Sligo Information
We have separated the information into town, country, and general information sections
Sligo Town - Things to Do and See
Sligo Town Walking Trail
A walking trail is available which takes you
past a number of the places mentioned below. It begins at Stephens
Street and is signposted throughout the town. A free map is also available
of the trail from the Tourist board. Guided tours can also be arranged.
Tel: Bord Fáilte
071 9161201
Sligo Abbey
An official heritage site of the Office of Public Works now combining
the ruins with an exhibition centre. It is a Dominican
friary which was founded by
Maurice Fitzgerald and dating from the mid thirteenth century. It
is known for its tomb carvings and preserved cloisters and is one
of the few buildings remaining with traces of the original medieval
structure as well as later periods of Renaissance and Gothic rebuilding.
Apart from the historical insights it gives into the history of the
area and Sligo, it is the source of the Legend of the Silver Bell,
which only the pure can hear.
Parking is available in the public car park. The abbey is only a
short walk off the centre. Toilets are available. Guided tours
are also possible. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes for a good look around.
Abbey
Street
Tel: 071 9146406
Open: March -end October 10.00 - 18.00 for off peak times check with
the Tourist Board
Charges 2007: Adults € 2.10. Child and family concessions available.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
This important archaeological site is
located outside of the town and is also an OPW heritage site. Some
of the largest and oldest megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which
predate the better-known Newgrange, are situated here. A small exhibition
is located in a restored cottage. The site is off road in patches
so good shoes are recommended.
Located R292 (watch carefully for the signs along the way to direct
you to the site).
Tel: 071 9161534
Open: Easter - Oct 10.00 - 18.00.
Charges: Adults €2.10 child and family concessions available
Sligo County Museum
Those interested in Yeats or Countess Markievicz
will find a collection of memorabilia on display. Including
the Nobel Medal for Literature. There are also displays about the county
and local geology.
Tel :071 9141623
Open
June - Sept: Tue - Sat 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.50
Oct - May: Tue - Sat 14.00 - 16.50
St John's Cathedral
The Church of Ireland cathedral is the burial
place of the Pollexfens, Yeats’ grandparents.
Tel: 071 9161201
Sligo Art Gallery
The art gallery sponsors and encourages all form
of art in the community. The gallery houses various exhibitions throughout
the year.
Located in the Yeats Memorial Building at Hyde Bridge
Tel: 071 9145847
Open: All year Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.30
Model Arts and Niland Gallery
An art
centre for well-known local artists and contemporary exibitions, it
is also used for concerts and other cultural events.
Café available.
Location: Mall Street
Tel: 071 9141405
Yeats Memorial Building
Open year round with local and international
exhibitions. It also houses summer schools with courses.
Tel: 071 9142693
Sligo Races
Horse race meetings are held throughout spring, summer
and autumn. The course is located just off the centre of the town and
is accessible by both car and public transport. Race meets are advertised
through various local media.
Located: Cleverley Rd off Pearse St
Tel: 071 9183342
Doorley Park
The estate is located along the river approx 20 mins
walk from the centre. The White Rose waterbus also runs from a pier
at the entrance to the estate, and there is a regular bus service from
Abbey St. The Park has a small nature trail and picnic area.
Sligo Recreational Sports Centre
A range of activities are available;
wellness facilities; swimming pools; sports halls, as well as classes
in aqua fitness and aerobics.
Location: Cleverley Rd.
Sligo Farmers' Market
Home produce from the local area for sale.
Location: Car park at the Institute of Technology.
Open: Sat 10.00- 13.00
Sligo Tennis Club
Tennis, squash and badminton courts available.
Location: Old Bundoran Rd 3km from centre
Tel: 071 9162580
Festivals and Events in Sligo Town
Sligo Live
A festival of music from traditional to contemporary. Various concerts
take place in Sligo Town. The festival is growing into one of the
major musical events of the year in Ireland and attracting well-known
artists on the Irish and International scene.
Time: End of October
Further information: www.sligolive.ie
Sligo Feis Ceoil
Traditional music, dance, song, drama and arts
Time: April
Sligo New Music Festival
A festival of contemporary music
Time: April
Vogler Spring Festival
Quartet music
Time: May
Yeats Country Music Festival
Irish country and country music played throughout the town in various
hotels and venues.
Time: Easter
World Rally Championship
Major car rally event taking in Sligo as
one of the rally stages, as part of the Rally of Ireland.
Time: November
Festival of Baroque Music
Time: October
Sligo Annual Choral Festival
This four-day event is the second largest
of its kind in Ireland, involving all different types of choral activity.
Time: November
Cairde Summer Festival
Theatre events are the
basis for the festival, in particular with a focus on encouraging participation
from the local community. Musicians and performers from other countries
are playing an increasing role in the event.
Time: July
Sligo International School and Jazz Festival
A week of jazz workshops
and concerts of jazz and bluegrass are held throughout the town.
Time: August
Queen Maeve Summer School
Traditional music,
song and dance are celebrated with various concerts. Workshops are
also available from top teachers for a whole range of instruments used
in traditional music.
Time: August
Yeats International Summer School and Yeats Festival
The works of WB Yeats are celebrated and studied at a series of workshops,
as well as a look at the man behind the poetry. There is also a winter
school in January
Time: July/August and January.
Further information at www.sligotourism.ie and www.sligoarts.ie. A booklet is also available from Bord Fáilte Sligo, ‘Sligo Events Quarterly’