Dramatic mountains, golden beaches, ancient mysteries and enough scenery to make you forget what day it is.
Some counties have beautiful beaches. Others have spectacular mountains. A few are steeped in fascinating history. County Sligo decided it wanted the lot!
Tucked away in the north-west, Sligo manages to feel both wild and welcoming: dramatic landscapes, lively seaside villages, prehistoric monuments, and mountains that look like they belong in a fantasy film.
It's Yeats Country, too, and whether you're into surfing, hiking, history, poetry or just a great view with a decent cup of coffee, there's plenty here, with quiet corners where you can escape the crowds.
Swimming is prohibited at Strandhill because of dangerous currents. Elsewhere, strong currents, big waves and fast tides are real hazards, and a beautiful beach isn't always a safe one for swimming. Check local signs and lifeguard information.
Few mountains in Ireland are as instantly recognisable. Benbulben's flat-topped limestone profile dominates the landscape north of Sligo town, part of the Dartry Mountains.
You don't need to climb it. The views from the roads around Drumcliff and the lower-level walks are spectacular.
Why visit? Photography, landscapes and walking.
One of Ireland's best-known surf spots: a lively coastal village with Atlantic waves, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere. Get in the surf with a qualified instructor, or stay on dry land with a coffee and watch.
Why visit? Surfing, coastal walks and food.
Knocknarea rises above the coast west of Sligo, crowned by a huge prehistoric cairn that tradition links with Queen Maeve of Connacht. The Queen Maeve Trail climbs to the summit for sweeping views.
Why visit? Walking, mythology and panoramic views.
One of Ireland's most important prehistoric burial landscapes, with dozens of ancient tombs and Knocknarea rising in the distance.
Why visit? Archaeology and prehistory.
Beneath Benbulben, the churchyard at Drumcliff is where W.B. Yeats is buried, under his famous self-written epitaph: "Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. / Horseman, pass by!" There's an early monastic high cross and round tower stump here too.
Why visit? Literature, history and a beautiful setting.
A seaside village on Sligo Bay with sandy beaches, maritime history and views to the mountains. It has strong links with the painter Jack B. Yeats.
Why visit? Seaside walks, photography and families.
The remains of a 13th-century Dominican friary in the heart of Sligo town, with carved tombs, cloisters and a rare surviving medieval high altar.
Why visit? Medieval history and architecture.
A long golden beach in west Sligo, known for walks, surfing, golf and traditional seaweed baths.
Why visit? Families and relaxed seaside days.
A bird-of-prey and animal sanctuary with flying demonstrations that families love.
Why visit? Families and wildlife lovers.
A beautiful wooded lake just east of Sligo town. Its tiny island of Innisfree inspired Yeats's poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree.
Why visit? Nature, literature and peaceful scenery.
High in the Bricklieve Mountains, these passage tombs sit in a dramatic, remote setting with huge views.
Why visit? Archaeology and experienced walkers.
A pretty harbour village with wonderful coastal views. The waves offshore are famous among the world's big-wave surfers.
Why visit? Coastal scenery and photography.
A hidden, steep-sided wooded chasm on the slopes of Knocknarea.
Woodland walks on the shore of Lough Gill.
An atmospheric beach where three ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked in 1588.
One of Ireland's finest court tombs, near Cliffoney.
The substantial remains of a medieval fortress in the south of the county.
An arts centre with exhibitions and events, including work by Jack B. Yeats.
A quieter stretch of coast with beautiful Atlantic views.
A coastal village with surfing heritage, castle ruins and sea views.
Celebrating the traditional music of south Sligo.
Woodland trails near Ballysadare.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Local tradition says the great cairn on Knocknarea is the grave of Queen Maeve, the fierce warrior queen of the Táin, buried standing up and facing her enemies in Ulster.
The cairn itself is prehistoric and far older than any story about Maeve. The link with her is a much later legend.
Gráinne was promised to the ageing Fionn Mac Cumhaill but ran away with the young warrior Diarmuid. In many versions, Diarmuid is killed by a wild boar on Benbulben, and Fionn lets him die rather than save him.
Yeats wrote about longing for the tiny island in Lough Gill while homesick in London. It's literature rather than folklore, but it's as much a part of Sligo's identity as any legend.
In September 1588, three ships of the retreating Spanish Armada were wrecked off Streedagh, with huge loss of life. Captain Francisco de Cuéllar survived and later wrote a remarkable account of his escape through the north-west.
The cemetery at Carrowmore is among the oldest in Ireland, showing this landscape mattered to people thousands of years before the legends of Maeve and Fionn were told.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Session times change, so check before you go if you're heading out for music.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Visit Sligo, Sligo Walks, Heritage Ireland and Discover Ireland.
Keep your Wild Atlantic Way road trip going:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge