Visit South Sligo - Explore the Beauty & Hidden Gems

Get off the beaten track and visit South & West Sligo, a hidden gem in the Northwest of Ireland, on the Wild Atlantic Way. From the glories of Loughs Talt, Gara and Arrow to the magnificent 5000 year old Carrowkeel Megalithic Tombs; from the ancient Ox Mountains to the crashing waves of Enniscrone; South & West Sligo is filled with mystery and adventure. Take part in a “trad” session in the heart of the Irish traditional music scene; learn to surf or SUP; visit the grand country houses set in verdant pastures; South Sligo is just waiting to be explored

see www.southsligotourism.ie for further information.




Things to do in Tubbercurry and Surrounding areas.

Ballymote & District Angling Club - www.ballymoteangling.com

Sligo’s main course angling centre is Ballymote with lakes like Ballinacarrow, Templehouse, Lough na Laibe, Andrea and the Owenmore River. 
The main species of fish are pike, perch, bream and rudd.
Sligo also boasts wonderful game angling spots like Ballisodare Falls, Easkey Lough & River and Lough Talt.

Benbulben (gortarowey) Looped Walk (4km)

Undoubtedly Ireland’s most distinctive mountain, Benbulbin is sometimes referred to as Ireland’s own Table Mountain. The most distinctive peak among the Dartry range, it was formed during the ice age by massive glaciers segmenting the landscape. Gortarowey is all weather in nature consisting of a hard surfaced finish and is suitable for all ages and abilities.  The trail begins in a secluded forest area before opening out to provide genuinely stunning close up views of Benbulbin head.  Later in the walk panoramic views of Donegal Bay are also available with the mountains of Donegal including Slieve League highly prominent in addition to Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castle

Coleman Music Visitor Centre - www.colemanirishmusic.com

The Coleman Music Centre is a visitor centre with a difference. It contains a comprehensive exhibition area on the history of traditional music via audio visual presentation and touch screen. The retain outlet is most attractive and the centre has a lovely intimate 120 seat theatre in which a varied programme is presented. There is amusical archive and tea/coffee available. 

Curry Nature & Historical Trail (21.5km)

This is a walk through the countryside of South Sligo around the village of Curry which is located between the towns of Tubbercurry and Charlestown on the N17. A number of shorter circuits are also an option within this circuit. Park in the village, just off the N17. Cross the main road, turn left and then right onto a quiet road. Continue to cross the Owengarve River at Bontuney, before returning to the main road. Turn left and then right through Ballyglass. Continue on a bog road to Montiagh. Turn left along a bog road past Drumahillian church. Cross the Owengarve River on an iron bridge and continue on through Clooningan. Reach a cross roads where a short loop can be made at Cloonrane to view a path before following the famine road back to Curry.

Eagles Flying, Ballymote - www.eaglesflying.com

Get close-up and personal with the masters of the sky! Visit Ireland’s largest Bird-of-Prey Sanctuary. Home to 350 birds and animals. Our shows are highly interactive, informative and entertaining. You have never been that close to Eagles, Hawks, Owls and Vultures. Get toucjed by their wings, have them landing on your bare arm. Watch the bird whisperers at work. There is also a large Petting Zoo, where you can interact with some of our furry friends. Shows can be presented indoors or outdoors. Eagles Flying is great fun for all the family. 

Hazelwood, Sligo (3km)

Only 5km outside Sligo Town, the Hazelwood Demesne is located at Half Moon Bay along the shores of Lough Gill. The short walks here are among the most beautiful in the country, with views from the trail toward Church Island, Cottage Island and Goat Island and the full expanse of Lough Gill. The route follows the lake shore before branching with a shorter return route to the right and the longer lakeside route continuing ahead.  A number of wooden sculptures from Irish and international artists can be found along the track, forming a ‘Sculpture Tour’ through the forest. With a quiet picnic area and stunning lakeside views, this walk is suitable for all ages, and can be undertaken in its 3km entirety or by shorter alternative routes mentioned above.

Knocknarea, Queen Maeve Trail (2.4km)

Knocknarea is located on the Cúil Irra (Coolera) peninsula and forms one of Co Sligo’s most conspicuous landmarks. Formed from limestone over 300 million years ago, the summit is crowned by the great cairn of Queen Maeve and has been an importance ritual focal point since Neolithic times. The large cairn was probably built around 3400BC, while some of the smaller passage tombs are potentially some one hundred year older. The summit of Knocknarea provides panoramic views of Sligo and the North West of Ireland and is a magical place where land meets sky. Upon leaving the car park follow the stone path for 1.2km then continue along the “bog bridge” to the summit above. The ascent takes approximately 1 hour and the descent approximately 40 minutes (1.5 – 2 hours total duration). Good footwear/boots are recommended as the trail can be both wet and slippery.

Lough Easkey Walk (6km)

This walk traces the shores of Lough Easkey, a peaceful and scenic lake surrounded by forest plantations. The blanket bog on this route is designated a special area of conservation boasting rare types of moss and threatened bird species like the Greenland white fronted goose and Irelands only native reptile the common lizard has also been spotted here. Starting from the car park on the left, this remote nature trail crosses blanket bog with a combination of forest tracks, laneways and minor roads, leading walkers into the Ox Mountains, offering stunning lakeshore views from part of the Sligo Way. The name 'Easkey' means 'Plentiful in Fish', and the lake is fittingly abundant in salmon and trout.

Lovers Lane, Tubbercurry (4km)

A short walk through theout-skirts of Tubbercurry which is well used by the locals. Start from Wolfe Tone Square. Walk up the street taking the road towards Charlestown. After approximately 10 minutes turn left up onto Lovers Lane. Look out for the wild flowers and the masses of blackberries in the Autumn. Continue up Lovers Lane until you reach a T-Junction, turn left. Reach another T-Junction, turn left along the Mountain road back to Tubbercurry. The local name for this walk is Lovers Lane as it's noted for its romantic influence on courting couples! Wolfe Tone Square is named after the 1798 rebellion leader. There is also a street named after General Humbert of the French army who came to assist in the rebellion.

Sligo Abbey - www.heritageireland.ie

Founded in the mid 13^th century by Maurice Fitzgerald, this Dominican Friary conntains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well preserved cloister and the only sculptured 15^th century high altar in any Irish monastic church. This enigmatic friary will inspire and enlighten visitors. 

South Sligo Stables, Achonry, Co Sligo.

South Sligo Stables is a family run yard, nestled between Knocknashee and Muckelty Hill, approx. 3 miles from Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. These is always somebody on site, and we operate a professional, safe, homely service – with our main emphasis on “Enjoyment” and “Getting away from it all”. We offer “one-to-one” lessons in out outdoor arena under the full supervision of out qualified instructor, and also take small groups for treks. South Sligo Stables caters for all abilities. For the complete novice we offer enjoyable, rambling, slow paced treks…then, exhilarating canters on bogs and hills for the more adventurous riders. 

Tubbercurry Golf Club - www.tubbercurrygolfclub.ie

Situated less than 1Km from the town centre of Tubbercurry, our Golf Club is a picturesque and excellent 9 Hole, Parkland Course. We are nestled at the foot of the Ox Mountains where a friendly reception awaits you in a superbly appointed Clubhouse. Tubbercurry Gold Club was founded in 1991 and is a challenging nine-hole golf course. Its feature hole is the 6th, a 158-meter, par 3, index 12 played from an elevated tee-box, to a difficult green below.  It has spectacular views of the Ox Mountains and surrounding countryside. Tubbercurry clubhouse caters for the golfers every need. It is renowned for its warm friendliness to members and visitors.

Tubbercurry Trail (1km)

A beautiful forest walk developed by the Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and Community Association on Coillte owned land near the old Rathscanlon Creamery. This forest walk consists of 2 marked routes, short red and long blue. The path brings you by the Maiden River and is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. Start beside the entrance to the old Rathscanlon Creamery on the Ballina Road. 

Wild Wet Adventures - www.wildwetadventures.ie

Located in the stunning scenic beauty of South Sligo by the shores of Lough Talt and at Temple House lake near Ballinacarrow, Wild Wet Adventures will provide visitors with an introduction to Land and Water based activities in a safe and enjoyable way. Wild Wet Adventure programmes are designed in such a way as to introduce a healthy respect and appreciation for the natural beauty and aura the area has to offer and will reward and challenge all ages and abilities. Wild Wet Adventures also have walking guides available and offer access to many land based activities such as Archery and other activities through our alliance with activity providers locally.

Yeats Society, Douglas Hyde Bridge - www.yeats-sligo.com

The Yeats Memorial Building houses a permanent exhibition on the life and works of W.B.Yeats, an exhibition of Jack Yeats prints and shows DVDs and videos, as well as offering talks and guided tours. Tours on request. Selection of Yeats themed books for sale. Lilly and Lolly’s café offers tea/coffee, snacks and light meals, while on the first floor; the Yeats Art Gallers presents changing exhibitions of art, sculpture, crafts etc. 

Ballymote Castle

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

This is the largest cemetry of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with monuments ranging from 5500 to 6500 years old.
Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. A restored cottage houses and exhibition relating to the site. Visitors are advised to wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Coolaney Road & River Walk (5k)

Coolaney sits at the foot of the Ox Mountains with the river Owen Beg running through it. A pleasant river and road walk which forms a circuit through the countryside of Coolaney. Start from path on the right side of the River Inn pub sign posted 'river walk'. Follow the river walk until you reach the road at the far end of the village. You can return to the start here otherwise turn right and follow the road up to Rockfield. Turn right at Rockfield and cross the Owenboy river at Carrownacleighe bridge. Reach Seeviness crossroads here you can take a shortcut back to the village via Finlay's road. Otherwise pass straight through the cross-roads. Turn right at the T-Junction back into Coolaney.

Dunmoran / Aughris Coastal Walk (4km)

This walk can be done either as a costal walk or as a spur of the Sligo Way. It crosses the beautiful secluded two mile beach of Dunmoran to the picturesque fishing harbour of Aughris. Start from the car park at Dunmoran Strand. Walk the length of the beach, before crossing a new wooden bridge, follow along the coast until you come out at 'The Beach Bar' a traditional Irish pub known for its traditional Irish music sessions. Follow the road out past the pub. Take a right turn down towards the pier, before you reach the slip way keep to the left continue the track along the coast with stunning views out over the Atlantic, return back along the same path, past the Beach Bar and over along the beach to the car park where you started.

Gilligans World, Achonry - www.gilligansworld.ie

Sligo’s Enchanted Faerie Gardens are a Spiritual Experience for people of all ages. Located at Knocknashee, one of Irelands’ ancient sacred hills, and traditionally known as “the Hill of The Fairies” you escape into a land of artistry and imagination. It is a magical place adults adore and children love. Miniature villages and delightful faerie habitats nestle in beautiful water and botanical gardens, with a stone tunnel entrance, dolmen and amphitheatre. Enchanted glade, secluded picnic areas, pet haven, water cave and spectacular panoramic views from the Celtic Faerie Fort. Gillighan’s World is truly “The Field of Dreams”

John Hume Peace Park, Banada

Nestled in the cosy south Sligo village of Banada lies a tranquil park built as a symbol of cross-border reconciliation. The Banada peace gardens, opened in 1997 by Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume, has continued to grow and develop over the last number of years as it became the centerpiece which encapsulates the scenic beauty of the area.

Lissadell House & Gardens, Ballinfull, Co Sligo - www.lissadellhouse.com

Lissadell is famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, her sister Eva Gore-Booth and her brother Josslyn Gore-Booth. Constance was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, and was the first woman to be elected to Dáil Eireann, where she served as Minister for Labour (thus becoming the first woman minister in a modern Western European democracy), and was also the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons at Westminster, London (where she declined to take her seat). Eva was a poet of distinction and an active suffragist, clashing with the young Winston Churchill over barmaids’ rights in 1908. Josslyn created at Lissadell one of the premier horticultural estates in Europe. This horticultural enterprise has now been recreated at Lissadell. The great poet W. B. Yeats was friendly with the Gore Booth sisters and stayed at Lissadell in 1892 and 1893. He immortalised Lissadell and the Gore Booth sisters in his poetry. Its site is in a beautiful location in close proximity to the majestic table mountain Benbulben. The house is surrounded by mature woodlands with its immediate surroundings sloping gently away towards Sligo Bay.

Lough Talt Walk (5.5km)

This is a remarkably scenic walk around the shores of picturesque Lough Talt. The lake and its surroundings are home to a diverse range of bird life, with wild ducks, swans and dippers to be seen overhead. The lake also boasts an abundance of brown trout, making it a popular destination with anglers. The first section of this walk is along a lakeshore track with the return journey along a busy road. For this reason families with young children may prefer to make their return back along the same track. Follow the track along the western shore of the lake. Head uphill from the lake, past the ruins of some houses, through the gates and onto an old road. Take a right turn onto the R294 near the gap and follow the main road back along the eastern side of the lakeshore.

Ox Mountain Adventure Camp, Tubbercurry. - www.oxmountainadventurecamp.ie

The Ox Mountian Adventure Camp is a family run business which specialises in outdoor adventure based fun and learning. Situated 10km from Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo some of our services include; Archery Sessions (outdoor/indoor), Childrens Birthday Parties, Gaisce Award Adventure Journey, Primary Schools ‘Explore-Discover-Play’ Day Trips, Secondary School Field Trips, Summer/Easter Children’s Fun Camps, Youth Club Adventure Trips, Team Bonding Trips, The Ox Mountain Lodge & bunk ‘N’ barn Accomodation, Camping Facilities, Guided Hill Walks. You can find our more about our location and services on our website. 

Sligo County Museum - www.sligolibrary.ie

Sligo County Muesum displays a variety of memorabilia which depicts the life and works of William Butler Yeats and Countess Markievicz.
The archaeological and social histiry of Sligo is documented through the exhibition of artefacts from the Neolithic period to the present day. 

The Model, the Mall Sligo - www.themodel.ie

The Model, home of the Niland Collection, is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. This award-winning building is home to the impressive Niland collection of art, one of the most notable collections in Ireland. 

Union Wood (5.5km)

Union wood is a large area of mixed forestry located between Coolooney, Ballygawley and Ballisodare and provides a wonderful amenity for Sligo.  The wood provides a range of walking opportunities through diverse woodland as well as access to Union Rock and its wonderful panorama of the North West of Ireland. There are two waymarked looped walks within Union in addition to the Sligo Way long distance waymarked route. The Oakwood Trail - A gentle looped walk along the edge of the old oak woodland, the Oakwood Trail is looked after by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Walkers will enjoy stunning views of the Ox mountain range, Knocknarea, Ballygawley Lake and the surrounding Sligo and Leitrim countryside on the easy and peaceful route.

Woodlands Equestrian Centre - www.woodlandsequestrian.ie

Woodlands is a family run equestrian center that caters for small groups and private tuition for dressage and show jumping from basic to advanced riding skills. Situated on the south side of the Ox Mountains, Woodlands has been in business since 1997. One of the few A.I.R.E approved establishments in Sligo with a highly qualified trainer, Simone Hession BHSAI and H.S.I coach.  Simone is a competition rider and has a show jumped since pony age and as a Dressage rider represented Ireland.  Simone competes nationally at Dressage Ireland shows and also travels to the U.K to compete on the British Dressage circuit with her horses.

WB Yeats Grave & Drumcliffe Church - www.drumcliffe.ie

Drumcliffe, final resting place of W.B. Yeats and site of a 6^th century Columbian monastery. This beautiful site which nestles under Benbulben Mountain has an exciting range of activities for the visitor. Team Rooms and Craft Centre.