Sligo Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
main town in county Sligo, Ireland
About Sligo
Sligo in Irish isSligeach(say "SHLEE-gok"), meaning the place of shells, from the abundant shellfish in its tidal river and bay. The bay's entrance is blocked by three islands, Maguins and Coney near the south shore, and Oyster Island in the main channel by the north shore. So the tides are funnelled, twice a day rising and twice ebbing, as all the water in the bay rushes past these obstructions. That's hazardous for swimming but great for shellfish, which catch their food from the current. Shellfish were a staple human foodstuff from the Stone Ages up to the early modern era. Great mounds of discarded shells have been found at the many prehistoric settlements of the area, all within a few hours hike from the bay with a dripping creel on your back. The oyster beds also stabilised the sand
Top Attractions in Sligo
Explore the best things to see and do in Sligo:
- ★Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat
- ★Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
- ★County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre
- ★Creevelea Abbey
- ★Parke's Castle
- ★Sligo Abbey
- ★Sligo Cathedral
- ★Sligo Races
Where to Eat in Sligo
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bistro Bianconi
- 🍴Coach Lane
- 🍴Fiddler's Creek
- 🍴Kate's Kitchen
- 🍴Poppadom
Where to Stay in Sligo
- 🏨Clayton Hotel
- 🏨Harbour House
- 🏨Pearse Lodge
- 🏨Philmar House B and B
- 🏨Radisson Blu Hotel
- 🏨Railway Hostel
Sligo Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: