Scroll

Best Places to Visit in Sligo

Sligo isn’t just one thing—it’s a mix of everything that makes Ireland feel like Ireland.

One minute you’re watching surfers ride clean, rolling waves. The next, you’re in a quiet pub listening to fiddle tunes that could bring a tear to your eye.

This place knows how to hold onto its roots while giving you a taste of something new. Whether you’re chasing outdoor thrills, craving some culture, or just want to stare at a view that makes you forget what day it is—Sligo’s got you covered.

We’ve pulled together a handful of the best places to visit in Sligo. Not just the obvious spots—these are the ones we’d recommend to friends visiting for the first time.

An active senior couple hiking in a scenic countryside, with the man helping the woman up a rocky hill. Rolling green hills and a soft, sunny backdrop enhance the view.

Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Walks

Sligo is the perfect spot for any avid walker with a variety of trails on your doorstep. Benbulben Forest Walk is a five and a half kilometre trail with well maintained paths that venture into the lush woodland. Another great place to visit in Sligo for keen hikers is Knocknarea Mountain Walk (or the Queen Maeve Trail). The steep ascent is well worth the panoramic views that will greet you at the top. If you’re wanting to get out in Sligos’s nature without getting too many steps in, another of the places to visit in Sligo is Keash Caves. With just a short one kilometre walk, you’ll find the ancient limestone caves situated on Keshcorran Hill. Or, another of the places to visit in Sligo’s brilliant outdoors is Devil’s Chimney - Ireland’s tallest waterfall. Definitely worth a visit on your trip.

A serene beach with soft sand stretches toward calm, blue-green ocean waters under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Distant mountains line the horizon in the background.

Waterside Attractions

Sligo is known for its brilliant surf, so whilst you’re here, another of the places to visit in Sligo is Strandhill Beach. Strandhill Beach in particular is known as being Ireland’s top surfing destination. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, you can rent surfboards and even have lessons with one of the surf shops along the beach. If you’re not a keen surfer, visiting Strandhill beach for a sunset picnic is still worth the visit. There’s also Easkey Beach locally which is another of the favourites in Sligo if you want to experience the surf culture and some more stunning coastal scenery in the area. Lough Gill is also another of the great waterside attractions. This stunning lake offers boat tours, SUP rental, fishing opportunities and, of course, some beautiful views which are inspired by W.B Yeats’ famous poem. Certainly worth a visit.

Sligo’s History & Culture

If you’re looking to experience some of the area's history and culture, one of the best places to visit in Sligo is Sligo Abbey. The 13th-century Dominican Friary has impressive stone carvings and a medieval history for you to explore. Or, to get a taste of culture you can visit Lissadell House. This beautifully restored estate has plenty of gardens for you to venture around as well as exhibitions for you to learn more about Ireland’s literary heritage. Another great way to experience some Irish culture at its best is to head to one of the local pubs that offers live music. Being the birthplace of the iconic Irish fiddle player, Micheal Coleman, you specifically want to pay a visit to one of the locals that put on traditional music sessions like Shoot the Crows or Hargadon Bros. You’ll be in for a real treat. Settle in with your favourite drink and enjoy the show.

A woman enjoys a relaxing massage, lying face down with a soft smile as a therapist applies gentle pressure to her shoulders in a serene spa setting.

Wellness & Relaxation

If you’re looking for an experience that offers something a little bit different, the Voya Seaweed Baths in nearby Strandhill is a great activity. The luxurious organic seaweed baths are the perfect way to relax on your trip. The baths detoxify your skin and help to ease those tired muscles. You can also get optional add ons like massages, facials and spa treatments. The perfect way to spend a romantic weekend getaway. Nestled at Deadman's Point in Rosses Point, another of the great things to do in Sligo is visit The Hot Box Sauna. You’ll find a fusion of traditional Finnish sauna practices set in Ireland's natural beauty. Guests can unwind in their handcrafted wood-burning saunas all while enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. After a soothing session, invigorate your senses with a refreshing plunge into the sea or the on-site plunge pool.

Riverside Hotel Sligo

Your homebase in Sligo

Whatever takes your fancy, there are plenty of places in Sligo to visit, so, book your stay with us at the Riverside Hotel where we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions so that you can plan a trip to remember. Our hotel is perfectly positioned for you to venture out and see all that Sligo has to offer. Being just a two minute walk from one of the best places to visit in Sligo - Sligo Abbey and close to the city center where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes for you to explore. Whenever you’re ready to plan your trip - we’ll be waiting, with our five star hospitality, ready to greet you at our door.