Discover Sligo

Back to self catering accommodation Sligo > self catering accommodation Ireland

Sligo will forever be associated with the Irish literary giant and Laureate, WB Yeats, and the landscape which inspired him, but it's much more than a literary paradise; with beaches that go on forever, it seems, lush woodlands, and spectacular drives, coupled with some of the most energetic nightlife, gourmet dining and quality craft shopping that the West has to offer, you'll understand why County Sligo is a premier holiday destination.

Self Catering Sligo - Sligo Town

Sligo town itself fairly bustles by day and somehow manages to successfully combine its inherent atmosphere of artistic and cultural history with vibrant new shopping galleries and eateries. Yet it is of course the very heart of Yeats country and no visit to the county town would be complete without a visit to the Yeats Memorial Building. The nearby Model Arts Centre and Niland Gallery is one of Ireland's premier arts exhibition centres. Sligo Abbey is a massive complex famed for its medieval tomb sculptures. Sligo County Museum, St John's Cathedral and the Courthouse all testify to the architectural splendour of Sligo's past.

Self Catering Sligo - Visitor Attractions

Away from the town, Lough Gill is serenity itself, a panorama of picturesque lough side cottages, sparkling waters teeming with salmon; an ideal place to sit and watch the world and the gently cruising yachts, pass by. On the east shore, Parkes Castle provides a definitive history of the area and the struggle between English Planter and native Irish. Creevela Abbey was, in fact, a Franciscan friary and boasts remarkable cloisters and detailed carvings. Pay homage to Yeats's inspirational Lake Isle of Innisfree - surely synonymous the all-too-elusive spiritual peace and tranquillity and continue in the poet's footsteps to his final resting place at the simple Drumcliff Churchyard, and to the opulence of Lissadell House.

Sligo's craft industry dates back some six thousand years and enthusiasts may find present day masters of individual skills at specific points around the Sligo Craft Trail. It features stylish and innovative jewellery, ceramics and sculpture, stained glass watercolours and photography. The artisans' work, unique and original, evokes all that makes Sligo Yeats' 'land of heart's desire’.

Self Catering Sligo - Fishing & Golf

To sports now, and Lough Talt has a plentiful supply of brown trout - the lake can be fished from the shore or a boat. The scenery is unmatched in the county and the the tranquility alone is worth the trip. Sligo Riding Centre caters for all levels of experience, but it is in its magnificent Golf Courses that Sligo comes into its own.

County Sligo Golf Club is sited at the delightful seaside village of Rosses Point - just one of a number of links where non-golfers can spend an enthralling few hours exploring the dunes, expanses of unspoilt sandy beach, flora and fauna. The shadow of Ben Bulben dominates the par 5 3rd hole on this infamously windy course that will test any golfer's ability to keep the ball low off the tee. The 17th is the signature hole; a long par 4 with a steeply uphill green.

Strandhill Golf Club was founded in 1931. Situated 8km west of Sligo town and nestled under the famous Knocknarea Mountain, these 5675 metres of undulating fairways and unforgiving short cuts makes it a course to remember. Christy O’Connor Snr on his first visit to the course described it as "The hidden jewel of the West". The rural setting of Castle Dragan offers an inspired Darren Clarke designed Championship Course, wellness centre, bar and terrace overlooking the green, and short game practice facilities. Enniscrone is one of Ireland’s finest links courses, set in scenic splendour in Killala Bay; a championship venue providing golfers with the ultimate experience, dramatic duneland, and superb greens all year round. The picturesque Tubbercurry 9 hole golf course is centrally located, and has full clubhouse facilities. Ballymote Golf Club is a little gem hidden between the Curlew Mountains and Ballymote town. This 9 hole parkland course has delightful views of the surrounding countryside.

Self Catering Sligo - Entertainment

Sligo is unique in the West in offering some of the finest shopping, dining and entertainment in the country. Markree Castle, a fine example of gracious country living combined with fine cuisine, is unmissable. Cosmopolitan diners will enjoy The Glasshouse in Sligo town with its funky, colourful décor and modernist twist to the menu. The Thatch at Ballysadare hosts lively traditional music sessions, as does Fureys Sheela na Gig, named for the ancient fertility symbol. Left Bank books bands at the contemporary edge of the jazz spectrum, and is infused with a Bohemian atmosphere. Toffs Nightclub is popular with a young clientele and opens late. The Hawks Well Theatre offers the best of amateur and professional drama.

Moving seamlessly from the emotionally charged and inspirational landscape of Yeats Country, to unspoilt beaches, with the best of golf and angling, to top-quality cosmopolitan cuisine and nightlife, County Sligo is guaranteed not to disappoint the discerning holidaymaker, but to secure a place in the memory and heart forever.

View holiday homes for Self Catering Sligo

Self Catering Ireland - Self Catering Sligo