Sligo has a bit of everything – outdoor fun, books, and culture. I’ll never forget my first trip there and seeing the majestic Benbulben mountain. It felt like magic!
From beautiful scenery to historic spots, this lovely area has something for everyone. Bring your kids along and check out cool things like watching eagles, exploring Benbulben, or playing at Ballymote playground. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a longer stay, Sligo has lots to discover.
This place was dear to Ireland’s famous poet W.B. Yeats, who called it “the land of heart’s desire.” Let’s see if it captures your heart too!
In this blog post, I’ll share some tips to help you make the most of your time in Sligo, especially if you’re visiting with your family.
And if it’s raining when you visit Sligo, don’t worry! There are still plenty of fun things to do indoors.
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Eagles Flying Centre
The Eagles Flying center is a fantastic spot for families with kids! It’s located on a hill in Sligo and has a spacious indoor display area.
Here, you can see over 100 eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. Plus, there’s a petting zoo with guinea pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, and ferrets. Don’t miss the exciting “Bird shows” happening twice daily.
Family tickets are available for €46.
Zero Gravity Skatepark
If your family enjoys skating, then you’re in luck! Sligo has the biggest indoor skate center in the North West of Ireland!
A local skater named Neville Dunbar opened the “Zero Gravity” center in 2015. It’s made with top-quality wood. Don’t fret if your kid is just starting out.
This skatepark welcomes skaters of all levels, from beginners to pros. You can also try BMX biking and rollerblading here. At Zero Gravity, you can rent all the equipment you need, and lessons are offered on weekends.
Cost Of Lessons begin at €25.
Waterpoint Aqua Park
Another great spot for your kids is Waterpoint Aqua Park. They have an indoor heated pool with a thrilling 65-meter water slide!
Safety is a top priority here. They have a separate kiddie’s pool for babies and toddlers, as well as an inflatable obstacle course, Funzone activity center, and a climbing wall.
For the ultimate fun, check out ‘Fun Day Fridays’ where you can enjoy all these activities for just €12.
Family tickets are available for €46.
Vertigo Collooney
If your kids love adventure, Vertigo Collooney is the place to be for some thrilling fun. They offer a high ropes adventure course, a hurricane simulator, and an art climbing wall. Safety is a priority here, with a reliable harness system for both kids and adults.
Cost Of Admission begin at just €3.
Happy Days Adventure Play Centre
On rainy days, your best bet for fun in Sligo is Happy Days Adventure Play Centre.
They have two different areas for soft play: one for babies and toddlers, and another for older kids. There are slides, ball pools, and loads of other fun activities to keep everyone entertained. Plus, if you need a break, you can chill out in their café. They even have a café for adults so you can watch over your child while enjoying a drink.
Cost Of Admission begin at €5.
The Model Art Gallery
In Sligo, you won’t want to miss The Model Art Gallery. It’s home to one of Ireland’s top public art collections.
The Niland collection showcases a wide variety of artwork, from traditional to modern, including pieces by Jack Butler Yeats and other artists. And for kids, there’s something extra special! The gallery frequently holds events like arts and crafts camps and workshops to spark their creativity.
Best of all, admission is free!
Surfing in Sligo
Sligo is a paradise for surfers! Beaches like Strandhill, Streegah, and Easkey are famous for their excellent surfing conditions.
Thanks to the coastline’s orientation, it catches some of the best waves along the Wild Atlantic Way. Surfers from all over the globe flock here, dubbing it Ireland’s Surf Coast!
During winter storms, Mullaghmore attracts big wave surfers. It even held the record for the biggest wave surfed until recently!
Plus, there’s plenty for the kids too. Strandhill Surf School in Sligo offers surf lessons for both adults and children every day. The lessons last 2.5 hours and include all the necessary gear. And if your child really enjoys it, you can sign them up for the surf camp!
Family tickets are available for €150.
Devil’s Chimney
Devil’s Chimney is a stunning sight to behold! It’s Ireland’s tallest waterfall, standing at an impressive 150 meters. Located on the border of County Sligo and County Leitrim, in the Dartry Mountains of western Ireland, it’s a marvel to witness. Its Irish name, Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, means “stream against the height” because when the wind comes from the south, the waterfall cascades backward over the cliff.
The ideal time to visit Devil’s Chimney is right after rainfall, when the waterfall is at its most dramatic. Plus, it’s conveniently close to Glencar Waterfall, so you can easily see both in one day.
While all these activities are perfect for a rainy day, if you’re visiting during the summer, here are some other places worth checking out.
Seaweed Baths
Ever considered soaking in a seaweed bath? Probably not, right?
But in Enniscrone, you can try it out for a truly unique experience while visiting Sligo. Surprisingly, bathing in seaweed is quite refreshing!
Not only that, it’s great for your health too! Seaweeds release minerals and vitamins into the water, which have natural anti-aging properties and act as a moisturizer. This can leave your skin feeling smoother and help your thyroid regulate metabolism, reduce eczema, and repair damaged skin cells.
After your bath, treat yourself to an exfoliation treatment and warm up with some herbal tea. It’s a spa experience unlike any other!
Northwest Adventure Tours
If you’re keen to explore the stunning scenery of Sligo on two wheels, consider joining the Northwest Adventure Tour.
They offer guided cycling tours to uncover the county’s most breathtaking hidden spots. Your tour guide will lead you to the most picturesque attractions in Sligo. It’s a fantastic opportunity for your kids to connect with animals and experience Irish flora and fauna up close.
A family ticket costs €90.
Sligo Dark Tales Tour
If your kids are into spooky stories, Sligo has something special for you. Experience a different side of the town with the “Sligo Dark Tales Tour” in the evening.
During this tour, you’ll uncover Sligo’s eerie past, including tales of Bram Stoker and the cholera epidemic that inspired Dracula! Don’t miss visiting Sligo Abbey and Sligo Gaol after dark.
This two-hour guided tour will reveal fascinating facts about Sligo’s history, right up to recent times. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Boat Trip to Lough Gill
Between July and September is the prime time for boat trips in Sligo. Departing from Sligo town, you’ll journey to Lough Gill, a stunning freshwater lake. Enjoy a leisurely hour-long cruise and take in the picturesque scenery.
In this serene setting, you can also indulge in outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Plus, Lough Gill holds historical significance, offering you the chance to appreciate it from W.B. Yeats’ poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.”
Glencar Waterfall
If you’re a fan of Yeats, you’ve probably heard of Glencar Waterfall. It’s featured in his poem “The Stolen Child,” where he praises its beauty.
This picturesque waterfall stands at 50 feet tall. You can take a short stroll through the forest along a nature trail to reach it. And the best part? It’s completely free to enjoy!
The Monastic Island of Inishmurray
Nishmurray Island is steeped in history and intrigue! Legend has it that in the 9th century, the island was home to a bustling monastery. However, it faced a threat when Viking raiders arrived in search of gold and other treasures. While such raids were common in those times, what made this event remarkable is that the people of Sligo fought back and successfully defended the island, barricading it from the invaders. After this defeat, the Vikings never returned!
Before planning a visit to the island, be sure to check if it’s open to tourists.
Yeats Grave in Drumcliff
Visiting Yeats’ grave can ignite a passion for literature in your child. Literature offers a creative outlet for kids to express themselves through poetry, play with words, and find inner balance.
Yeats’ poetry often references famous landmarks in Sligo, such as The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Down by the Sally Garden, and The Stolen Child, as I mentioned earlier.
Drumcliff village, where Yeats is laid to rest, is a serene and peaceful place. You’ll find a charming café and tourist shop there, offering woolen crafts, unique cards, and a wide array of Yeats’ books. It’s a lovely spot to soak in the tranquility and perhaps even find inspiration.
Ancient Megalithic Sites
People have been living in the Coolera Peninsula and around the Garavogue River since ancient times, dating back more than five thousand years. They left behind monuments, tombs, cairns, and other sites that still exist in the Sligo countryside today, some of which are older than the pyramids!
For instance, there’s the giant cairn atop Knocknarea Hill and the megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel and Carrowmore. While these ancient tombs can be difficult to reach, they are visible from the cairn atop Keashcorran Hill.
The famous “shelly place”
“Sligo” actually has a meaning! In Irish, “Sligeach” translates to “shelly place.” This name dates back to megalithic times when the people of Sligo relied heavily on shellfish for sustenance. Even today, the area retains evidence of its shellfish-rich heritage.
One example is the renowned Lissadell Mussels (and oysters), which are famous not only in Sligo but also beyond its borders. Even London chefs consider these mussels a delicacy above all others.
So, when you’re in town, don’t forget to indulge in Sligo’s shellfish delicacies!
Caving at Marble Arch Caves
Finally, don’t miss out on the Marble Arch Caves! It’s an underground adventure that both you and your kids will love. This site is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark and is just a short drive from Sligo.
Embark on a guided tour to explore winding passageways, underground rivers, and impressive rock formations. It’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
The cave of Diarmuid & Grainne
The Cave of Diarmuid & Grainne is steeped in Irish mythological lore, akin to the famous tale of Romeo and Juliet.
Legend has it that Diarmuid was a highly skilled warrior of the Fianna, while Grainne was the daughter of High King Cormac Mac Airt. Grainne fell deeply in love with Diarmuid and asked him to elope with her. Initially, Diarmuid hesitated due to his sense of honor, but Grainne’s persistence eventually won him over.
Together, Diarmuid and Grainne embarked on a journey on the run, pursued by Fionn and his warriors. Along their escape route, they sought refuge in various places, one of which was the Cave of Diarmuid and Grainne. Like many locations in Irish mythology, this cave is often depicted as a sanctuary, a place of shelter and secrecy amidst their tumultuous journey.
Sligo Food Trail
When it comes to food, Sligo is a must-visit for experiencing Ireland’s contemporary culinary scene. The Sligo Food Trail is a key player in Ireland’s growing reputation for great food. Local chefs collaborate to highlight fresh, local ingredients in their creative and healthy dishes.
For brunch with a view, head to the oceanfront Shell’s Cafe in Strandhill. If you’re craving seafood, Eithna’s by the Sea in Mullaghmore is a top choice. And for delicious vegan options, Sweetbeat Cafe is the place to be.
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Sligo offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, hitting the waves, or simply relaxing by the beach, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic corner of Ireland. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sligo!
