County Sligo

County Sligo is Yeats Country - the landscape that inspired Ireland's greatest poet. From the dramatic profile of Ben Bulben to the surfing beaches of Strandhill, Sligo casts a spell.

Why Visit Sligo?

Poetry, prehistory, and perfect waves:

• Yeats Country - Landscapes immortalized in verse
• Ben Bulben - Ireland's most distinctive mountain
• Surf scene - Strandhill and beyond
• Megalithic tombs - Carrowmore and Knocknarea
• Lough Gill - "Lake Isle of Innisfree"

Top Attractions

Ben Bulben

The table-top mountain dominating Sligo's skyline. Yeats called it "bare" in his poems; it remains dramatic and mysterious.

Drumcliff

Yeats' grave lies in the shadow of Ben Bulben, as he requested: "Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!"

Knocknarea

The mountain topped by Queen Medb's cairn (Miosgan Medb). The walk up rewards with spectacular views.

Strandhill

A surfing village with beach, seaweed baths, and relaxed atmosphere. Watch the surfers from Shells Café.

Lough Gill

Yeats' "Lake Isle of Innisfree" is here. Cruise the lake or walk the shore through parkland.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, good walking weather Summer (June-August): Best surf conditions, festivals Autumn (September-October): Fewer visitors, dramatic skies Winter (November-February): Storms for surfers, Yeats atmosphere

Getting Around

Sligo town is the natural base. The attractions are spread around but distances are manageable.

Local Tips

• Visit Yeats' grave in the evening when tour buses have gone
• Climb Knocknarea for sunset - it's magnificent
• Strandhill's seaweed baths are worth trying
• Sligo town has excellent cafés and live music