Best things to do in Sligo

Though not as famous as its counterpart, Slieve League boasts cliffs that are actually three times the size of the Cliffs of Moher. This mountain along the Atlantic Coast stands 601 m (1,972 ft) high. Explore the area by foot along the site's pathways, or drive to a nearby lookout for a panoramic view of the sea cliffs. The most popular and well-photographed viewpoint is called Bunglass and can be reached by road from Teelin. Take an archeological tour of the region and visit the Slieve League Cliffs Centre for more tourist information, a quick bite at the cafe, or to browse the gift shop.

Enjoy thrill rides and a tour of a historic 18th-century house at The Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House. Since opening in 1960, this park has entertained people of all ages. For swashbuckling fun, stop by Pirate Adventure, complete with a train ride, ship ride, and several slides. Take a guided or self-guided tour of the historical home owned by the Browne Family. Explore the 30 rooms of this house, which was built in the 1700s, and view the four permanent exhibits on display inside. If you'd like to extend your visit, camp on the scenic park grounds.

Discover Ireland's western coastline on The Great Western Greenway, the country's longest off-road trail, intended for cyclists and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. The trail runs for about 42 km (26 mi), following the coastline from Westport to Achill. Free of motorized traffic for most of its length, this scenic trail runs along the route once used by a major railway line that was constructed in the 1890s and closed in 1937. The trail meanders through a scenic countryside that includes rugged mountain ranges, tranquil bays, rocky islands, and sandy beaches. Bike rental services are available all along the route, so you can rent a bike in one town and drop off in another when you finish your ride.

Experience the serene environment at Glenveagh Castle, a Baronial-style mansion in the Glenveagh National Park. Captain John George Adair built the castle around 1870 and developed the original structure and gardens with his wife, Cornelia Wadsworth Ritchie. Tour the site where Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable (among others) spent their vacations. Take in views of the mountains, lakes, and forests while exploring the grounds. Stop by the visitor center for more information on the castle and gardens, which were given to Ireland in 1981.

Explore one of Ireland's largest and oldest cemeteries of megalithic tombs at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. The site is home to over 60 tombs, some up to 5,000 years old; 30 monuments are visible today. Begin your visit at the information center, where an exhibition helps provide the context for this ancient complex. Once you've learned about the area's rich history, set off for the Listoghill cairn, the focal point of the cemetery, surrounded by smaller satellite tombs. Wear sensible shoes, as the area features uneven terrain. The site can be quite challenging for those with mobility problems.

Enjoy the scenery of Rosses Point, a small residential town and also the name of the surrounding peninsula. Poet William Yeats and his artist brother Jack Yeats spent their summer holidays here, thus it is also referred to as Yeats County. This charming little village is full of walking trails and beaches where you can see out across the Atlantic Ocean. Look out to one side for a view of the ocean meeting up with the mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for the monumental 3.7 m (12 ft) high "Metal Man" lighthouse guarding Sligo Harbour on Perch Rock. There are many sports activities here as well, such as the 18-hole golf course and the Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station. Make sure to bring a jacket as it tends to get quite windy.

Walk to the summit of Knocknarea, a mountain with loose stones believed to contain a Neolithic tomb. Though the cairn of Queen Maeve of Connacht has not been excavated, it is thought to cover a passage tomb. Hike the paved walkway up to the top of this limestone hill for views of County Sligo (expect it to take about 45 minutes to reach the summit). Experience the natural beauty of this 327 m (1,702 ft) mountain, which has been a significant figure in Irish myth and a meeting place for rituals in the Neolithic era. The mountain and cairn were mentioned in many poems by Yeats.

Take a guided or self-guided tour of furnished and restored Donegal Castle to follow the history of the O'Donnell clan and other owners of the land from the 1470s to the present. First built in 1474 on the Eske River, the castle was burned in the early 1600s by the O'Donnells as they were fleeing after the Nine Years War. The castle and lands were given to Basile Brooke, an English Captain, who rebuilt and extensively expanded the buildings after the war. Examine the fine Persian rugs and French tapestries that adorn walls and floors, and read the information panels distributed throughout the castle, which explain the history and significance of the site.

Hike along the sacred paths of Croagh Patrick, the site of pagan and Christian pilgrimages. Nicknamed "the Reek" by locals, the mountain breaks up the flat landscape by rising 764 m (2,507 ft) into the air. Once a pagan destination, it is now named for Saint Patrick. Once a year, thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain on their journey. For centuries a chapel has stood at the summit where the faithful go to pray. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a backpack with sunscreen, water, and snacks. Alternatively, view the mountain from a distance and take some photos.

Get a taste of rural Irish life over a 100-year period at National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Housed inside Turlough Park House, the attraction showcases the harsh realities of life in the country, from farming to house building, in their permanent exhibit "Romanticism and Reality." Other exhibits highlight important rural celebrations, emigration, traditions, and artwork. A modern complex just a short walk across the park from the original Turlough Park House also features exhibits that celebrate rural Irish life. Visit the attraction's website to find out which upcoming events at the museum, or on the grounds, are open to the public. All galleries are wheelchair accessible. Closed on Mondays (including Bank Holidays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day).

Gardens & parklands, woodlands, streams & lakes along with formal walled gardens. Over 100 acres to explore with a narrow gauge railway with regular train trips.

Our new tea room 'Buffers' offers a fine range of home baked food, cooked in our own kitchens; beautiful soups and salads from our own kitchen garden, and delicious bakery treats for all tastes. We serve tea, barista coffee, cold drinks including wine and Donegal craft beer. We can cater for all, and can specially design a menu for pre-booked groups.

Dogs are permitted if they are kept on a lead and droppings are lifted from lawns and pathways. Cycling, Ball Games, BBQ's and Flying Drones are not permitted in the gardens.

For further information & enquiries please telephone 07491 73068 or email gardens@oakfieldpark.com

Please note that the house is not open to the public at any time. Wedding photos are permitted when booked with the Estate Manager. A wedding photography fee applies.

We do not host wedding or civil ceremonies.