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7 Things To Do While In Sligo: The Poetry Capital of Ireland

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Irish Tourism

Sligo, found along the Wild Atlantic Way, is well known for its strong link to William Butler Yeats. Yeats was a famous Irish poet and playwright, and one of the leading writers of the 20th century. Once you explore the Sligo countryside, you’ll understand why it inspired so many of Yeats’ most beloved works. Here are some of the top spots we can’t let you miss!

Visit Benbulben

Benbulben is one of Ireland’s most iconic mountains. You can spot it from all over Sligo, but the best views come from the Benbulben (Gortarowey) Loop Walk. The entire loop is about 4KM and has a scenic track which you can follow through the trees. It’s an easy and rewarding route for walkers of all levels.

Take a Seaweed Bath!

It might sound strange, but the Irish have been enjoying seaweed baths for centuries! Voya Seaweed Baths is situated on the sea front of Strandhill, right beside its beautiful sandy beach. Although at first it may feel a bit slimy, the bath will leave your skin feeling revived! In addition, the vitamins and iodine in seaweed helps to improve circulation and flush out toxins from the body.

Visit Parke’s Castle

Parke’s Castle is actually just over the border in County Leitrim, but only a short 20 minutes’ drive from Sligo Town. Located on the shores of Lough Gill, the castle was once the home of Robert Parke and his family.

Brian O’Rourke was one of the previous rulers, who took control by assassinating his older brothers. O’Rourke was known for helping survivors of the Spanish Armada, which angered the monarchy in England. He was then brutally hung, drawn and quartered as punishment. Today, the Castle has been beautifully restored, giving a real sense of life in 17^th century Ireland.

Take a Boat Cruise on Lough Gill

Right beside Parke’s Castle, hop aboard the Rose of Innisfree for a scenic cruise along Lough Gill. Lough Gill inspired a number of poems by William Butler Yeats, most famously, the Lake Isle of Innisfree. You’ll also catch a glimpse Church Island, which hosts the ruins of a 13^th century monastic settlement. Look out for Beezie’s Island, which is named after its sole resident, Beezie Gallagher who lived on the island alone until she died in 1951.

Picnic Beside Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall is about 15 minutes from both Sligo town and Parke’s Castle, so you could visit both attractions easily in one day. The waterfall is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a short, wooded walk. There are plenty of lakeside tables and benches in the area, making it a lovely place for a picnic.

Visit Rosses Point

At the entrance to Sligo Bay, you will find the stunning coastal village of Rosses Point. Yeats spent many childhood summers here, staying in Elsinore House which is now in ruins. This quaint little village offers fresh seafood, some fantastic pubs and great traditional Irish music. Take a seafront walk to enjoy gorgeous views over Sligo Bay.

Visit Drumcliffe & Yeats’ Grave

Drumcliffe, just 8 km north of Sligo town, is the final resting place of W.B Yeats. In the church yard, you will find Yeats’ grave marked with the simple inscription ‘Cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman pass by.’ Before his death, Yeats said that didn’t want any conventional phrases on his gravestone. The site also features a high cross and the ruins of a 6^th century monastery.

With its blend of nature, culture, and literary history, Sligo offers a little bit of everything. This underrated corner of Ireland won’t disappoint.

Get in Touch-

The best way to learn about Ireland is to visit yourself. Contact us today for a quotation including some or all of these locations today –

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Posted in Activities in ireland, Best Attractions in Ireland, Best Places to visit in Ireland, Ireland, Irish History, Sligo, Travelling around Ireland | Tagged benbulben, boat cruise, castle, gravestone, Ireland, Irish literature, poems, seaweed bath, Trip to Ireland, Vacation in Ireland, walking trail, waterfall | Leave a comment

The Best of Ireland’s Sunny South East

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Irish Tourism

Welcome to Ireland’s Sunny South East! This gorgeous region includes Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford. But here’s the real question: Is it actually sunnier than the rest of Ireland? Well apparently, yes! According to Met Eireann – the extreme southeast gets around 7 hours of sunshine per day in early summer, while the rest of Ireland only gets between 5-6.5 hours! But it’s not just the sun that makes this area shine. The South East is packed with must-see spots just waiting to be explored!

Wexford

Wexford is famous for its annual Opera Festival, which is famous for bringing long-forgotten music to the stage. But that’s just the start! Take a drive around the stunning Ring of Hook, where you’ll get to visit the world’s oldest operating lighthouse. If you like history, visit the Irish National Heritage Park, where you can walk through replicas of ancient Stone Age, Early Christian, and Viking homes.

The ultimate Irish Castle experience can be found in Wexford’s Johnstown Castle– an extraordinary Gothic Revival Mansion. And, don’t miss out on the Dunbrody ship in New Ross, a full-scale replica of a ‘coffin-ship’ used during the Great Famine.

Waterford

Waterford City has deep Viking roots—so deep, in fact, that its name comes from the old Norse word ‘Vedrarfjiordr.’ Explore the Viking Triangle, where you’ll find lots of interesting museums. Reginald’s Tower has an exhibition that displays a superb collection of historic and archaeological artefacts. The Bishops Palace, built in 1743 by Richard Castle, offers a peek into the past, while the Medieval Museum showcases stunning medieval structures like Chorister’s Hall.

Beach in the South East seaside town of Dunbrody

Before you leave Waterford city, we recommend stopping at the wonderful Waterford Crystal Museum. Here, you can see one of Ireland’s most famous exports in the making. Venture a bit further southeast, and you’ll find Dunmore East—a picturesque fishing village. Then, just a short trip away is the heritage town of Lismore, where you can explore beautiful period buildings like Lismore Castle and St. Carthage’s Cathedral.

Kilkenny

If you’re into sport, try go to a Hurling match! Kilkenny is most famous for its fantastic hurlers, having won the All-Ireland Hurling Championship 35 times! Kilkenny City itself is a lively spot—whether it’s a hen or stag party, or a family holiday, there’s always something happening here. Don’t miss Kilkenny Castle, the grand ancestral home of the Butler family, and Saint Canice’s Cathedral, where you can climb its round tower for incredible views of the city.

Further north, check out Castlecomer Discovery Park which has walking trails, kids’ play areas, and fishing lakes. And, in Thomastown, you can explore the impressive ruins of Jerpoint Abbey and Jerpoint Park. They are Ireland’s best example of an abandoned 12th Century medieval town.

South Tipperary

Tipperary is bursting with historic gems! The Rock of Cashel stands dramatically above Cashel town and was once a symbol of religious and royal power. In the early 5^th century, it was the seat of the Kings of Munster, famously ruled by Brian Boru. Later, the fortress was handed over to the church, leaving religious sites to explore like the Hall of the Vicar’s Choral and the ruins of an ornate gothic cathedral.

Just a short distance away in the charming town of Cahir, you can visit Cahir Castle. The castle retains so much of its original character that it has been featured in many films including Excalibur! Inside, you’ll find a renovated great hall filled with authentic period furniture, giving you a real taste of medieval life.

Carlow

Carlow town is picturesquely situated where the River Barrow and the Burrin River meet. At one point, it was believed that there were four lakes here, hence the Irish word Ceathar Loch, or Four Lakes. Though Carlow is a smaller county with fewer attractions compared to other parts of Ireland, the few available are well worth a visit. Borris House in South Carlow is the ancestral home of the MacMurrough Kavanaghs, who were once kings of Leinster. The house has a rich history tied to Ireland’s royal families, and a tour will take you through centuries of fascinating stories.

One of Ireland’s newest museums, Carlow County Museum gives a fascinating insight into history of Carlow. Exhibits include a wonderful 19th century hand carved pulpit from Carlow Cathedral. And if you’re a fan of gardens, don’t miss Altamont Gardens. Stretching across a 100-acre estate, these gardens are often called Ireland’s most romantic—perfect for a peaceful stroll through nature.

Ireland’s Sunny South East has something for everyone. Each county has its own unique story to tell. From the vibrant cultural festivals in Wexford to the Viking heritage in Waterford, the sporting spirit of Kilkenny, the historical wonders in Tipperary, and the charming towns of Carlow—this region is bursting with rich experiences. Come and experience the best of Ireland’s sunny side!

Get in Touch –

Contact us today for a quotation including some or all of these locations today!

USA TollFree 1800 963 9260

AUS TollFree 1800 823 578

UK FreeFone 0800 041 8833

International +353 (0)69 77686

Posted in Activities in ireland, Best Attractions in Ireland, Best Places to visit in Ireland, castles, family vacations in ireland, Festivals in ireland, Film in Ireland, GAA, Group trip to Ireland, Hurling, Ireland Travel, Ireland vacations, Irelands Hidden Heartlands, Irish Festivals, Irish Travel Blogs, Kilkenny, Self Drive Vacation Ireland, Sport in Ireland, Travelling around Ireland, vacation to Ireland, Visitor Attractions, Waterford, Wexford | Tagged attractions, viking heritage, Wexford | Leave a comment

Top Spots to Explore Ireland’s Potato Famine Past

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Irish Tourism

The Irish Potato Famine, or An Gorta Mór in Irish, lasted from 1845 to 1852 and had a huge impact on the country. Around 1 million people died from starvation, and another million emigrated in search of a better life. The famine dramatically reduced Ireland’s population by 20%, and its effects are still felt today. Let’s take a journey through Ireland to learn more about this pivotal chapter in history.

Strokestown Park Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon

This 18th-century Palladian mansion was home to the Packenham Mahon family for over 300 years. The museum, located in the stable yard, was established after a collection of papers from the 1840s was discovered. The museum showcases the most impressive archive on the Potato Famine in Ireland. You can read fascinating letters and get a real sense of what life was like for the wealthy.

The Workhouse Dunfanaghy & the Irish Workhouse Centre Portumna

Aerial exterior of workhouse in Portumna

Workhouses played a crucial role during the famine. People went there as a last resort, when the only alternative was to die of starvation. Typically, families ended up at workhouses if they couldn’t afford to pay rent and support their children. These families were often then split up, never to see their loved ones again.

Want to discover what life was like for the inmates in Ireland’s most dreaded institutions? Two great museums bring this dark part of history to life: the Dunfanaghy Workhouse in Co. Donegal and the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, Co. Galway. Both sites are located in authentic buildings that once served as workhouses, and offer a powerful glimpse into this dark chapter in history.

Coffin Ships; Jeanie Johnston & Dunbrody

Dunbrody ship from the famine era at port

The ships that carried Irish emigrants to North America were often called “Coffin ships” due to the overcrowded, disease-ridden conditions that led to so many deaths. You can still visit two of these ships in Ireland today: the Dunbrody in New Ross and the Jeannie Johnston in Dublin.

Jeanie Johnston: Between 1847 and 1855, the Jeanie Johnston made 16 emigrant journeys to America. It carried more than 2,500 people without a single fatality – a rare feat for a ship like this. On your tour, your guide will show you the ship’s main features and share stories about some of the past travellers. You’ll get a real sense of what the difficult journey to America was like during the famine.

The Dunbrody: Here, you’ll get a guided tour with costumed performers and detailed exhibition models. Listen to stories from both steerage and 1st class passengers as they explain the harsh realities of life aboard the ship. At Dunbrody, you can also visit the Irish America Hall of Fame – a tribute to the Irish immigrants that made incredible contributions to American history.

Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Co. Cork

Skibbereen in Co. Cork was hit especially hard during the famine. It lost about a third of its population to starvation, disease and emigration. The Skibbereen Heritage Centre features a great exhibition to remember this tragic period. It showcases the potato Famine through primary source accounts, showing government policies and their impact on the community. The exhibition also highlights how the global community responded to the crisis.

Cobh Heritage Centre, Co. Cork

Between 1848 and 1950, Cobh was the major port for Irish emigrants. Cobh Heritage Centre takes you on a journey through history, highlighting what it was like for different classes aboard evacuation ships. You’ll see everything from cramped steerage quarters to the comfortable first-class cabins—and even the prisoner’s quarters for those who were being exiled to Australia. The Heritage Centre brings this story to life through several exhibitions and short films. Learn about the true cause of the Irish famine, and understand why so many people were forced to leave their friends and family behind forever.

Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare

Bunratty Folk Park is a reconstructed village with shops, streets and houses that show how people lived throughout history. You’ll see everything from humble homes like those during the famine to a stunning Georgian house built in 1804 for the Studdart Family. What makes the park so special is that it displays cottages from all over of Ireland, each with its own unique charm and style!

The National Museum of Country Life, Co. Mayo

The National Museum of Country Life is home to the National Folk-life Collection. The museum portrays the everyday lives of ordinary people from the Great Famine to the end of the 1950s. Here, you’ll see the clothes they wore, along with displays of their culture and traditions. Learn about the vital tradesmen of the community, like the blacksmith, carpenter, thatcher, and cobbler. It’s a fascinating journey into the lives of those who lived through one of Ireland’s most difficult times.