9 Local Secret Destinations You NEED To Visit in Sligo
Are you looking for the best attractions and things to do in Sligo? Are you pulling your hair out trying to find activities for your family in Sligo?
Then look no further, as County Sligo has everything you need for the perfect escape. Whether you are a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family, Sligo has a range of hidden gems for you to uncover that will make your break away unforgettable. This beautiful county combines the stunning natural beauty of a scenic coast along the Wild Atlantic Way with a quaint town that is a hive of activity and full of life.
There are plenty of Sligo activities to choose from and narrowing down the choice was tough!
You can do as little or as much as you like during your stay in Sligo, which truly gives you the best of both worlds. At the Ocean Sands Hotel, we understand that planning out your getaway can be tough when you don’t know what local attractions you should visit! So we have made it easy for you!
Here are 9 local secret destinations in Sligo which are available right on our doorstep for you to discover!
Table of Contents
The Glen
The Glen is one of the most unique places to visit in Sligo, and it will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Located at the side of Knocknarea Mountain, not far from Strandhill, it is the perfect location to make picture-perfect memories.
The Glen is a result of a natural phenomenon. No one knows for certain how the Glen was formed, but there is a range of theories that many people have. Many believe it was formed from a glacier or an earthquake, while others believe supernatural forces may have been at hand.
Finding the Glen may prove difficult, but when you do find it you won’t regret it. Take a break from the busy work and retreat to the Glenn and find solitude and peace and explore the beautiful scenery on offer. Enjoy a magical, gentle walk in this area and experience tranquility while reconnecting with nature.
Enjoy Beaches in Sligo
Sligo has an abundance of beaches to choose from.
The closest beach to the Ocean Sands Hotel is Enniscrone Beach, located 5km from Sligo Town on the shores of the spectacular Killala Bay in County Sligo.
You can enjoy the stunning views of this beach from our luxurious guestrooms. This stunning beach is almost 5km of fine sand and is backed by sand dunes known as ‘the Valley of Diamonds.
It is a popular beach for swimming, having been awarded Blue Flag status, and it has professional lifeguards watching over the area during the summer months.
Surrounding the beach is a lively little seaside town with a range of local activities and attractions available.
Rosses Point Beach is located just 8km from Sligo Town. This beach is well known for being an inspiration for many of Jack B Yeats’ artwork. Experience the charming seaside town and the beautiful sandy beach available to relax or play on. Take in the beautiful scenery with Benbulben as its backdrop.
Surfing
Surfing is an activity that has truly increased in popularity in Ireland in recent years, and it is due to the incredible beaches on offer around the country. It is widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Sligo!
Strandhill is one of many stunning beaches in Ireland that many associates with surfing and it is located just 7 miles from Sligo town.
With its wild Atlantic waves, it is a very popular beach in Ireland for Sligo surfers throughout the year. It is also well known to be one of the best places in Europe to surf. Hitting some of the best waves in Europe should definitely top your Sligo activities list!
If you are visiting Sligo soon, you can’t miss out on hitting some gnarly waves!
Benbulben and the Forest Walk
If you are seeking an adventurous getaway with a fantastic walking or hiking trail, then look no further than Benbulben and the Forest Walk.
Benbulben is arguably Ireland’s most distinctive mountain with its table-top-like appearance, and it is a member of the Dartry Mountains located in an area sometimes called “Yeats Country”.
Belbulbens peak was formed during the ice age by massive glaciers which segmentized the landscape. Benbulben is also a fantastic walking trail for people of all fitness levels. With a flat trail for people with a regular levels of fitness and also more challenging tracks for people with higher levels of fitness.
Whether you are seeking a beautiful walking trail for a solo visit, a romantic getaway, or a family trip then Benbulben and the Forest Walk is not one to be missed.
Coney Island
Coney Island is a great location when looking for things to do in Sligo for families.
It is an island located between Rosses Point and Coolera peninsulas in Sligo.
Take a day trip to Coney Island and experience the hidden gems located on the largest of three islands that guard the entrance to Sligo Bay.
This island is rich in history with a range of relics and historical monuments available to explore. From ‘fairy forts’ to the remains of ancient stone circles and hill forts, you can discover what life was like on the island for historical settlements. You can do all this while also creating lifelong memories with your loved ones that you will never forget.
There are also a number of beautiful scenic walks and a range of restaurants and bars to experience – there is truly something for everybody to enjoy!
Lissadell House and Gardens
Lissadell House is a historical country house and museum, located in County Sligo.
Built between 1830 and 1835 for the Booth family, this neo-classical Greek revivalist-styled house is a combination of a museum and a home.
This country home is known for being the childhood home of one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, Countess Markievicz. She was also the first woman to be elected to the Irish Parliament. W.B Yeats has also immortalised Lissadell House in his famous poem “In Memory of Eva Gore-Booth and Con Markiewicz”.
Lissadell House is a home that is enriched in history at every corner due to its history in literature and historic events in Ireland’s past. Whether it’s the official tour of the house conducted by your tour guide in full 19th Century costumes, or a stroll around the beautiful gardens, there’s plenty to experience during your time at this house!
Lissadell House is extremely high on our customers’ list of Sligo activities!
Sligo Bay Stand Up Paddling
While we have already looked at some extreme Sligo activities, there are also some relaxing things to do! If you are looking to chill out with some gorgeous views, then we have the answer!
Look no further than Sligo Bay SUP. Stand Up Paddleboarding in Sligo Bay has become a popular attraction for many recently over the years.
If you are looking for a way to enjoy the great outdoors and water then take a tour of the Irish coast with their paddleboard tours.
Whether you are on a romantic break, on a family holiday, or on a hen/stag do then this is the perfect Sligo activity that you will never forget.
With a range of classes and tours available for beginners to expert paddleboarders, there is a number of options for everybody to have a wonderful and unique experience.
Devils Chimney
The Devils Chimney (‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird’) is Ireland’s highest waterfall located on the Dartry Mountains in County Sligo.
This is a weather-specific phenomenon that only takes place after rainfall is a breath-taking attraction to experience during your visit to Sligo. Located on the Sligo/Leitrim border in the Glencar valley, the Devils Chimney is most certainly a local secret destination to discover in Sligo.
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the walking trail that will lead you to view the beautiful waterfall.
The trail is relatively easy to follow, but we advise that you wrap up and wear waterproof clothes as you can only experience the waterfall after a heavy shower of rain.
Carrowmore
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is home to a large group of megalithic monuments located in county Sligo.
The historical monuments at Carrowmore range from five and half thousand to six thousand years old.
Visit this ancient site and step back in time at the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland, home to around 30 tombs, many of which date back to the Neolithic era.
Follow in the footsteps of those who walked Carrowmore thousands of years ago and discover this location which is soaked in history.
Book Your Stay at the Ocean Sands Hotel
Our top 9 local secret destinations in Sligo showcase the incredible range of activities and attractions that are available on our doorstep at the Ocean Sands Hotel. From relaxing beach walks and discovering historical monuments to adventurous activities and exciting day trips – Sligo truly has it all!
