County Sligo – for all you desire!
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Brilliant activity options, from surfing and golf on the shores of the Atlantic to mountain climbing and angling, plus ancient tombs and castles, wonderful music and entertainment, and stunning scenery... Sligo has it all.
County Sligo - 'the Land of Heart's Desire'! What better way to sum up this magical holiday destination than by quoting the famous evocative lines of William Butler Yeats, the Nobel Literature prize-winner and internationally renowned poet.
This Atlantic county on Ireland's north-western shores has an abundance of riches. Riches that date from the earliest of time right up to the present day.
With over 5,000 recorded archaeological sites, dating from megalithic times, Sligo has one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric and later monuments in Western Europe.
Historic tombs, castles, stone forts and other remains blend with legendary mountains and historic glens to form a spellbinding array of treasures.
The landscape and scenery are breathtaking. From its rugged Atlantic coastline to idyllic inland lakes, from beautiful sandy beaches to lush forests and sparkling rivers, you will be fascinated by its allure.
And when it comes to active pursuits, Sligo offers superb choices. High quality, inexpensive golf, hill walking, horse riding, fishing, diving, surfing, swimming, sailing... just a few of the many options readily available.
Add in great crafts and other shopping, wonderful Irish traditional music, fine food and accommodation, and you have the makings of a marvellous holiday setting.
No wonder Yeats was so inspired by the county where he grew up, as was his artist brother, Jack, who used to say that he never painted a picture without thinking of Sligo.
Come to Yeats Country - you won't be disappointed!
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Yeats Country - inspirational sights
Much of what inspired the great poet can be seen today on a day trip to places like Lough Gill, the Lake Isle of Innisfree, Dooney Rock, Dromahair, Parkes Castle, Glencar Valley and Waterfall, Lissadell, Drumcliffe (where he is buried in the churchyard), with its high cross and tower , Rosses Point and Sligo Town.
Find out more too about Yeats and his beloved Sligo at visitor exhibitions in Drumcliffe Churchyard and in the Yeats Memorial Building at Hyde Bridge, Sligo. Or attend the annual Summer and Winter Schools in the county devoted to the study and appreciation of his writing.
Benbulben - a magical place
One of Ireland's most distinctive mountains, this imposing 526m peak overlooks Yeats' grave at Drumcliff and inspired his work. It is steeped in history and legend, and affords tremendous views of the surrounding countryside and Atlantic Ocean.
Knocknarea, resting place of legendary Queen Maeve
The climb to the (325m) summit of this enchanting mountain is a most rewarding experience. At the top, a huge flat-topped cairn, 55m in diameter and 10m high, is thought to contain the passage tomb of the mythical Queen Maeve of Connaught, dating from c3000BC
Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs - older than Newgrange and StonehengeWhat an experience... the largest collection of megalithic tombs at one location in Ireland. There are more than 60 in all, spread out over an area of 3.8 sq km. The highlight is a passage tomb that is likely to be 6,000 years old and may pre-date the famous Newgrange tomb in Co. Meath by more than 700 years and Stonehenge by even more.
Wonderful Atlantic coastline
Waves from the mighty Atlantic Ocean lap the shores of County Sligo and make for a most impressive and varied seascape. The shoreline offers great prospects for pleasurable walks and sightseeing. There are also spectacular sandy beaches at Rosses Point, Strandhill, Easkey, Enniscrone and Mullaghmore.
PLACES TO VISIT
Sligo Town
Originally a Viking settlement, the largest town in Ireland's North-West Region represents a fine blend of historical reminders and modern urban amenities. The Dominican Friary founded in 1252 survives from mediaeval times.
Sligo is one of the most beautifully situated centres in Ireland. Lying on the banks of the Garavogue River, it has Sligo Bay, the Coolera peninsula and Knocknarea to the west, Lough Gill to the east, the Ox Mountains to the south, and the Dartry Mountains, including Benbulben, to the north.
Thriving theatres and art galleries make the city/town an important centre for the arts while excellent shopping and restaurant facilities are also present.
Rosses Point
Just north of Sligo is the very quaint fishing village of Rosses Point, with its attractive traditional pubs, beautiful 'Blue Flag' beach and impressive 18-hole championship golf course.
Strandhill
With the towering Knocknarea in the background, Strandhill has miles of sand dunes and large Atlantic waves, not to mention an excellent golf links.
Tubbercurry
A working market town, Tubbercurry - also spelt Tobercurry - gives an insight into the real spirit of Ireland. Noted for its traditional Irish music, a summer school held here every year in July attracts music students from all over the world.
Enniscrone
Located in the west of the county, this old seaside resort town has a superb golf links and magnificent sandy beach.
LOTS TO DO
With remarkable contrasts in landscape and scenery, magnificent visitor attractions and a miscellany of organised events and facilities, Co. Sligo is a visitor's dream, whatever your interest.
The following are just some of the many choices available:
Tee off at one of a number of excellent golf courses in the county. Sligo is home to three of Ireland's outstanding links courses, at Rosses Point, Enniscrone and Strandhill. Ballymote and Tubercurry also have fine 9-hole courses.
Take one of many driving tour options around the picturesque towns and villages in the county. These include a circuit of Lough Gill, a drive around the Lough Arrow region and a tour through the Ox Mountains. Get the low-down on the many tour options, which take you into the heart of the Irish countryside.
If visiting Sligo in early August, why not take the opportunity to visit the Queen Maeve International Summer School Festival of Irish Music Song and Set Dancing, which is held in Sligo Town each year. The next Summer School Festival will take place between the 4th and 9th Aug 2008. For further information please visit www.cygo.ie/tradmusic
For those who wish to explore on foot, Sligo is a delight. There are two way-marked Walking Trails traversing the county - the Sligo Way (73km) and the Arigna Miners' Way that passes through Sligo. A multitude of other shorter walks intersperse the countryside. Then, of course, you also have the highly popular climbs to the peaks of Knocknarea and Benbulben mountains.
Part of the historic Tour de Humbert cycling route runs through the Sligo countryside and you can cycle this route on your own or as part of an organised tour. Alternatively, the smaller roads offer a fine opportunity for a leisurely cycle.
Angling enthusiasts will regard Sligo as paradise. There are wonderful facilities for deep sea angling from Mullaghmore and Rosses Point, shore angling off the Sligo Atlantic coast, coarse fishing in the numerous lakes around Ballymote and in Lough Gill, or game fishing in Lough Gill, Lough Arrow, the Duff River, Lough Bo, Lough na Súil and Glencar Lough, to mention but a few.
Sligo is the famous the world over for its marvellous surfing waters. The majestic Atlantic waves, together with good reef and beach breaks, makes places like Easkey and Strandhill brilliant locations for this pursuit. You can also get surf lessons at both venues, regardless of your ability.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE
With such rich history and heritage, it's no surprise that Co. Sligo has many excellent visitor attractions for people to see.
These include:
Sligo Folk Park
Delightfully situated by the River Unshin in the pretty village of Riverstown, the park features exhibits of inventions, farm machinery and implements as well as a restored schoolhouse, farmstead and post office. A museum is also located there, together with a recreated Village Street in an Exhibition Hall.
Coleman Heritage Centre
Named after one of Sligo's most famous sons, the great traditional fiddle player, Michael Coleman, this community-run heritage centre features a 120-seater performance area, with regular shows, a video on musical heritage and an exhibition area. Another aspect is an interactive music terminal where visitors can hear recorded music from the masters.
Lissadell House
The home of Countess Markieviecz, the famous 1916 revolutionary leader and later to become the first woman elected to the British Parliament. Born Constance Gore Booth, she was also a poet and WB Yeats met her at Lissadell in 1894.
HOT TIPS
Take a pleasure boat trip on Lough Gill from Parke's Castle. Visit Yeats' famous Lake Isle of Innisfree en route and listen to a live poetry recital and commentary on board.
Pamper yourself in a hot seaweed bath, enriched will the very best of health nutrients that nature can offer. You can sample this perfect answer to the stresses and strains of modern life at Kilcullens Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone (where you can also experience Edwardian charm!) or at Celtic Seaweed Baths in Strandhill.
Take an atmospheric boat trip to the monastic island ofInnishmurray, 6km off the Sligo coast from Mullaghmore and Rosses Point (weather dependent). The visit will remind you of Ireland's great monastic traditions going right back to the 6th century. See a remarkable group of monastic buildings and monuments and view the magnificent scenery all around.
Stay in one of a number of fine Historic Houses that offer tourist accommodation in the county. These fine buildings, including those from the Georgian and Victorian eras, combine the grandeur and ambience of old with modern comforts and great activity options on impressive estates.
Fit in a visit to one of the many significant Festivals and Cultural Events held in the county each year. These include the internationally renowned Sligo Choral Festival, the Yeats Summer and Winter Schools, the Colman Centre and the Traditional Music Festival.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the county in general, please contact:
Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360
Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie
