeats is buried) and then it’s about a hour walk from the bus stop to the trailhead.

There is cell service in the area, so if you decide to take a bus there, but don’t want to on the way back, you can use FreeNow for a taxi to take you back to town. 

A few things to note about this hike. There is a gun range that you’ll pass so don’t be scared if you hear gunshots during your walk. Also, there are no restrooms at the trailhead! You may need to pop into the trees if nature calls.

Visit Glencar Waterfall

While you’re near Benbulben, hop over to the Glencar Waterfall. This 50 ft waterfall is situated at Glencar Lough. It’s a short walk from the car park to the waterfall. 

Entry is free and there are toilets at the car park. 

The TeaSHED Café offers great views overlooking Glencar Lake if you need a snack!

Drive Gleniff Horseshoe Drive

If you’ve got a car, check out the Glenifff Horseshoe. This 10km drive through the Darty Mountains is where you’ll (hopefully) be able to see Benbulben and Truskmore mountain peaks.

The loop has walking trails, ancient ruins, and mysterious caves! 

You may be able to see Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Cave on the side of Benbulben. According to the myth, lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne hid in this cave from the warrior Fionn MacCumhaill. 

You could also walk the loop if you’re up for it!

Hike Knocknarea Mountain

This was one of the main hikes I wanted to do while in Sligo. I’d seen it all over social media leading up to my visit and it looked stunning.

It absolutely did not disappoint.

This hike is also known as Queen Maeve’s Cairn as at the top of Knocknarea Mountain is Queen Maeve’s Cairn. This is the burial site of the ancient warrior Queen Maeve. Legend has it that she was buried in the center of the cairn standing straight up with her sword at the ready to protect her land.

The hike itself is fairly challenging as it’s pretty steep most of the way up the mountain. There are also wooden boardwalks with metal “posts” on them to help you up the mountain. The metal posts are to help you keep your traction on the wooden boardwalks when it’s wet (which is often). 

You’ll have views of Strandhill below you as you ascend and then you’ll move through the forest until reaching the top where on a clear day you’ll have amazing views across the Atlantic Ocean. From this point it’s just a bit further to the stone cairn.

Do not try to climb the cairn and do not take a stone or add to it! I remembered a Brady Bunch episode when they went to Hawaii and someone took something they weren’t supposed to and were cursed.

I had a feeling something like that could happen if you took a stone.

The trail length is about 5.5 miles and will take you around 3 hours to complete.

The trailhead is located across the street from the Sligo Rugby Football Club where you can park your car.

Alternatively, you can take the bus from Sligo to Dorrins Strand stop (near Dolly’s Cottage). It’s just a short walk to the trailhead from the bus stop.

Take a Seaweed Bath

When you’re done with the hike, head into town for a seaweed bath! You can either walk into town (about 20 minutes) or hop on the bus at Dorrins Strand. This will just depend on if you’re done with your hike around the time a bus is due to come.

Book your seaweed bath with Voya Seaweed Baths for a truly unique experience. Seaweed baths have been a long-standing tradition in the west of Ireland. Voya hand harvests the seaweed from the waters along the west coast of Ireland. Once it’s used in the bath they donate it to be used as a mineral-rich fertilizer on farms!

Now, on to your bath!

You’ll be welcomed into the spa and be able to change and shower if needed in the changing room. They will provide the coziest robe I’ve ever put on my body and flip-flops.

Once your bath is ready, they’ll show you to your room where you can have a steam before entering the hot bath that is filled with seaweed.

The oils and minerals from the seaweed will deeply moisturize your skin and hair. It’s honestly so relaxing.

Before and after your treatment you can relax in the quiet room which overlooks Strandhill Beach and listen to the waves crash.

While known for their seaweed baths, Voya also offers other spa services like massages, facials, wraps, and more.

Check out their website and book in advance for your seaweed bath experience!

Learn to Surf at Strandhill Beach

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, Strandhill is one of the best beaches in Ireland to do it! There are multiple surf schools in town that offer surfing lessons every day! Check out Rebelle Surf which is a woman-owned surf school!

They will provide you with wet suits and everything you need to have a fun day on the waves!

Check out the Rosses Point Beaches

Rosses Point is known for its pristine beaches where you can go for a walk, swim, or simply enjoy the beauty of the area. I recommend walking Rosses Point Coastal Trail which is an easy, paved walking trail along the coasts. 

It passes landmarks like the Metal Man which is a statue of a man on a buoy in the water between Rosses Point and Oyster Island. It warns boats of the shallow water they’re entering. 

This is a great place for sunset on a clear day.

Have a Steam and a Swim

Also at Rosses Point is the unique Hot Box Sauna where you can enjoy a sauna and cold plunge (either in the sea or in the plunge “pool”).

I did this and it was a really unique experience. It was mostly locals who seemed to be regulars.

You get 50 minutes to do as many rounds as you need of a sauna and cold plunge rotation. I made it 4 rotations before the heat in the sauna was too much for me!

But the saunas look out over the sea and across to Coney Island. It’s absolutely beautiful and a unique experience in Ireland.

They have a small area to change, but no showers or restrooms.

See Eagles Flying at Birds of Prey North

If you’re traveling with kids, a fun activity would be a visit to Eagles Flying which is Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls. 

Here you can see interactive bid shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls. 

There is also a petting zoo on site!

They do close for the winter so check their website to ensure they’re open during your visit. 

Attend Sligo Live

I happened to be in town for the end of Sligo Live which is a week-long music festival held in various locations in Sligo. Some of the shows require tickets and take place in true music venues like Knocknarea Arena or Hawks Well. while other shows are free in pubs!

I was able to catch a performance of Finnian who had a folksy, country vibe. 

If you’re in town during Sligo Live definitely do your best to check out the performances, you won’t be disappointed!

Where to Eat in Sligo

Ósta Cafe & Wine Bar

Ósta Cafe and Wine Bar is the place to go for breakfast in Sligo. This bright cafe overlooks the Garavough River and has a great breakfast menu. 

I happened to stop in for lunch and had their soup of the day which was also delicious. 

Their chai latte was great as well. 

They have live music on Thursday nights if you’re in town on a Thursday!

Blend Cafe

I popped into Blend Cafe for breakfast before heading out to Strandhill to hike Queen Maeve’s Trail. It seemed to be a favorite spot among locals for their morning coffee on their way to work. 

Upstairs is a beautiful seating area with a fireplace which I realized after finishing my avocado toast at the window seat!

WB’s Coffee House

I stopped into WB’s Coffee House on my last morning in Sligo on the recommendation of the hotel staff. 

They had a great matcha latte which made me happy and a unique breakfast sandwich. 

If you like oysters, this is the place to go to sample them!

They also sell local goods if you want a unique souvenir. 

Flipside Burgers

I really wanted to eat at Flipside Burgers! I made the mistake of not checking their hours. They were only open my first night in town when I opted for a Sunday roast instead only to learn that Flipside was closed during the rest of my visit, reopening the evening I left!

The burgers look so good so definitely check them out while you’re in town. 

Harp Tavern

I went to Harp Tavern on the recommendation of the bartender at Gracie’s Bar. I had the steak sandwich, which was really good. But all of the food looked good as it came out to my fellow diners so I don’t think you can go wrong. 

This spot also has a local feel which I enjoyed!

Shells Cafe

When you’re in Strandhill make sure you eat a Shells Cafe! I got their brie, bacon, and jam sandwich along with a matcha latte and it was so freaking delicious. 

It was definitely packed when I got there but you can order at the counter to eat outside if you don’t want to wait for an inside table. I was there on a beautiful day so I was able to do this!

They also have a little shop inside selling local goods if you want a unique souvenir. 

Miss Suzy’s

I passed by Miss Suzy’s multiple times and each time it was packed. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from a Japanese and Korean restaurant on Ireland’s west coast but I figured the crowds must know something so, in I went. 

And I was rewarded with one of the best meals I’ve had not just in Sligo, but in a while!

I got the chicken gyoza and seaweed salad to start as I couldn’t decide on a main. I ended up with the power bowl because I love eel and it was so freaking good!

Definitely visit Miss Suzy’s on your trip to Sligo!

Where to Stay in Sligo

There are a number of places to stay in Sligo for every travel style and budget. But I’ll help you narrow it down with a few suggestions.

The Riverside Hotel

I stayed at the Riverside Hotel during my trip to Sligo and it was a great location right on the river and just a quick walk to the heart of Sligo. The room was spacious and comfortable. There is a bar and restaurant on site and the staff were super friendly.

Check rates and availability here.

The Glasshouse Hotel

Another place I was considering staying was The Glasshouse Hotel. It’s a beautiful 4-star hotel located right in the heart of Sligo. There is a cafe, a bar, and restaurant on site. The rooms look beautiful too!

Check rates and availability here.

Mount Edward Lodge B&B

Mount Edward Lodge is a charming B&B located about 20 minutes outside of Sligo near Mullaghmore Head. If you want a quiet and cozy stay check out this family-run bed and breakfast. Breakfast is included in your stay and on clear days you’ll have a great view of Benbulben Mountain!

Check rates and availability here.

The Driftwood

The Driftwood is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Rosses Point that offers standard rooms and rooms overlooking the sea. The rooms are beautifully designed and there is a gorgeous restaurant on site. Staying here would put you close enough to Sligo town for a quick drive in, but also put you in a great location to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Check rates and availability here.

And there you have it! Everything you need to know to plan an awesome itinerary for Sligo, Ireland! It’s such a beautiful part of Ireland and I hope that you have an amazing time there. As always, use this travel guide as a jumping-off point – picking things to do that will leave you feeling inspired and excited about your itinerary!

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