Sligo

Sligo (Sligeach in Irish, meaning shelly place) is the principal town in County Sligo in Northwest Ireland & Lakelands. It's the largest urban area in this region, and the second largest in the province of Connacht (after Galway).

Understand

Traditionally a small, quiet coastal town of 17,892 people (but an area of 12.9km or 5 sq mi), Sligo has experienced significant redevelopment since the 1990s and now offers much in the way of shopping, entertainment and eating out. It's a great base from which to explore the often underrated west and north west Atlantic coast of Ireland. A lot of new development has been situated along the Garavogue river, most notably the regeneration of J.F.K. and Rockwood Parades, consisting of shops, cafés, bars and a number of apartments as well as a new footbridge over the river itself.

O’Connell Street, the town's main street was, pedestrianised in Aug 2006, but unfortunately was re-opened to single-lane traffic again in Dec 2009. Two new shopping centres (The Quayside and Johnston's Court) opened in 2005, bringing national and international chain-stores to the region.

Location

Sligo is surrounded by the Dartry Mountain range to the north, the Ox Mountains to the south, and Sligo Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Dartry range includes the well-known Ben Bulben (sometimes called Ireland's table mountain). Knocknarea Mountain, located 5 km (3 mi) west of the town, is best known for the stone cairn at its summit (actually a burial mound dating to the Neolithic period).

History

Sligo's Irish name, Sligeach (pronounced SHLEE-gok, which means the place of shells), comes from the large number of shellfish found in the local river and its estuary, and from the Stone Age food preparation areas in the vicinity. The river (now known as the Garavogue) was originally also called the Sligeach. This whole area, from the river estuary at Sligo, around the coast to the river at Ballisodare Bay, was rich in marine resources, dating back as far as the Mesolithic period.

Sligo was a significant location as far back as the Early Neolithic period, as demonstrated by the numerous ancient sites close by. Particularly notable are the megalithic tombs at nearby Carrowmore. According to local archaeological digs (when a new road was being built), 'Magheraboy [now a suburb of Sligo] demonstrates the early Neolithic settlement of this area of Sligo, while the longevity of the activity on the site indicates a stable and successful population during the final centuries of the fifth millennium and the first centuries of the fourth millennium BC.'

The Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Maurice Fitzgerald, is said to have established the medieval town of Sligo, building the Castle of Sligo in 1245. As a result, Sligo became an important crossroads strategically and commercially. Sligo Abbey is the only medieval building left standing in the town.

Twin cities

Sligo is twinned with three towns/cities (sister cities), namely:

Crozon, in Brittany, France
Kempten im Allgäu, in Bavaria, Germany
Tallahassee, in Florida, United States of America

There are regular trade and tourism links with these cities throughout the year.

Other items of interest

There are two local newspapers in Sligo, each of which gives details of local news, sports and entertainment on a weekly basis. The Sligo Weekender is published on Tuesday while The Sligo Champion is published every Wednesday.

A round of the World Rally Championship was based in Sligo on November 16th-18th, 2007. Rally Ireland was a great success and returned in January 2009 after a fantastic first year.

Get in

By rail

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), Lord Edward St, ☏ +353 71 916-9888. operates eight trains per day Monday to Sunday from Dublin's Connolly Station. The trip takes a little over 3 hours and adult prices range from €32 to €44 with price reductions for children under 12, students with valid student ID and free travel for children under 3. Oddly enough, the price for a return journey is exactly the same as for a single one. If your travelling days are variable, travel Monday to Thursday or Saturday, as tickets are more expensive on Friday and Sunday (the busier days).

By road

By bus

Bus Éireann (Irish Bus), Lord Edward St, ☏ +353 71 916-0066. Buses or coaches operate throughout the day from most major towns/cities.

From Dublin: 6 buses daily M-Sa, 5 on Su and Public Holidays, journey time: 3.5-4h.
From Galway: 6 buses daily M-Sa, 5 on Su and Public Holidays, journey time: 2.5h.
From Belfast: 3 buses daily M-Sa (change at Enniskillen), 2 on Su (change at Dungannon), journey time just under 4h.
Bus Éireann prices are approximately half that of the train but buses can be a bit stuffy! Similar concessions/price reductions apply as for train travel.

Feda O'Donnell Coaches (Bus Feda), ☏ +353 74 954-8114, busfeda@eircom.net. operate from Gweedore, County Donegal, and Galway as follows:

From Gweedore (via Letterkenny): 2 buses daily M-Sa, 3 on F, 3 on Su, journey time 3 hours 15 minutes. From Galway (Cathedral): 2 buses daily M-Sa, 4 on F, 4 on Su, journey time 2h.

By car

From Dublin take the N4 road west (approx. 210km (130 mi), 2.5h.

From Galway take the N17 road north (approx. 145km (90 mi), 2-2.5h.
From Belfast, Northern Ireland, take the M1 Motorway, which leads onto the A4. This becomes the N16 when you cross the border at Belcoo/Blacklion (approx. 200km (125 mi), 3 to 3 and a half hours).

Get around

Sligo town, at 12.9km² (5 sq mi), is small enough to walk from one end to the other in an hour.

Local buses

There are buses which run from the main bus station to Strandhill (Route 472) and Rosses Point (Route 473) (small nearby coastal towns) regularly. There are also two city services around the town and surrounding area (Route 478, runs M-Sa about every 20 minutes from Cartron (on the R291 Rosses Point Road), via the town center to Cairns Road and back again to Cartron and Route 478A, M-Sa every hour from the Bus Station via Strandhill Road to Carrowmore). There is also a Nightrider service (Route 478N F,Sa approximately hourly 20:30-02:30) which leaves from Sligo Town to nearby towns of Collooney, Ballisodare, Strandhill and Rosses Point.

Parking

As in many parts of Ireland, parking spaces can be difficult to find, although most hotels and bed and breakfasts have their own free parking for residents only. If you wish to park in the town, there are a number of local authority operated car parks dotted around the town. To park in a public car park or on the street in most parts of the town centre, you must pay and display at the nearest meter. Parking costs €1.20 per hour (generally between the hours of 8:30AM-6:30PM. M-Su, although some locations have different pay times or days). Parking costs can be paid for by Euro coins, credit cards or mobile phone. You can prepay for your parking if you park outside these hours, i.e., If you leave you car overnight, you can pay for your parking from 08:30 the next morning. Please note, if paying by coins, the machine does not give change, so you should try to have exact change available. You will, however, receive a parking disc for the remainder of the next hour, e.g., pay €2, and you get a disc for 1 hour 40 minutes. Some car parks allow for all-day parking at a special rate. The meters in these car parks will display this option. If you don't pay, or your time has run out, you may receive a parking ticket, with an on-the-spot fine of €40, or €80 if you park illegally in a wheelchair-user only zone (always marked, often with blue paint).

There are also some private car-parks which have different rates of payment (and different punishments if you don't pay). The (Catholic) Cathedral, for example, uses barriers, with payment of €3 when leaving the car-park. If you can leave your car until church services (mass) times, you may be able to leave without paying (but do you want to cheat the church?) Parking at Sligo General Hospital is metered, and costs €2.40 for up to four hours, or €4 for up to 24 hours. The local bus (Route 478) passes just outside the hospital every 20 minutes during the day, and costs 70 cent to bring you into town. If you don't pay for your parking at this carpark you are liable to be clamped, with a release fee of €65.

See

Sligo Abbey (Dominican Friary), Abbey St (From the GPO, turn left. After 40m (44 yd), before the river, turn right onto Rockwood Parade (alongside the river). Walk 140m (150 yd) to the second right onto Water Lane, and at the top of the lane, 90m (98 yd) turn left onto Castle Street. Walk 200m (220 yd) onto Abbey Street, with Abbey on the left (total distance of 455m (498 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 914-6406, fax: +353 71 914-9909, sligoabbey@opw.ie. daily 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:15. Closed from mid-Dec until Feb. Founded by Maurice Fitzgerald in 1253, destroyed by fire in 1414, rebuilt in its present form; the Abbey was burned in 1642 and everything valuable in it was destroyed. Much of the structure, including the choir, carved altar and cloisters remain. Adult:€2.10, Senior:€1.30, Student:€1.10, Family:€5.80, Group Rate:€1.30.
Famine Memorial, Quay Street Car-park (From the GPO, turn right. After 40m (44 yd), turn right. Pass the City Hall on your right, Quayside Shopping Centre on your left, enter the car-park at the riverside (total distance of 270m (295 yd)).). open all hours. One of a suite of three sculptures commissioned by the Sligo Famine Commemoration Committee to honour the victims of the Irish Potato Famine (1845–1849), when over 30,000 people emigrated through the port of Sligo, here commemorated by this sculprute.. A plaque in the background, headed 'Letter to America, January 2, 1850' tells one family's sad story. free.

Do

Sligo Rovers Football Club, The Showgrounds, Church Hill (From Exiting the train station, cross the road and continue straight ahead up Wolfe Tone Street. At the end of the street turn right up Churchill - the ground is approx half a mile on the right.), ☏ +353 71 917-1212, secretary@sligorovers.com. Sligo Rovers are Sligo's main football(soccer) team. They play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. They were founded in 1928 and are currently managed by Liverpudlian, Paul Cook and his assistant Gerry Carr. Prices: Adults-€15, Senior Citizens/Students-€8, Children(accompanied by an adult)-€5. Rovers season runs from early March - mid November and tickets to their games can always be purchased at the gate on match nights. Home matches usually every other Saturday with an 20:00 kick-off.
Model Arts and Niland Gallery, The Mall (From GPO, turn left. Cross the river, continue along Stephen Street, onto the Mall, gallery on left (total distance of 480 m (525 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 914-1405, fax: +353 71 914-3694, info@modelart.ie. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:30, Su 11:00-16:00. Hosts fantastic permanent exhibition of Jack B. Yeats work (brother of the poet W.B. Yeats), along with local and travelling exhibitions. Beautiful Atrium Cafe (Bridgestone and Georgina Campbell guides recommended). Free wireless hotspot in the Cafe. Gallery exhibitions and visual events free, booking may be advisable for visual events; music, drama and comedy performances usually range from €10-€20.
County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre, Áras Reddan, Temple St (From GPO, walk South down O'Connell Street for 200 m (220 yd), turn right onto John Street for 50 m (55 yd). Take left up Charles Street, and at the top (200 m (220 yd)) turn right onto Temple Street, Centre is on immediate right (total distance of 530 m (580 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-3728, info@sligoroots.com. Searching for your Sligo roots? The Centre offers a full service to enquirers whose ancestors hailed from County Sligo.
Sligo Races, Sligo Racecourse, Cleveragh Rd (From GPO, turn left. After 40 m (44 yd), turn right onto Rockwood Parade. Take second right at 140 m (153 yd) (opposite Footbridge), onto Water Lane. At top of lane (200 m (220 yd)), go straight up Market Street and High Street. At the top of the hill, bear left onto Burton Street, then turn right onto Pearse Road. Take third left after 400 m (435 yd) (opposite Bed & Breakfast houses) onto Cleveragh Road. Racecourse is 550 m (600 yd) on left (total distance of 1.6 km (1 mi)).), ☏ +353 71 918-3342, fax: +353 71 916-2484, info@countysligoraces.com. 6-8 race meetings per year, from May to Sep. €15/€10 concessions (children free).
Kitesurfing Lessons. With the north west's only kitesurfing school.
Boat Trips. On a former lifeboat With local lifeboat crew. See seals, maybe even dolphins, stop and fish, or just take in the sights.

Learn

Yeats International Summer School, Yeats Memorial Building, Hyde Bridge (from GPO, turn left and Yeats Building is red-brick building about 20 m (22 yd) on your right), ☏ +353 71 914-2693, fax: +353 71 914-2780, info@yeats-sligo.com. in 2008, the school runs from Sa, Jul 26 to Fri Aug 8. The poet William Butler Yeats is much associated with Sligo. In particular "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a reference to a small island on nearby Lough Gill. Yeats, who spent much of his youth in Sligo and its environs, died in 1939 and is buried, under bare Ben Bulben's head in the graveyard in Drumcliffe, County Sligo. Tuition Fee (2008 prices): €375 for one week, €595 for two weeks.

Buy

Most of the shops in Sligo are concentrated in a small area, based around O'Connell Street, Wine Street and Grattan Street. It also has a two new shopping centres, Johnston Court and The Quayside. The town has a huge range of the normal High Street shops, including most of the Irish and British chains. These include clothing, grocery, electronics, books, music, sports, fotwear, Etc., Etc. Apart from all of those, there are a number of one-off shops in Sligo, which make it well worth the visit. Just a small selection of these is outlined below.

The Cat and The Moon (Goldsmiths, Irish Craft Boutique and Art Gallery), 4 Castle St (From GPO, turn left. After 40 m (44 yd), turn right onto Rockwood Parade alongside river, take second right onto Water lane, then left into Castle Street. Shop is 50 m (55 yd) on left (total distance of 320 m (350 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-3686, fax: +353 71 914-3686, info@thecatandthemoon.com. M-Sa 09:00-18:00. stocks a wide range of hand-made gold and silver jewellery (from their own workshop), both for retail sale and specially commissioned articles. The Irish Craft Boutique also features a huge selection of other Irish-made jewellery, glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture and handcrafts. The Art Gallery (upstairs) hosts regular exhibitions, usually promoting young local and other Irish Artists.
Michael Kennedy Ceramics, Market Cross (From GPO, turn left. After 40 m (44 yd), turn right onto Rockwood Parade alongside river, take second right onto Water lane, then up the hill to shop on left (total distance of 300 m (328 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-8844, sligo@michaelkennedyceramics.com. M-Sa 09:00-18:00. Unusual and quirky pieces of ceramic art sit alongside beautiful (but usable) dinner services in this shop of Sligo-based ceramic artist and potter, all hand-thrown here or in the artist's studio in Gort, County Galway.
Kate's Kitchen (Hopper and Pettit), 3 Castle St (From GPO, turn left. After 40 m (44 yd), turn right onto Rockwood Parade alongside river, take second right onto Water Lane, then left onto Castle Street. Shop is 40 m on left (total distance of 310 m (340 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-3022. M-Sa 09:00-18:00. Fabulous Delicatessen, with all types of food catered for, from home-baked hams to some of the finest chutneys, preserves known to man. Also contains a separate toiletries area (Hopper and Pettit), specialising in Crabtree & Evelyn and other fine ranges.

Eat

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	under €15
Mid-range	€15-€40
Splurge	€40+

The choice of good quality restaurants in Sligo has improved immensely over the last few years. Please note, that all the hotels listed in the Sleep section below also have restaurants, and many have carvery lunches served at the bar.

Budget

Cafe Mauds, Unit 26, Quayside Shopping Centre (turn right at GPO, after 40 m (44 yd) turn right again onto Quay Street, entry to Quayside Shopping Centre is 120 m (130 yd) on the left-hand side (total distance of 156 m (170 yd))), ☏ +353 71 912-8447, fax: +353 71 912-8447. M-W 09:30-17:30, Th-F 09:30-19:00, Sa 09:30-18:00PM, Su 12:00-17:30. wraps, sandwiches, crepes, coffee, award winning ice-cream
Pepper Alley, Rockwood Parade (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right down Rockwood Parade (alongside the river). Pepper Alley is 150 m (164 yd) on right (total distance of 195 m (213 yd))), ☏ +353 71 917-0720, fax: +353 71 917-0720. Busy sandwich bar, (especially at lunchtime) with some hot food also available.

Mid-range

Poppadom Restaurant, 34 O'Connell St (From the GPO, walk south down O'Connell Street, restaurant is 80 m (88 yd) on the left, Over Liber Bookshop), ☏ +353 71 914-7171. Su-Th 17:30-23:00, F Sa 17:30-00:00. Bridgestone best Indian Restaurant from 1999-2004, top quality Asian food, good mix of Indian, Thai, Indonesian, Etc
Fiddler's Creek, Rockwood Parade (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right down Rockwood Parade (alongside the river). Fiddler's Creek is 150 m (164 yd) on right (total distance of 195 m (213 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-1866, fax: +353 71 914-1864, restaurant@fiddlerscreek.ie. daily: lunch: 12:00-19:30; restaurant: 19:00-22:00; bar food: 17:30-21:45. Steaks, chicken, pasta dishes. Speedy, friendly service, busy especially at weekends. Separate menu also available at the bar. (Please note, e-mail address is NOT for bookings)
Mardees, 25 Castle St (From GPO, turn left, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right down Rockwood parade (alongside the river). After 140 m (153 yd) turn right onto Water lane. At the top of the Lane, turn left onto Castle Street, restaurant is 70 m (77 yd) on the right, over the Centra supermarket (total distance of 345 m (377 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 914-7637. New restaurant, with small but interesting menu, bright decor, very friendly efficient staff. Excellent value "Early bird" menu from 17:00 to 19:00 with huge portions!
Bistro Bianconi, O'Connell St (From the GPO, walk south down O'Connell Street, past Tobergal Lane on the left, restaurant is 150 m (164 yd) on the left.), ☏ +353 71 914-1744. M-Sa lunch: 12:30-14:30, dinner: 17:30-late. Award winning Pizza and Italian restaurant. Very friendly staff, owner Pat Grimes always on hand to assist with your choices. All pizzas baked in a traditional wood oven (visible from the street). Complete menu available as take-away from High Street branch; Phone +353 71 914-7000.
Café Bar Deli (The Leftbank), 15 rear Stephens St (From the GPO, turn left, cross Hyde Bridge. Immediately after the bridge, enter the riverside walk (keeping the river on your right). Restaurant is on the left, over the Garavogue bar (total distance of 115 m (126 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 914-0100, fax: +353 71 914-0104, sligo@cafebardeli.ie. W-Su 18:00-22:00. Overlooking the Garavogue river, Café Bar Deli has some of the best views in Sligo town. Serves good quality Mediterranean food, pizza, pasta, Etc. Staff always welcoming and friendly. Bookings not usually required, although large groups may need to call ahead.
Source Sligo, O' Connell St. A brand new restaurant in the heart of Sligo, it serves tapas and other delicious food. It has a great wine menu and also has a cookery school.

Splurge

Coach Lane (Donaghy's Bar), 1-2 Lord Edward St (From the GPO, turn right, and walk 300 m (328 yd) through three sets of traffic lights. Restaurant is over Donaghy's Pub, on the left-hand side of the road, just before the Inner Relief Road (N4 road) (total distance of 311 m (340 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 916-2417. 17:00-22:00 daily. Offers some unusual dishes (e.g., ostrich with marsala); lots of local produce, including steaks, lobster, salmon. Also plenty of salads, pasta and chicken dishes. Cooking style ranges from traditional to spicy and much in between.
Conrad's Kitchen, The Model, The Mall, ☏ +353 71 911-9400. Famous chef Conrad Gallagher has opened a great local restaurant, for local people, in the heart of Sligo's art district and positioned right in the centre of the Model Art Gallery.

Drink

Bars/Pubs

Fiddler's Creek, Rockwood Parade (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right down Rockwood Parade (alongside the river). Fiddler's Creek is 150 m (164 yd) on right (total distance of 195 m (213 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-1866, fax: +353 71 914-1864, jimmy@fiddlerscreek.ie. Very lively bar, especially at weekends. In-house DJ and live bands 4 or 5 nights a week, also show all major live sporting events on large screens.
McGarrigles, 11 O'Connell St (From the GPO, walk south down O'Connell Street, bar is opposite Tobergal Lane on the right (total distance of 127 m (139 yd))), ☏ +353 71 917-1193.
McHughs, Grattan St (From the GPO, walk south down O'Connell Street, turn left at the top of the street (200 m (218 yd)) onto Grattan Street, bar is on the right (total distance of 220 m (241 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-2030.
Shoot The Crows, Market Cross, Grattan St (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right onto Rockwood Parade. After 140 m (153 yd) turn right onto Water lane. At top of lane, turn right onto Grattan Street, Bar is first on right (total distance of 282 m (308 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 916-2554, uisce@shootthecrows.ie. Old Sligo pub (founded 1876) with an eccentric past (not least where the name comes from!), long narrow pub, the music collection reflects the eclectic tastes of the owner, Ronan "Uisce" Waters, comprising of Latin, Soul, Motown, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Reggae, Punk, Afrobeat and Irish Traditional among others, and the most unusual front window you've ever seen.
The Stables (O'Hehir's), Wine St (From the GPO, turn right, pub is on the left, about 90 m (98 yd)), ☏ +353 71 914-2280.
McLynn's, ☏ +353 71 914-2088. Is a traditional Irish bar with music and an old-style setting. One of the best pints of Guinness you'll find. Old Market St. Sligo.

Nightclubs

Pure Nightclub (NV), Teeling St (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right onto Rockwood Parade. After 140 m (153 yd) turn right ont oWater Lane. At top of lane, turn left onto Castle Street, and turn right after 120 m (131 yd) turn right onto Teeling Street, club is 70 m (77 yd) on the left (total distance of 468 m (512 yd))), ☏ +353 71 914-4721, info@envy.ie. Tu-Su 11:30-Late. With four bars and three dance floors, this is a busy club, especially catering to students of the near-by Institute of Technology, Sligo. €6-€12 depending on night.
Toffs Nightclub, J.F.K Parade (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right onto Rockwood Parade. Walk the length of the parade, cross Thomas Street, club is on the right (total distance of 360 m (394 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 916-1250. Th-Su 11:00-Late.
Velvet Room Nightclub, Kempten Promenade (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right onto Rockwood Parade. Walk the length of the parade, turn left after 200 m (219 yd), cross bridge, then immediate right onto Kempten Promenade. Club is on the left (total distance of 400 m (437 yd)).), ☏ +353 71 914-4721, info@velvetroom.ie. Sligo's newest Nightclub, on two levels, four bars, two dance floors, gears itself towards the twenty-something, more discerning clubber.
The Clarence, Wine St. A decent alternative to Pure or The Velvet Room. Very popular with students.

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	under €50
Mid-range	€50-€150
Splurge	€150+

Bed and Breakfasts

Most bed and breakfasts are situated on the roads into and out of the town, especially on the old Dublin road (Pearse Road, R287), Cairns Hill (head out the R287, turn left at the traffic lights just at the Gaelic Football Pitch, Markievicz Park) and the Bundoran road (N16). Most cost around €30 to €35 per person sharing.

Philmar House B and B, ☏ +353 71 914-5014. Based in Ballincar on the R291 between Rosses Point and Sligo town and only 200 metres from the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Holiday apartments

Milligan Place, Lake Isle Rd (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, crossing the N4 Inner Relief Road, then cross Adelaide Street (the R287) onto Wine Street for 400 m, cross the river and take second left onto Holborn Street for 110 m, then turn right, Apartments on left (total distance of 760 m)), ☏ +353 71 913-8945, fax: +353 71 914-9768, info@milliganplace.com. Brand new 1 and 2-bed apartments and town houses, normally used as student accommodation for the loca lInstitute of Technology, but let as holiday accommodation during the summer months. Named after comedian Spike Milligan, whose father was born nearby.
Yeats Village, Ballinode (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, crossing the N4 Inner Relief Road, then cross Adelaide Street (the R287) onto Wine Street for 400 m, cross the river and continue along Stephen Street, The Mall (passing the Model Arts and Niland Gallery and the Hospital), down Molloway Hill, onto the N16. Pass the Institute of Technology, Sligo on the left, and take the first right. Yeats Village is on the left (total distance of 2.2 km)), ☏ +353 71 913-8945, info@albanne.ie. self-catering homes and apartments (sleeping up to 6 people), within 10 minutes walk of town centre.
Clarion Holiday Village and The Grove Clarion, Clarion Rd, Ballinode (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, turn left onto Inner Relief Road (N4 in the direction of Lifford), cross the river at Hughes Bridge (road is now the N15), at second set of traffic lights turn right after Markievicz House (on hilltop on the right), onto Duck Street, left at the roundabout, past St. John's Hospital, right after St. Jospeh's (RC) Church, onto Clarion Road, Clarion Village is on the left about 600 m down this road (total distance of 2.3 km)), ☏ +353 71 913-8945, tourism@albanne.ie. 2, 3 and 4-bed apartments, within 15 minutes walk of town.
Gateway Apartments, Ballinode (From Train/Bus Station, turn left and left again, cross over hughs bridge and turn right at second set of traffic lights. Head straight through mini roundabout and continue for 800 meters and turn left at traffic lights. Gateway Apartments is on the left hand side here), ☏ +353 71 914-5618, fax: +353 71 914-7317, info@gatewayapartments.ie. Check-in: 24/7, check-out: 11:00. New 1 and 2-bed apartments let as holiday apartments for the summer months. Reception is open 24 hours and we have a team of staff to ensure a pleasant stay. A free internet terminal at reception and free internet in both apartment bedrooms.
Ballyeasken House, Templeboy, Co (Travel south on N4 and then turn onto the N59 and head west for 24km. Continue through Templeboy village past church along main road. After 1 mile the house is on the left hand side of the road with a stone wall and red garage door.), ☏ +353 96 47435, info@ballyeaskenhouse.com. Family home near Easkey and Enniscrone

Hostels

Harbour House (Sligo International Tourist Hostel), Finisklin Rd (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, turn left onto Inner Relief Road (N4 in the direction of Lifford), then turn left at the Poitin Still Pub (yellow building on right) onto Finisklin Road, under the bridge and past Brooks, Nibblers Cafe, the Ursuline College and Value Centre, Harbour House straight in front of you near roundabout (total distance of 650 m).), ☏ +353 71 917-1547, +353 86 259-8293 (mobile phone), fax: +353 71 917-1547, harbourhouse@eircom.net. In the old Harbour master's house, built in 1840s, advance booking advised, especially in summer season. Budget; from €18 (dormitory) to €40 (single).
White House Hostel, Markievicz Rd (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, crossing the N4 Inner Relief Road, then cross Adelaide Street (the R287) onto Wine Street for 400 m, cross the river and take first left onto Markievicz Road, Hostel is 100 m ahead on right (total distance of 720 m)), ☏ +353 71 914-5160, fax: +353 71 914-4456. Open from 01 Mar to 31 Oct. Budget; €14 (dormitory).
The Railway Hostel, 1 Union Pl (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, turn left onto Inner Relief Road (N4 in the direction of Lifford), hostel is on the left at rear of train station (total distance of 540 m)), ☏ +353 87 6905539, sean@therailway.ie. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:30. There is no cooker at this Hostel, only microwave ovens. Dorm €16.0, Double/Twin €40.- the room.

Hotels

Clarence Hotel, Wine St (From Train/Nus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 400 m, hotel is on your left, just past the Gaeity Cinema), ☏ +353 71 916-2145, info@clarencesligo.ie. Newly renovated small hotel, in a very central location. Weekend nightclub is busy.
Clarion Hotel, Clarion Rd (From Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, turn left onto Inner Relief Road (N4 in the direction of Lifford), cross the river at Hughes Bridge (road is now the N15), at second set of traffic lights turn right after Markievicz House (on hilltop on the right), onto Duck Street, left at the roundabout, past St. John's Hospital, right after St. Jospeh's (RC) Church, onto Clarion Road, Clarion Village is on the left about 600 m down this road (total distance of 2.3 km)), ☏ +353 71 911-9000, fax: +353 71 911-9001, info@clarionhotelsligo.com. New 4 star hotel in Elizabethan former hospital, 76 bedrooms, 91 suites. €Mid-range to €Splurge.

The Glasshouse (formerly the Silver Swan Hotel), Swan Point, Hyde Bridge (from Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, crossing the N4 Inner Relief Road, then cross Adelaide Street (the R287) onto Wine Street for 400 m, hotel os on the left just at the river (total distance of 550 m)), ☏ +353 71 919-4300, (1890) 300 106 (only available from within Ireland)NOCC, fax: +353 71 919-4301, info@theglasshouse.ie. Dramatic design, resembling the prow of a ship, on the river bank. Sligo's newest hotel, with funky interiors. The View bar is a stylish lounge, with great views across the river. AA Rosette Award winning restaurant. €Mid-range-€Splurge.

Innisfree Hotel, High St (from Train/Bus Station, continue straight down Wolfe Tone Street for 200 m, turn left onto Upper John Street, cross the Inner Relief Road (N4 Road) onto John Street. Continue straight for 300 m past Harmony Hill onto Grattan Street, and take right turn at Lady Erin Statue, hotel is on the right part way up the hill (total distance of 810 m)), ☏ +353 71 914-2014, innisfreehotelsligo@eircom.net. €Budget.
Ocean Sands Hotel Enniscrone Co. Sligo (Sligo Hotels Enniscrone, Ocean Sands Hotel), Enniscrone, ☏ +353 96 26700, fax: +353 96 26701, reservations@oceansandshotel.net.
Radisson SAS Hotel & Spa, Ballincar (from Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, turn left onto the Inner Relief Road (N4 road), cross the river/bay, and keep left. After 850 m turn left onto the R291, hotel is 2.9 km on this road, on the right (total distance of 3.9 km)), ☏ +353 71 914-0008, fax: +353 71 914-0005, info.sligo@radissonblu.com. The hotel also features Sólás Spa & Wellness Centre, which provides holistic therapies and spa breaks. €Mid range to Splurge.
Sligo City Hotel, Quay St (from Train/Bus Station, turn left along Lord Edward Street for 200 m, cross the Inner Relief Road (N4 road) onto Wine Street for 250 m, take first left (in front of H. Lyons Department Store) onto Quay Street, hotel is on the right, past City hall (total distance of 580 m)), ☏ +353 71 914-4000, fax: +353 71 914-6888, info@sligocityhotel.com. €Mid-range.
The Sligo Park Hotel, Old Dublin Rd (from Train/Bus Station, continue straight down Wolfe tone Street for 200 m, turn left onto Upper John Street, cross the Inner Relief Road (N4 Road) and take next right onto Temple Street. Pass the (RC) Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and follow road to Mail Coach Road, until second set of traffic lights at Christie's supermarket/petrol/gas station. Turn right onto Pearse Road, and hotel is 1 km ahead on left (total distance of 2.5 km)), ☏ +353 71 919-0400, fax: +353 71 916-9556, sligo@leehotels.com. €Mid-range-€Splurge.
Sligo Southern Hotel, Strandhill Rd (Beside Train/Bus Station.), ☏ +353 71 916-2101, fax: +353 71 916-0328, reservations@sligosouthernhotel.com. €Mid-range.

Connect

Telephones

As elsewhere in Ireland, phone numbers in Sligo comprise an area code (071) and a local number (7 digits). All phone numbers shown in this guide display both the area code and the local number. When calling from a landline within the same area, you can ignore the area code, or leave it in, as you wish. If you are calling from another area within Ireland or from a mobile phone, you must use the area code. Likewise, if you are calling internationally, you must use the following format: Your international access code + 353 + 71 + the local number, i.e., you drop the 0 from the area code.

Internet

County Sligo Library, Stephen St (From the GPO, turn left, cross the river onto Stephen Street, pass two roads on left, library is 200 m (219 yd) on left.), ☏ +353 71 914-2212, sligocentrallibrary@sligococo.ie. Tu-Sa 09:30-17:00, Th 09:30-20:00. Free Internet facilities available for members and visitors. Four terminals available for adults, and two specifically for children (with kid-friendly software). Also fourteen further terminals available in Reference Library, on nearby Bridge Street (Reference Library Opening Hours; M-F 10:00-12:45 and 14:00-16:45). Quietest in the mornings. Visitors should bring some ID (such as home Library card), and will be required to sign an "internet agreement form". Free.
Atrium Cafe (Model Arts and Niland Gallery), The Mall (see Do section above), ☏ +353 71 914-1405, fax: +353 71 914-3694, info@modelart.ie. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:30, Su 11:00-16:00. Free.

Stay safe

Crime is relatively low by most European standards but not very different. As with any sizeable town in Ireland, visitors and locals alike can feel intimidated by the large crowds hanging around outside fast food outlets, pubs and clubs, usually between the hours of 00:00 and 03:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. These areas are generally well patrolled by Gardaí (police), but best avoided, where possible.

If you need the emergency services (Gardaí, ambulance, fire service, coast guard or mountain rescue) dial 999 or 112 from any phone.

Cope

Publications

There are three weekly newspapers in Sligo. If you're looking for entertainment listings, either the Champion or Weekender are fine, if you want to know what's the official business/political line on something local in Sligo, the Champion is required reading, the Post is hardly worth the price (it's free).

The Sligo Champion (The Champion). Weekly, Wednesday. Sligo's oldest surviving newspaper (over 150 years old) containing all the local news and events for the town and county of Sligo and local parts of the surrounding counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, Donegal and Mayo €1.70.

Sligo Weekender. weekly, Tuesday. For a paper called The Weekender, it comes out mid-week, but otherwise good entertainment listings €1.70.

The Sligo Post. weekly, Tuesday. This paper is quite new, and mostly contains a few sensationalised local stories, with the remainder of the paper taken up with advertising features, Etc. It's free, so you may as well get one, but the Champion or Weekender have better listings. freesheet.

Religious services

There are places of worship all over the town; your hotel or Bed and Breakfast should be able to direct you to one nearby. If not, though, the following are centrally located in the town.

Roman Catholic

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's), Temple St (From GPO, turn right along Wine Street. At second set of traffic lights, turn left onto Adelaide Street, through next set of traffic lights, onto Temple Street, church is on the left), ☏ +353 71 916-2670, fax: +353 71 915-0797, sligocath@eircom.net. Mass Times: Su 19:30 (on Saturday for Sunday Vigil), 08:30, 10:30, 12:00, 17:00(in Polish), 19:00; M-F 07:15, 08:15, 10:30; Sa 08:15, 10:30, 19:00 (First Friday of each month). Beautiful 130+ year-old building in a Normano–Romano–Byzantine style, it is the only example of a Romanesque style Cathedral built during the 19th century in Ireland.
St. Anne's, Cranmore (Turn left at GPO, walk 40 m (44 yd) and turn right onto Rockwood Parade. Walk the length of the parade, turn right, take second left into Chapel Lane, Church is in front of you), ☏ +353 71 914-5028. Mass Times: Su 19:30 (on Saturday for Sunday Vigil), 10:30, 12:30, 19:00; M-F 10:00, 18:15, Sa 10:00.
St. Joseph's, Ballytivnan, ☏ +353 71 914-2422, frnoel@stjosephsandcalry.ie. Mass Times: Su 19:30 (On Saturday for Sunday Vigil), 11:00, 12:30, 19:00; M-Sa 10:00.
Dominican Friary (Holy Cross Friary), High St, ☏ +353 71 914-2700, fax: +353 71 914-6533. Mass Times: Su 19:30 (On Saturday for Sunday Vigil), 09:30, 11:00, 12:15, 19:00; M-Sa 10:30 and 13:05. Holy Cross is the only church run by a religious order (rather than directly by the diocese) in the Diocese of Elphin.

Church of Ireland/Anglican

The Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin and St John the Baptist, John St, sligocathedral@elphin.anglican.org. Service of Holy Communion Su 08:30, 1st, 3rd and 5th Su 10:30. Morning Prayer Services 2nd & 4th Su 10:30.

Go next

Sligo is very well located for exploring the Northwest Ireland and Lakelands area of Ireland, and the following are very easily accessible as day trips:

County Sligo.

Carrowmore, on the Knocknarea peninsula. The site of a prehistoric ritual landscape. Around 30 megalithic tombs can be seen in Carrowmore today, older than Newgrange or Knowth (in the east of Ireland) and which even predate the Egyptian Pyramids.

Rosses Point (Follow the R291 from Sligo). Rosses Point is a pretty little village with a beautiful golden sandy beach, perfect for families. The Atlantic Ocean is cold for swimming, but perfectly safe here

Strandhill (Follow the R292 from Sligo). The village has undergoing much renovation, and has a great walking beach and dunes. NOTE, it is not safe to swim here. It is, however, a great surfing beach.

Knocknarea Mountain (Queen Maedbh's Cairn), Strandhill (Follow the R292 from Sligo, signposted on the left). Just over 1000 ft (305 m) high, and can be climbed in 20 to 40 minutes. Fantastic views of the coast-line with a very large cairn or burial mound on the summit, which local legend says is the grave of the ancient Celtic warrior Queen Maedbh (pronounced May-v). Climbers are now requested NOT to climb on the cairn or to use the stones from the cairn due to much damage in recent years.

An old local tradition has it that a climber should bring a stone from the bottom of the mountain and place it on the cairn on the top. Failure to do so, according to the legend, will result in your dreams being haunted by the Queen Maeve herself!

Ben Bulben. Prominent table mountain, dominating the landscape to the North. Can be climbed at certain points in about 1 hour or so. It is said to be the final resting place of Diarmuid and Gráinne, the eloping lovers from the Fenian cycle of Irish mythology.

Coney Island (Follow the R292, about 4km on the right, watch for small finger signpost.). Said to have given its name to its better known namesake in New York City. In Irish it translates as Oilean na gCoiníní (Island of the Rabbits, Coinín means rabbit). If you're feeling adventurous, and the tide is out, you can drive across the strand to the island. Do check with locals regarding tide times, as almost every year tourists (and locals) get stuck in the sand.

County Donegal. The forgotten county, Donegal has some of the best scenery anywhere in Ireland. It is also probably the least developed county (from a tourist perspective) in Ireland, due to its relative isolation, and proximity to the border with Northern Ireland.

County Leitrim. The least densely populated county in Ireland, and suffered much from emigration, particularly during the 1950s to 1990s. In recent years the population has started to rise, and consequently, more development is occurring all over the county.

Glencar Waterfall, Glencar, County Leitrim (take the N16 road north from Sligo in the direction of Manorhamilton, watch for signs to the left to Glencar, approximately 15 km (10 mi) from Sligo). Beautiful waterfall in a small narrow glen, immortalised by the poet W.B. Yeats in his poem, The Stolen Child: Where the wandering water gushes/From the hills above Glencar,/In pools among the rushes/That scarce could bathe a star.

County Mayo.

Achill Island, stunning beaches making it a family holiday favourite.

County Galway.

Galway is a thriving, bustling, university city, very popular with tourists, and well worth the 140 km (90 mi) trip down the N4/N17.

This city travel guide to Sligo has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star!