Things To Do In Sligo
“….I also have to say, I have been to sheepdog demonstrations in Australia, New Zealand and on the Ring of Kerry and yours was by far the best…
Martin and the dogs are true treasures of Ireland.
Again, thank you…..”
Alan & Cathy Cooper (Nashville, Tennessee)
Well, after your trip to see Atlantic Sheepdogs; the best sheepdog demonstration in the world (but don’t believe us, read some of our Facebook, Tripadvisor or Google reviews), you will surely want to experience more of our native Sligo!
Atlantic Sheepdogs is based in Streedagh; Ireland’s most stunning and best kept secret! The farm overlooks Streedagh beach; a beautiful, sandy stretch about 2.5km long. We might be biased but we would say this is Ireland’s most idyllic beach for a walk, swim, surf or kayak.
Beneath the Atlantic Ocean that laps onto Streedagh beach, are the wreckages of 3 of the Spanish Armada ships that ran aground there in 1588. The Spanish Armada Visitor Centre houses many artefacts from and replicas of the wreckage and is to be found in Grange Village. Check opening hours on their website.
What to do in Sligo with kids? Look no further than Five Star Fun in Grange Village. We can guarantee the amount of five-star fun your little ones will have here as our own little boys have spent many days of fun there! With a café onsite for parents to relax in and have a coffee while keeping an eye on the kids; this is the perfect place to stop for a few hours with children.
Just a stone’s throw outside of the village is Atlantic Way Alpaca Farm. The farm is owned by Siobhán and Gerard, who run alpaca walks by appointment. Alpacas are only the tip of the iceberg on this farm, with loads more to see after the walk. Book early via their Facebook page.
Island View Riding Stables offer residential riding holidays for individuals, families and small groups. Ursula and Raymond offer guests the unique opportunity Ride and explore pristine beaches, craggy cliffs and a private Island. Head to their page for more information on this unique experience.
Streedagh is also home to seaweed expert, Dr. Prannie Rhatigan and the Irish Seaweed Kitchen. Check their website for information on their Seaweed Walks, where Prannie will explain all about the different seaweeds native to our coastline and provide a seaweed tasting picnic.
Follow in the footsteps of W.B. Yeats in wandering through Lissadell House and Gardens. Childhood home of Constance and Eva Gore-Booth, built by Sir Robert Gore-Booth in 1830 and designed by Francis Goodwin the house is now fully restored and open daily for guided tours. Head over to their webpage for more information on opening hours and guided tours.
On your way from Atlantic Sheepdogs to Sligo Town, you will find the burial place of WB Yeats in Drumcliffe Cemetery. The church and graveyard are nestled beneath Benbulben and the entire grounds are just idyllic; complete with high cross and round tower. Finish off your visit by stopping into Pink Clover coffee shop on the grounds for some scrumptious gourmet cooking by Michelle!
If you’re looking for a nice place to ramble without too much effort, look no further than the Benbulben Forest Walk. With two looped walks to choose from (4km and 5.5km), walkers are treated to the most stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean.
Just about 10 minutes north of Atlantic Sheepdogs, is the beautiful fishing village of Mullaghmore. A world-renowned destination for surf lovers; Mullaghmore Head makes for a stunning drive or walk as you take in views of the privately owned Classiebawn Castle where it sits on the cliff edges over the Atlantic Ocean.
Dating from the Neolithic period (c. 4000 – 2500 BC), Creevykeel Court Tomb is one of the finest examples in Ireland of what is known as a full-court tomb and is just an 8 minute spin north of Atlantic Sheepdogs. Excavations in 1935 uncovered four cremation burials, Neolithic pottery, polished stone axes, flint knives and scrapers and two clay balls.
Places to eat in Sligo
Sligo is home to some of the best cafés, gastro pubs and restaurants in Ireland and has its very own Sligo Food Trail. Sligo Town is a 20 minute drive south of Atlantic Sheepdogs and has an abundant selection of great places to eat.
A little bit closer to home, we are blessed to have some really great places to eat and we can absolutely recommend any of the places below for a mouth-watering meal. Please follow the links below to check for opening times.
Morans Bar and B&B, Grange (2 minutes) – gourmet takeaway
Langs Bar and Restaurant, Grange (2 minutes) – gastro pub
The Jam Pot Cafe, Grange (2 minutes) – breakfast, brunch and sweet treats
Henry’s Bar and Restaurant, Cashelgarron (5 minutes) – lunch and a la Carte
Roasted and Toasted, Cashelgarron (5 minutes) – drive through coffee and toasties
Davis’s Restaurant/Yeat’s Tavern, Drumcliffe (9 minutes) – lunch, takeout and a la carte menus
Pink Clover, Drumcliffe (9 minutes) – fresh artisan breakfast, lunch and sweet treats
Vintage Lane Cafe, Rathcormack (10 minutes) – tea rooms serving breakfast, lunch and sweet treats
Harrison’s Bar and Restaurant, Cliffoney (8 minutes) – gastro pub
Ahoy Coffee Cart, Mullaghmore (14 minutes) – tea, coffee and fresh homemade bakes
The Pier Head Hotel, Mullaghmore (14 minutes) – choice of Nimmo’s Bar and Lounge or Classiebawn Restaurant
Eithna’s by the Sea, Mullaghmore (14 minutes) – winner of Georgina Campbell’s ‘Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland
The Beach Hotel, Mullaghmore (14 minutes) – lunch, dinner and pizzas