Think Sligo, think William Butler Yeats. He is by far the county's most famous son and it has become a place of pilgrimage for devotees of the Ireland's greatest poet.
The table top mountain of Ben Bulben dominates much of the County's skyline and is just one of many landmarks commemorated by Yeats in verse. Other ancient sites worth visiting are the Carrowkeel site in the Bricklieve and the Carrowmore megalithic site near Sligo town.
The town itself pays more than a passing tribute to its most famous son and other members of his family, including his father John and brother Jack Yeats, whose paintings have become major collectors items.
Sligo's Highlights
Below are some of Top attractions in Sligo.
Castlebaldwin The Abbey lies on the eastern shore of Lough Arrow. Inside the ruins of a 14th century Dominican Abbey there is an interesting monument to Terence McDonough. It is entirely built in the Middle English Gothic style.
Ballymote: Richard de Burgo, the "Red Earl" of Ulster, built the remains of this Anglo-Norman castle in AD1300 and it was the strongest fortress in Connacht
Drumcliff: This site is an monastic settlement, and also the burial place of the famous Irish poet W.B.Yeats. Its importance dates from 574 AD when St. Colmcille founded a monastery here.Teahouse and Craft shops on site.
Castlebaldwin This is the largest cairn in Ireland outside of the Boyne Valley. It is 60m in diameter, with a kerb of often very large limestone slabs enclosing the base. Heapstown has not been excavated but it is thought most likely to be a passage tomb, an extension of the Carrowkeel megalithic complex.
Things to Do
Explore Sligo’s amazing mix of beaches, Rosses Point; Dunmoran Strand; Streedagh Strand; Mullaghmore; Enniscrone; Strandhill, and Cullenamore. Cast your rod, experience Sligo’s abundance of waterbased activities, world class surfing, sailing, scuba diving, deep sea angling, fishing, island tours and more.
Sligo provides for the ultimate shopping experience in the North West with many national and international franchises to be found on the High Street. As well as the big names in retail, Sligo is proud of its many local retailers that make shopping in Sligo a more unique experience.
Family Fun
At Ireland’s largest sanctuary for Birds of Prey and Owls, you can enjoy Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons and Vultures flying closely over your head. During the interactive shows, scientists will inform you about these magnificent birds, some of whom can be touched. For the ones who prefer cuddly animals, there is a large pet-zoo in the centre. Eagles Flying is located outside Ballymote near Temple House and Ballinacarrow on the N17.
Free parking facilities available for cars and coaches.
Funny Bones: House of Fun Children’s Activity Centre located at Collooney.
Open: Tues - Sat 10.30 to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 - 7 p.m.
Located:New Business Park, just off the Toberbridge roundabout on the N4 Collooney.
More highlights Include
Walking FTour De Humbert Route Runs from Kilcummin, on Killala Bay in Co. Mayo, where a French expeditionary force landed in 1798 to help the Irish in their rebellion that year. It follows the erratic path of the advancing force to the scene of their final battle and defeat at Ballinamuck in Co. Longford.
Glencar Lough and Waterfalls Scenic lough described by WB Yeats in his poem The Stolen Child near Benbulben Mountain which has scenic walks with waterfalls including one 50 feet high. There is also trout fishing on the lough.
Maeve's Cairn Huge 60 feet high Stone Age tomb on scenic Knocknarea mountain near Carrowmore outside Sligo town, with views for miles around, which is reputed to be the grave of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connaught, one of the fiercest Celtic leaders, often best known for her part in the story, the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Maeve is said to have been buried standing up facing her enemies.
