Peaceful Sligo, Ireland is a great place to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway. Here are some ideas of what to do on your vacation.
Sligo, Ireland is a tranquil town in the beautifully scenic Northwest Ireland and Lakelands area. It began as a small coastal village, and in recent times it has developed a great deal of excellent shopping, entertainment and restaurants. For a weekend getaway, it is the perfect mix of beautiful natural surroundings, welcoming small town atmosphere, and quality attractions.
Sligo is set within the stunning vistas of the Ox Mountains to the south, the Dartry Mountains to the north, and Sligo Bay to the west. It can also be a great base for nature lovers to explore the west and northwest Atlantic coast of Ireland.
If you are thinking of escaping to this beautiful part of Ireland for a break, here are some ideas of what to enjoy during your stay:
- Explore some ancient ruins. Sligo has been a significant settlement since the Early Neolithic period, which means that there are numerous ancient sites to discover. Head to nearby Carrowmore, only 8km away, to see some impressive megalithic tombs which were part of sacred prehistoric rituals.
- View the Sligo Abbey. This religious place of worship was built in 1253, and destroyed by a fire in 1414. It was rebuilt again, but burned once more in 1642. Now only the choir, the carved altar, and the cloisters remain. This is a very interesting local historical attraction.
- Pay your respects at the Famine Memorial. These sculptures were designed as a tribute to those who died during the Irish Potato Famine from 1845-1849. During that time, over 30,000 people emigrated through Sligo.
- Watch a Sligo Rovers football game. This team, founded in 1928, play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. If you are visiting between March and November you can watch a match, which is always a fun experience and a chance to soak up the local atmosphere.
- Get pampered at Solas Spa. You can make the most of your relaxing Sligo getaway by booking a treatment at this elegant Spa and Wellness Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa. They have many different beauty treatments, massages, and other indulgent experiences.
- Learn to kite surf! Ready for some excitement? While you are in Sligo you can learn the exciting sport of kite surfing at the only kite surfing school in the North West.
- Enjoy a refreshing pint at an Irish pub. Jump right in to the friendly atmosphere at your local Sligo pub and soon you will be sitting around a table, sharing stories with the locals. Try Fiddler’s Creek which is very lively on the weekends and features live bands and a DJ. Another great place is McLynn’s, which is a quintessential Irish bar with music, an old-style setting, and seriously delicious pints of Guinness.
One of the most luxurious options for accommodation in Sligo is the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, located in the countryside of Rosses Point. This tranquil haven is surrounded by the same gorgeous scenery that was a muse for the poet W.B. Yeats and is sure to inspire you as well.
Enjoy your getaway in beautiful Sligo, Ireland!