Sligo
Yeats is everywhere here, in the town he wrote about and the country under Benbulben. Sligo is the county town of County Sligo and a working port.
Best sites to see in Sligo
Sligo Abbey
Founded in the 13th century, this Dominican friary in the middle of Sligo town preserves a carved high altar, cloister and chancel. It is the town's finest medieval survival.
The Yeats Building and W.B. Yeats Statue
Sligo is closely associated with poet W.B. Yeats, and the Yeats Society's building on Hyde Bridge hosts exhibitions on his life. The well-known statue of Yeats stands nearby in the town centre.
Sligo Cathedral and St John's Cathedral
Sligo has two cathedrals close together: the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a large 19th-century church, and the Church of Ireland St John's Cathedral, with much older roots. Both are working churches in the town centre.
The Garavogue River and O'Connell Street
The River Garavogue runs through Sligo between Lough Gill and the sea, crossed by town-centre bridges. The riverfront and O'Connell Street form the commercial and social core of the town.
Where to stand, and when
- The W.B. Yeats statue in the town centre: Photograph it in morning light with the town buildings behind, before the streets get busy.
- The Garavogue riverfront and bridges: Dusk is best, when town lights reflect on the fast-flowing river.
- Benbulben from the roads north of Sligo town: Clear mornings show the flat-topped profile at its sharpest; it is a landmark view rather than a town-centre shot, so plan a short drive.
Sligo through history
Sligo's Irish name, Sligeach, means a place of shells, referring to the shellfish of its river and estuary.
Sligo Abbey was founded in the 13th century and, despite fires and wars, remained in use by Dominican friars for centuries.
The poet W.B. Yeats spent much of his childhood in and around Sligo, drew heavily on its landscape in his work, and is buried at nearby Drumcliffe under Benbulben.
Sligo developed as a port town on the Garavogue, trading through its harbour on Sligo Bay.
Practical tips
- Sligo town centre is walkable, but one-way streets make driving confusing, so park in a central car park and go on foot.
- Sligo Abbey has seasonal opening hours and a small admission charge, so check before visiting in winter.
- Drumcliffe churchyard, Yeats's grave, is a short drive north of town and combines naturally with views of Benbulben.
Golf near Sligo
Sligo is a links town. County Sligo's Harry Colt course at Rosses Point is about ten minutes away (visitor golf from €320), Strandhill is a similar hop under Knocknarea (€195), and Enniscrone's great dunes are about 45 minutes west (€195 at the club's published rate).
Our full guide to golf in Ireland
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar