Things to do in Sligo for your Family [My top 20 picks]

Sligo provides a blend of literary exploration, cultural immersion, and outdoor activities. I can still clearly recall my initial impression of the Benbulben mountain when I visited Sligo. It had a mystical quality.

With its picturesque scenery and historical landmarks, this quaint county has something to offer everyone. You may go on excursions at Benbulben, explore eagles flying, play at Ballymote Playground, and much more with your kids! No matter how long you plan to stay or how short you come, Sligo has something new to offer around every bend.
W.B. Yeats, one of Ireland’s most beloved poets, also cherishes this location. He referred to Sligo as “the land of desire for the heart.” Let’s now see if this location can win over your heart as well!

We’ll give you tips on how to make the most of your stay in Sligo in this blog post. Let’s get started with my list of family-friendly activities in Sligo.
These activities will be the most enjoyable if you are visiting Sligo on a wet day!

Zero Gravity Skatepark

You’re in the perfect place if skating is a family hobby! The biggest indoor skate park in Ireland’s Northwest is located in Sligo!

Neville Dunbar, a local skater, founded the “Zero Gravity” center in 2015. Birch plywood and the best wood were used in the construction of this place. You need not worry if your child is only in the beginner’s level.

Skateboarders of all skill levels are welcome to use this skatepark. Rollerblading and BMXing are also enjoyable activities. At Zero Gravity, you may rent all the necessary equipment, and on weekends, instruction are offered.

Lessons begin at €25.

Eagles Flight Center

The greatest location to take kids on a trip may be Eagles Flying Center! This has a sizable interior display area and is located on Sligo’s hill.

More than a hundred eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures call the home. In addition, it features a petting zoo with ferrets, goats, donkeys, guinea pigs, and lambs. There will be two “Bird shows” for you to see each day.

Family Ticket Price: €46

Vertigo Collooney

If your kids enjoy a little adventure, Vertigo Collooney might be the ideal location for them to experience the rush of excitement. The storm simulator, art climbing wall, and high ropes adventure course are all available here. Both adults and children can wear safety harnesses at this location!

Entry is €3 in advance.

Aqua Park Waterpoint

Waterpoint Aqua Park is another unique location for your children. This park features a 65-meter flume water slide and an indoor hot pool!

You don’t need to worry if safety is on your mind. They have a climbing wall, an inflatable obstacle course, a Funzone activity center, and a separate kiddie pool for infants and toddlers.

“Fun Day Fridays” is the best deal if your child wants to participate in all of the activities. For just €12, you can participate in all of the aforementioned activities.

Family Ticket Price: €46

Happy Days Adventure Playground

Happy Days Adventure Play Centre is the perfect place to travel to Sligo on rainy days.

There are two distinct soft play sections here. A separate one for older kids and another for infants and toddlers. There are several slides, ball pools, and other entertaining things for kids to enjoy. Additionally, you can unwind in their cafe if you’re bored. From an adult cafe, you may monitor your youngster from there.

Entry is €5 in advance.

One noteworthy feature of the Model Art Gallery Sligo is its collection. The Model Art Gallery is that. Ireland’s best public art collections are housed in this gallery.

It features Jack Butler Yeats’s and other artists’ extensive collection of traditional and modern works, known as the Niland collection. They have something special to offer kids! To encourage them, the gallery frequently holds activities like seminars and camps for arts and crafts.

There is no charge to enter!

In Sligo, surfing

Surfers can refer to Sligo as their paradise! The best wind for surfing is found on the beaches of Strandhill, Streegah, and Easkey!

The best waves on the Wild Atlantic Way are also received by the coast due to its orientation. Visitors come here from all over the world to experience the flavor of the local surfing. They dubbed it the “Surf Coast” of Ireland!

Mullaghmore is a popular spot for large wave storm surfers during the winter storm season. Up until recently, Mullaghmore even held the record for the largest wave surfed!

Also, your children will benefit much from this. Every day, adult and kid surf lessons are offered by the Strandhill Surf School in Sligo. Here, all the equipment is given, and lessons last for 2.5 hours. Additionally, you can enroll your youngster in their surf camp if that’s something that interests you!

The family ticket is €150.

Baths with seaweed

Have you ever considered using seaweed in your bath? Not at all, correct?

When visiting Sligo, the seaweed baths in Enniscrone will provide you with a memorable experience. It may sound strange, but taking a seaweed bath is actually rather pleasant!

It’s also good for your health! Seaweeds in water release vitamins and minerals that act as natural moisturizers and anti-aging agents. Additionally, this will assist the thyroid control metabolism, lessen eczema, and heal damaged skin cells, all of which will contribute to smoother skin.

In addition to getting exfoliated, you may warm up with their herbal tea.

The Devil’s Chimney

Devil’s Chimney is very stunning! At 150 meters, this waterfall is the highest in Ireland. It is located in the western Irish Dartry Mountains, straddling the borders of the counties of Sligo and Leitrim. Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird is its Irish name, meaning “stream against the height.” Because the waterfall blows backwards, up and over the cliff when the wind comes from the south.

After a rainstorm is when Devil’s Chimney is at its most picturesque. It’s also simple to see Devil’s Chimney and the Glencar Waterfall on the same day because they’re close by.

It’s now ideal to partake in all of the aforementioned activities on a wet day. These forthcoming sites may be worthwhile to visit in the summer.

Adventure Tours in the Northwest

Would you like to cycle around Sligo’s stunning view? Northwest Adventure Tour may then be the best option for you.

You can take a guided bike tour here to see some of the most stunning undiscovered gems in the county. Your tour guide will take you to some of Sligo’s most gorgeous tourist destinations. Your children will get the opportunity to interact more closely with the Irish flora and fauna here.

A family ticket costs €90.

Taking a Boat to Lough Gill

The ideal months to go boating in Sligo are July through September. There’s a lovely freshwater lake that stretches from Sligo town to Lough Gill. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour cruise while taking in the stunning scenery of the lake. You will also be able to enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing in this serene location.

This lake has historical significance as well. You have the opportunity to relate to and appreciate the lake through “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats.

Dark Tales Tour of Sligo

Should your children enjoy horror stories, Sligo offers an exciting offer for you. Take the “Sligo Dark Tales Tour,” an evening excursion that offers a unique perspective of Sligo. Discover more about Sligo’s troubled past, Bram Stoker, and the cholera outbreak that served as Dracula’s inspiration here! It’s also worthwhile to explore Sligo Abbey and Sligo Gaol after dusk. This two-hour guided tour will cover fascinating historical and contemporary information about Sligo.

Glencar Waterfall

If you are a fan of Yeats, you have also likely heard of the Glencar Waterfall. He gave this waterfall high acclaim in his poem “The Stolen Child.”

This 50-foot-tall Glencar waterfall is aesthetically pleasing. To get here, you can stroll a short distance along a nature trail through the forest. It might be the greatest free activity in Sligo!

Yeats’s Drumcliff Grave

You can encourage your child’s love of reading by taking them to Yeats Grave. A child may play with words, express themselves via poetry, discover equilibrium, and re-establish a connection with themselves with the aid of literature.

Additionally, Yeats’ poetry makes reference to the well-known sites you are visiting in Sligo. As I indicated earlier, The Stolen Child, Down by the Sally Garden, and Lake Isle of Innisfree have it all.

The Yeats’ final resting place was this village.

Drumcliff Village is another serene and calm location. A charming cafe and gift shop with a large assortment of Yeats books, wool crafts, and funny cards may be found there.

The Inishmurray Monastic Island

What a wonderful historical location Inishmurray is! Folklore states that the island was home to a prosperous monastery in the ninth century. Viking raiders raided it at that time, seeking gold and other valuables. Back then, raids of this kind were somewhat common. However, the fact that the people of Sligo on the mainland retaliated and were able to successfully blockade the island from the invaders was abnormal. After that, the vikings had no intention of going back!

However, confirm that the island is open to visitors before going.

Historic Megalithic Sites

The Coolera Peninsula and the region surrounding the Garavogue River have been inhabited by humans from the prehistoric megalithic epoch. Over 5,000 years ago, they built tombs, cairns, monuments, and other structures. These creatures, which predate even the pyramids, are still alive and well in the rural areas of Sligo!

Consider the enormous cairn atop Knocknarea Hill. or the Carrowkeel and Carrowmore megolithic graves. These historic burials are visible from the cairn atop Keashcorran Hill, despite being difficult to access.

The well-known “shelly place”

Are you familiar with what “Sligo” means? Have you ever considered the possibility that this name has deeper meaning?

You might be surprised to learn that Sligo’s Irish name, Sligeach, meaning “shelly place.” The shellfish industry has been important to the Sligo people from the megalithic era. And the evidence to support its name is still present here. These days, Sligo and the surrounding areas are well-known for the Lissadell mussels and oysters.

The chefs in London continue to deem these mussels the most exquisite of all. Thus, when visiting the city, make sure to sample Sligo’s shell.

Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave

Another legendary location from Irish mythology is the cave of Diarmuid and Grainne. I believe we all like the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Something like this is within this cave!

Legend has it that Grainne was the daughter of High King Cormac Mac Airt, and Diarmuid was one of Fianna’s most accomplished warriors. After falling in love, Grainne asked Diarmuid to elope. Constricted by the rule of honor, Diarmuid first objected but later gave in to Grainne’s pressure.

Fionn and his warriors chased Diarmuid and Grainne for a while. They took sanctuary in a number of locations throughout their flight, including the Cave of Diarmuid and Grainne. Because of this, this cave—like many other places in Irish mythology—is frequently represented as a haven of concealment and safety.

Marble Arch Caves caving

And lastly, the Caves of Marble Arch! Marble Arch Caves is a great place for an underground adventure with your kids. This location, which is only a short drive from Sligo, is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Take a guided tour to discover the magnificent rock formations, underground rivers, and twisting corridors.

What about Sligo’s cuisine?

The greatest venue to experience Ireland’s modern food culture is Sligo. The Sligo Food Trail contributes to Ireland’s burgeoning culinary fame. Here, a group of chefs collaborate to produce interesting, healthful cuisine with an emphasis on using local, fresh ingredients.

The beachfront Shell’s Cafe in Strandhill is worth a visit if you’re in the mood for brunch. Mullaghmore’s Eithna’s by the Sea is one of the best places to try seafood. Additionally, Sweetbeat Cafe is the place to go if you’re a vegan.

Sligo has a plethora of family-friendly activities to choose from, including cultural events and outdoor excursions. This picturesque region of Ireland offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re touring historic sites, surfing, or just lounging by the shore. So prepare for an incredible journey in Sligo by packing your bags, getting the family together, and starting!