5 Reasons to Visit Sligo in Summer

1) Summer Is the Best Time to Enjoy Sligo’s Beaches

When it comes to pristine beaches, you’re spoilt for choice in County Sligo. Bordering the Wild Atlantic Way with rugged mountain ranges as a backdrop, there’s an idyllic combination of stunning coastlines, coves and shores to explore. If sandy beaches are your idea of bliss, Sligo in summer is the place to be.

For sandy slopes offering a range of food and activity options, try the vibrant seaside towns of Strandhill and Enniscone Beach. Both Enniscone and Rosses Point Beach hold Blue Flag status, making them perfect for a relaxing family day at the seaside. The three sandy beaches at Rosses Point provided plenty of inspiration for Jack B Yeats, overlooked by the picturesque landmarks of Ben Bulben and Knocknarea.

Sligo is also a surfing paradise. Easkey Beach is known as the home of the Irish Surfing Association, and there are several surf schools at Strandhill. Recognised as one of the best spots in the world for big wave surfing, Mullaghmore Beach offers a more rural sandy scene. Or try Streedagh Strand for relatively consistent surf all year round.

As we say, when it comes to local Sligo beaches, you’re spoilt for choice.

2) The Scenery Makes Outdoor Days Easy to Plan

Get the wind in your hair and step into some of Ireland's most picturesque landscapes and landmarks.

Arguably Ireland’s most iconic mountain, Ben Bulben is easily spotted, rising like an ocean liner out of the majestic Dartry Range. An easy 5.5km walk takes you through a secluded forest and up close to the impressive mountain with stunning views over Donegal Bay.

For a mountain surrounded by stories and myth, head for Knocknarea, the resting place of Warrior Queen Maeve. Legend has it that she is buried upright in a cairn at the summit, spear in hand, still facing her enemies in Ulster.

A range of shorter walks can also be found throughout Sligo. Our favourites include a 2km winding walk through the woods to Glencar Waterfall and Hazelwood Demense for views of Church Island and Lough Gill. There’s also a lovely 3.4 loop of Lough Talt nearby - a perfect place for a picnic.

Our staff at Riverside Sligo Hotel are always on hand to recommend our favourite walks. Or to explore a little further by taking a drive along the sumptuous coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way. The rugged coastline of towering cliffs, cosy coves and enchanting islands reveals the wilder side of Ireland.

3) Culture and History in Yeats Country

Sligo’s beautiful beaches and glorious countryside have inspired more than one creative masterpiece - and none more so than Irish literary legend, W.B. Yeats. Sligo meant so much to Yeats that he declared the county, ‘the land of heart’s desire’. Yeats’ influence on Irish literature can’t be overstated, and fans worldwide make a pilgrimage to his final resting place in Drumcliffe Churchyard every year.

But Sligo is so much more than simply Yeats Country. The dramatic landscape is surrounded by stories and legends of the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries. Sligo Abbey holds memories of 13th-century life, with impressive Gothic and Renaissance-period architecture.

Trekking even further back in time, we’ve already mentioned the legends surrounding Queen Meave at Knocknarea, and there’s also Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery to discover. Constructed over 6,000 years ago, this is the oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in Ireland, connecting you with an ancient people.

4) Summer Brings More Events, Food and Town Atmosphere

Back in the local bustling towns, Sligo in summer lights up with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. With the warmer weather comes an exciting line-up of events, festivals and shows that celebrate our local area.

The Yeats Day Festival celebrates the life of Sligo’s famous poet. A mix of fascinating events includes poetry walks, readings and a traditional birthday cake. Or, if you’re really looking to dive into WB Yeats’ work, the Yeats International Summer School is said to be the longest-running literary summer school in the world.

Catch a vibrant mix of music, culture, and community spirit at Sligo Summer Festival. Then there’s Ballygawley Music Festival for country and folk music fans, Sligo Jazz Festival for jazz fans and Ballintogher Traditional Music Festival for a celebration of Irish musical culture. Or for songs with a maritime twang, try the Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival.

There are so many highlights to discover. Challenge yourself to race to the summit of Knocknarea at the Warriors Festival. Revel in our dynamic arts scene at Cairde Sligo Arts Festival or Wipeout Festival. Join in the foodie fun at the Hagstravaganza Festival or Taste of Sligo Food Festival. Enjoy a classic Irish fair at the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival.

One thing is for certain: Sligo in summer is anything but dull.

5) Sligo Town Is a Smart Base for Exploring the County

There’s so much to do across the summer in Sligo, you’ll want to be close to all the action. Beautiful beaches in easy reach, fine food and drink close at hand, and cultural highlights just around the corner. In Sligo town, you’ve got all this and more.

Beside the rushing Garavogue River, the town of Sligo is the bustling heart of the county. It’s a fun and vibrant centre of restaurants, shops and heritage with stunning day trips within easy reach. Head west for the rugged coastline or east for luscious lakelands. Sligo town is the gateway to an Irish idyll.

Make Riverside Hotel Sligo Your Summer Base

The Riverside Hotel is our independently owned and run space in Sligo town and the perfect base for your summer adventure. Find five-star hospitality at three-star rates on the banks of the Garavogue River.

Just a two-minute walk from Sligo Abbey, moments from Sligo town centre and The Mill Bar and Restaurant right on site, everything you need is in easy reach.

Start Planning Your Summer Break in Sligo

The perfect summer in Sligo is calling. Join us at the Riverside Hotel and discover the warmth of Irish hospitality.