Sligo Information

We have separated the information into town, country, and general information sections

Sligo County:

• Sligo County
• Events
• Places of Interest
• History
• North Sligo
• East Sligo
• South Sligo
• West Sligo

Sligo Town:

• Sligo Town
• Sligo Town Events
• Sligo Town Hotels

General Information:

• Sports
• Walks
• Map
• Accommodation
• Getting There
• Resources
• Imprint

Western Sligo

West of the county towards Ballina

The area described is mainly contained as the Ox Mountains on one side are descending towards the Atlantic. The Ox Mountain area has been taken separately on the southern Sligo page.

Strandhill (An Leatros) R292 off N59 Sligo to Ballina
It is recommended to use the coast road.

Strandhill is a popular holiday resort that is particularly well known for its surfing. It is located looking across Sligo Bay towards Rosses Point and Benbulben and has the cairn-topped mountain of Knocknarea behind it. Strandhill also has various musical events taking place in the year.

Strandhill is renowned for its surfing. Regular European events take part here and courses are on offer for all levels, including beginner. The surf school offers special kids summer courses and provides all equipment as well. The cost is between € 20-30 for 11/2-2hr sessions.
Further information: www.strandhillsurfschool.com and www.isasurf.ie

An important point to note is that Strandhill is not a swimming beach. Its currents are well known for their dangers. You should also be aware of this if you are tempted to walk out to Coney Island (rumour has it that Coney Island, NY, is named after here), which can be reached at low tide by way of a series of marked columns. It is best to check out the tidal conditions and times beforehand and take local advice.

For golf enthusiasts there is an 18-hole golf course.

The mountain of Knocknarea (Cnoc na Rí), topped of with Maeuve’s Cairn on top not only provides you with an opportunity for a good walk (see walk section), but also has some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. Legend has it that Queen Maeve of Connacht is buried there. She is said to have been buried standing up and facing her enemies to the north. The major day to avoid is the day the Warriors Run takes place in August when 400+ mountain runners will be chasing each other up and down the mountain.

Other things to see include an art gallery of local works and Dolly’s Cottage, a 200 year old restored cottage 0719167564; Kevinsfort House, dating from 1820 and now restored, is also an option. Tel : 071 9162787

Ballysadare (Baile Easa Dara) off N4 Dublin road
This village gives its name to the small bay that runs into Sligo Bay. It is very close to Strandhill and Carrowmore. The village is known for its fishing, especially salmon, much of which takes place on the river and at the small waterfalls. Of historical interest is St Fechins Church and 7th century ruins and a 15th century church nearby.

At Knoxpark are the remains of a Promontory Fortress surrounded on three sides by water and on the fourth by the marsh. It is thought to have been built around the 7th or 8th century and was probably built to withstand attack from Viking coming from the north.

Aughris Head off Ballina road N59 nr Screen
Whether you are with car or bike it is worth coming away from the main Ballina road for a bit of an exploration in the area of Aughris Head (Point of the Horses), which presents a lovely rugged coastline with small coves and rolling countryside. No big tourist developments here, dotted here and there with charming surprises, such as "the village that disappeared", a deserted emigration village that once housed 400 people.

Dromore West (An Droim Mór Thiar) N59 main Sligo/Ballina rd
This small village has Culkins Emigration Museum located nearby. It is on the site of an old Shipping and Emigration Agency that operated through the nineteenth century until the 1930s. It gives an insight into not only the practicalities and reasons for emigration during these time but also the hopes and fears and sorrows of those who emigrated, and the effect socially with families split and whole communities wiped off the map. Although the museum concentrates on the 19th and early 20th century, it is interesting to note that in the 65 years up to 1991 Connacht and Donegal lost 20% of their populations to emigration.
Tel; 096 47152.

Easkey R297 Coast Road off Ballina Road
A small coastal village, which is known amongst the surfing fraternity for its super surf conditions. West Sligo Surf Club are based there Tel 087 2333789.

The village is also where the River Easkey (salmon and sea trout) enters the sea. The fishing seasons are known for starting early here for salmon, from the beginning of February until the end of September and for the trout until mid-October. Sections of the river are private and the rest is mainly control by Easkey Salmon Anglers Association.

The coast road can be followed around and gives great views across to Kilcummin and Killala (County Mayo) where the French force Of General Humbert landed in support of the 1798 Rising.

Enniscrone
Enniscrone (sometimes written as Inniscrone) is only some 15 mins from Ballina in County Mayo.

It is traditionally a family holiday resort and has a number of facilities and activities that operate throughout the year, not just in the summer season. It is also known for its 5km sandy beach and is generally safe for swimming. The beach is also used for surfing and coaching and equipment are also available.

The River Moy and Killala Bay are renowned throughout Ireland for their salmon and sea trout fishing; sea angling and angling charters are possible from April-October. Family facilities include crazy golf and, tennis and the Waterpoint Leisure facility is open all year. Its facilities include spas, swimming, and a gym. Seaweed baths are also traditional to the area.