About Sligo
Sligo, known as 'Yeats Country,' is a captivating county on Ireland's northwest coast where rugged landscapes meet rich cultural heritage. Dominated by the iconic flat-topped Benbulben mountain and the Atlantic coastline, this region offers dramatic scenery that inspired Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats. Travelers can explore the ancient Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of Europe's largest Stone Age cemeteries, and the mystical Queen Maeve's Cairn atop Knocknarea mountain. The vibrant town of Sligo boasts excellent traditional music sessions in cozy pubs, while the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route provides breathtaking drives past surf beaches like Strandhill and Rosses Point. Sligo's literary legacy, archaeological treasures, and outdoor adventures—from hiking in the Ox Mountains to surfing Atlantic waves—create an authentic Irish experience that blends natural beauty with deep cultural roots.
Major Hub
Things to do in Sligo
Surf Lesson Experience in Strandhill
From €65
5.0 (27)
Experience a Surf Lesson in Strandhill, County Sligo - 2.5 hrs
From €55
5.0 (12)
3 Hour Fishing or Sightseeing Charter
Sligo surfing. Sligo. Guided. 2½ hours
From €84.4
5.0 (3)
Sligo Dark Tales Private Tour
Guided Tour to Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Leitrim
Sligo To Dublin Airport Or Dublin City Private Chauffeur Transfer
From €1,500
Sligo To Dublin Airport Or Dublin City Private Chauffeur Transfer
From €1,100
Leitrim To Dublin Private Luxury Car Transfer
From €750
Private Sligo Town Walking Tour History and Landmarks
From €150
Sligo to Galway Premium Car Service
From €490
Sligo to Shannon Airport Premium Car Service
From €575.35
Sligo to Dublin Airport Private Premium Car Service
From €500
Sligo Private Walking Tour with a Local
From £35
Sligo To Dublin Airport Private Transfers
From €535
Places to visit in Sligo
Pier/Local rowing club
Pier/Local rowing club, R287, County Sligo, Ireland
Saint Anne's
Saint Anne's, Pearse Road, Knocknaganny, County Sligo, Ireland
Harbour House Hostel
Harbour House Hostel, Finisklin Road, Finisklin, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Sligo City Hotel
Sligo City Hotel, Quay Street, Rathedmond, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Ardtarmon House
Ardtarmon House, L3208, Ardtermon, County Sligo, Ireland
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse, Fish Quay, Rathedmond, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Riverside Hotel
Riverside Hotel, Riverside, Cranmore, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Gleniff Horseshoe Drive
Gleniff Horseshoe Drive, Horseshoe Road, County Sligo, Ireland
Super
Super, Shore Road, Carrowbunnaun, County Sligo, Ireland
Castle Dargan Hotel
Castle Dargan Hotel, Mountain Foot Road, County Sligo, Ireland
Lough Gill House
Lough Gill House, Pearse Road, Knocknaganny, County Sligo, Ireland
Yeats Memorial Building
Yeats Memorial Building, Lower Knox Street, Knappagh Beg, County Sligo, Ireland
Salmon of Knowledge
Salmon of Knowledge, Ash Lane, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Countess Markievicz
Countess Markievicz, L3406, County Sligo, Ireland
Gleniff Horseshoe Drive 2
Gleniff Horseshoe Drive 2, Horseshoe Road, County Sligo, Ireland
Travel Tips for Sligo
Getting Around
Sligo Town is walkable, but a car is essential for exploring rural areas. Bus Éireann provides regional bus services. Taxis are available in town centers. Car rental agencies operate at airports and in Sligo Town. Popular apps include Free Now for taxis and Google Maps for navigation. Bicycle rentals are available for coastal routes. Limited train service connects Sligo to Dublin.
Best Time To Visit
May to September offers the warmest weather (15-20°C/59-68°F) and longest daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities. July and August are peak tourist months with festivals like the Sligo International Chamber Music Festival. September provides milder weather and fewer crowds. Avoid November to February if seeking outdoor activities due to colder temperatures and frequent rain.
Local Customs
Pubs are social hubs—join in traditional music sessions but don't talk during performances. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, round up taxi fares. Casual dress is acceptable everywhere. Greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'how are you?' Remove hats when entering homes or churches. Sunday remains a quieter day with limited shopping hours.
Safety Information
Sligo is generally safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in town centers at night. Avoid isolated areas after dark. No specific neighborhoods are considered dangerous, but be mindful of personal belongings in crowded areas. Scams are rare, but be cautious of unofficial taxi services—use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps. Road safety is important on narrow rural roads—watch for livestock and cyclists. Weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas—check forecasts before hiking.
Health Information
Sligo University Hospital provides comprehensive emergency and medical services. No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Ireland. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) holders from EU/UK can access public healthcare. Private travel insurance is recommended for non-EU visitors. Tick-borne encephalitis is not a concern, but use insect repellent in rural areas. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments.
Languages Spoken
EnglishIrish (Gaeilge)
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Dublin +00:00 (GMT) / +01:00 (IST during summer)
Calling Code
+353
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
65,535
Area
1837.5 km²
Government
County council with elected representatives
ISO Code
SO
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: Sligeach, Sligo, Cill Maintain, Cill Maintainn, Cill Maintáinn, Cill Manntein, Cill Manntéin, Cill Mantan, Cill Mhanntain, Cill Mhantain, Cill Mhantáin, Wicklow