Things to do in Sligo

This tiny seaside town comes with its own slogan, “The Thrill of Strandhill”, thanks to its thriving surf scene. If you fancy catching one of those huge Atlantic breakers yourself there are surf schools dotted along here - or, grab a bacon buttie from the Shells Café and watch the pros in action. Strandhills sunsets are notorious so head down to the beach each night to watch the red glow. Then it’s on to the Strand Bar for Rock Beer – the local lager – and live music at weekends. If you’re after a cheap holiday in Sligo, Strandhill is the place to base yourself. If you’re tempted to book a break away here, check out our fantastic selection of hotels in Sligo.

A glorious sandy beach all to yourself? That’s the beauty of Sligo holidays. One of its renowned beauty spots is the dramatic peninsula of Mullaghmore. Start with local oysters or cracked crab claws in the laid-back restaurant Eithna's by the Sea, then wander down to the harbour leading and onto the beach which stretches as far as the eye can see.

This little landmass just 1.5 miles across couldn’t be more different from its New York namesake. And the 40-minute walk to reach it is one you’ll never forget. A sandbar to get there from mainland appears at low tide, marked by 14 stone pillars like a causeway leading to a fairytale land. Time it right and you might even have time for a pint at McGowens, the island’s only pub.

As brilliant as blustery walks and pubs are, a bit of history always helps to bring a place to life. Lissadell House is one of the best things to do in Sligo. The 19th-century manor was the holiday retreat of the poet W. B. Yeats and the childhood home of Constance Gore-Booth, who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. This lot were far from boring – the Billiard Room is full of relics from Henry Gore-Booth’s expedition to the Arctic.

The town centre might seem bumbly – but it’s packed full of culture and the place to start when you’re planning things to do in Sligo. On the steep Mall stands one of Ireland’s finest art galleries, The Model. You’d never think this spacious and airy gallery was inside this old grey schoolhouse. There’s always something experimental and eye-catching on show, as well as classic pieces by Jack B. Yeats and Paul Henry. Plus, the café does a banging sausage roll.

While the water’s too choppy to swim along much of Sligo, here you can splash in the sea till your heart’s content (or at least, until your toes go numb). This sweet seaside resort has not moved with the times and is all the better for its lapse. Sligo pulls in creatives from all over Ireland – and you’ll often find painters and photographers here eager to catch the majestic light on the bay.

Set yourself a challenge with the 25-mile Lough Gill Cycle Route, which loops around the lake. Don’t worry, you won’t get too saddle sore – the gentle route, beneath wooded slopes and along the shoreline, can be done in less than a day’s cycling. You’ll dip down to County Leitrim, where an old Gaelic castle is reflected in the lake. It’s a fun activity to throw into your Sligo holiday package - and will make that evening Guinness taste all the sweeter.