Things to Do in Sligo

Best 11 Attractions in Sligo 

1. Walk Beneath Benbulben

Standing at 526 metres above sea level, Benbulben is the landmark that defines Sligo’s skyline. Its flat-topped shape rises above the countryside and appears again and again as you move through the county. 

One of the most rewarding things to do in Sligo is the Benbulben Forest Walk. The 5.5 km route gives you mountain scenery without needing a demanding climb, making it a good choice for a relaxed morning outdoors. It is also an easy outing to pair with a stay at Clayton Hotel Sligo, which is less than 15-minute drive from the forest walk. After your walk, you can return to the hotel for a swim, a relaxed meal or a quieter evening with views of Benbulben still close by.

2. Spend an Afternoon in Strandhill

Located about 7km from Sligo town, Strandhill brings together surf, sea air, coffee stops and wide Atlantic views. It is one of those things to do in Sligo that can be as active or as relaxed as you like.

The beach is known for its waves, and even if surfing is not on the agenda, watching the water roll in is part of the experience. Around the village, you will find places for coffee, lunch and a relaxed wander after time by the shore. A seaweed bath is also worth considering if the aim is to slow down and enjoy the coastal setting properly on a sunny afternoon.

3. Climb Knocknarea for Sweeping Views

Knocknarea is another prominent mountain in Sligo, standing at a height of 327 metres. Rising above Strandhill, it gives you one of the county’s most rewarding walks, with views across Sligo Bay, the Atlantic coastline and the surrounding countryside. 

There are two main versions of the trail. The Strandhill route is the easiest starting point if you are already spending time by the coast, while the Primrose Grange route is another popular option, taking you up through woodland and steps before opening out near the summit.

The top of Knocknarea is linked with Queen Maeve, adding a strong sense of myth and place to the climb. It is a moderately difficult walk rather than a casual stroll, so comfortable shoes are worth wearing, but the reward is worth the effort. 

4. Explore Sligo Abbey

Sligo Abbey is a ruined medieval Dominican friary in the heart of Sligo town, known for its stone arches, cloisters, carved tombs and sculptured high altar. Founded in the mid-13th century, it is one of the easiest things to do in Sligo if you want a short but meaningful look at the town’s history without travelling far. 

The abbey also works well when the weather turns, as it gives you a cultural stop that does not depend on a long outdoor plan. It adds depth to the town centre, reminding you that Sligo’s story stretches far beyond its coastal beauty.

5. Step Back in Time at Carrowmore

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery gives you a very different kind of Sligo experience. Instead of waves and mountain trails, you get ancient tombs, open skies and a real sense of Ireland’s deep past. One of the significant prehistoric landscapes in Europe, Carrowmore houses largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in Ireland, with over 30 surviving monuments dating back almost 6,000 years. 

It is a memorable stop for curious children, history lovers and anyone who enjoys places with a quiet sense of mystery. 

6.  Visit Drumcliffe Church and W.B Yeats’ Grave

Set beneath the shadow of Benbulben, St Columba’s Church in Drumcliffe stands on an old monastic site, with a high cross and round tower nearby. The church itself dates back to 1809, while the surrounding site carries much older roots. The strongest pull here is the link to W.B. Yeats. The poet is buried in the churchyard at Drumcliffe, and the setting makes his connection to Sligo feel immediate rather than distant. Benbulben, which appears so strongly in his work and in the landscape around the church, gives the visit a real sense of place. 

7. Take the Coastal Road to Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is one of the most scenic things to do in Sligo, especially when you want Atlantic views with a little drama. The coastal road gives you open horizons, sea cliffs, beach views and plenty of places to pause along the way.

The area is also closely linked with surfing. Mullaghmore Head is known as one of Ireland’s great big-wave surfing locations, with powerful Atlantic swells drawing experienced surfers and spectators to the coast. On calmer days, Mullaghmore feels peaceful and spacious. On windier days, the waves become part of the attraction, giving the headland its raw west-coast energy. Add time for a short walk, a look towards Classiebawn Castle and a stop in the village before continuing your Sligo route.

8. Slow Down in Rosses Point

Close to town and easy to reach, Rosses Point offers serene coastal views of Sligo. The village has a calm, old seaside feel, with views across Sligo Bay and out towards the Atlantic. It is a lovely choice for a relaxed morning or a final stop before heading back to town.

If Coney Island is part of the plan, tide times need to be checked carefully before crossing. With the right timing, it adds a sense of adventure to a coastal day, but the tide should always guide the visit.

9. Make Time for Sligo Town

Sligo town brings the trip together. It has the practical ease of cafés, restaurants, shops and places to pause, but it also carries plenty of character.

After time outdoors, the town is where the day can settle. You can walk by the Garavogue, browse local shops, stop for lunch or enjoy dinner after a coastal drive. There is also a strong arts and music thread running through the place, giving evenings a lively but relaxed feel.

10. Follow the Sligo Food Trail

The Sligo Food Trail is a lovely way to taste the county through its cafés, restaurants, producers, markets and local food experiences. It adds an easy, flavourful stop to your list of things to do in Sligo, especially after a morning of walking, sightseeing or coastal exploring. You can keep it simple with a coffee stop, plan lunch around local produce, or build an afternoon around Sligo’s food scene.

11. Stop by Hamilton Gallery

Hamilton Gallery brings a creative pause to Sligo town, with contemporary Irish art displayed in a listed Victorian building on Castle Street. It showcases work by emerging and established Irish artists, making it a worthwhile stop when you want culture, colour and a quieter moment between bigger outdoor plans. It is also a useful stop to keep in mind when looking for indoor activities in Sligo, especially on a wet afternoon in town.

Where to Stay in Sligo

Clayton Hotel Sligo is a convenient base for exploring the county, especially if the plan includes Sligo town, Benbulben, Strandhill, Rosses Point and the wider coastline. Set just outside the town centre, our hotel gives you easy access to local landmarks while offering a quieter place to return to after a day out.

The location is also particularly useful for a trip built around things to do in Sligo for couples. You can spend the morning walking beneath Benbulben, drive towards Strandhill or Rosses Point in the afternoon, then return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxed evening. The setting gives the break a nice balance, with the town close by and the scenery never far away.

Clayton Hotel Sligo also works well when the weather changes. The hotel has leisure facilities, dining options and comfortable rooms, so a rainy spell does not need to disrupt the whole day. Its leisure centre includes a 20-metre swimming pool, along with a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, making it a handy base after a beach walk, abbey visit or coastal drive.