Sligo is a county that beautifully blends outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and literary history. I still remember the first time I laid eyes on the majestic Benbulben mountain – it was nothing short of magical.

From breathtaking landscapes to rich historical landmarks, Sligo has something to offer every family. With your little ones, you can watch eagles soar, embark on Benbulben adventures, visit the Ballymote playground, and so much more! Whether you’re here for a short getaway or a more extended exploration, there’s always something new to discover.

Sligo holds a special place in the heart of Ireland’s beloved poet, W.B. Yeats, who called it “the land of heart’s desire.” Now, the question is – will it capture your heart as well?

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best family-friendly activities in Sligo. Whether you’re planning for a sunny day or a rainy one, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy. Let’s dive into the ultimate family vacation guide for Sligo!

Zero Gravity Skatepark

If your family loves skating, you’re in the right place! Sligo is home to the largest indoor skatepark in the North West of Ireland – Zero Gravity Skatepark!

Founded in 2015 by local skater Neville Dunbar, this facility is built with premium timber and birch plywood, offering a top-notch experience. Whether your kids are beginners or more advanced, they’ll find a space to enjoy and improve their skills.

The skatepark is perfect for beginners, novice, and professional skateboarders alike. You can also try BMX-ing and rollerblading. Gear rentals are available at Zero Gravity, and they even offer lessons on weekends, starting at €25.

It’s the ultimate place for an action-packed family day!

Eagles Flying Centre

The Eagles Flying Centre is an amazing place to visit with children! Located in the hills of Sligo, this centre features a spacious indoor display area.

Home to over 100 birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures, it’s a fantastic experience for animal lovers. The centre also boasts a petting zoo with guinea pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, and ferrets. Be sure to catch one of the exciting “Bird Shows,” held twice a day.

Family Ticket Price: €46.

Vertigo Collooney

If your children are thrill-seekers, Vertigo Collooney is the perfect place for them! This adventure spot offers a high ropes course, a hurricane simulator, and an art climbing wall. With a safe and reliable harness system for both kids and adults, everyone can enjoy the fun and excitement!

Admission starts at €3.

Waterpoint Aqua Park

Waterpoint Aqua Park is another fantastic spot for your kids to enjoy! It features an indoor heated pool with a 65-meter flume water slide. For younger children, there’s a separate kiddie pool, an inflatable obstacle course, a Funzone activity center, and a climbing wall.

For an all-inclusive experience, check out “Fun Day Fridays,” where you can access all the activities for just €12.

Family Ticket Price: €46.

Happy Days Adventure Play Centre

On rainy days, Happy Days Adventure Play Centre is the perfect spot for families visiting Sligo. The center features two soft play areas—one for babies and toddlers and another for older kids. With a variety of slides, ball pools, and other fun activities, your little ones will stay entertained for hours. Meanwhile, adults can relax in the café, keeping an eye on their children.

Admission starts at €5.

The Model Art Gallery

Sligo is home to the renowned Model Art Gallery, one of the most impressive public art collections in Ireland. The gallery showcases the Niland Collection, which features a range of traditional and contemporary works, including pieces by Jack Butler Yeats. For children, the gallery offers arts and crafts camps and workshops to spark their creativity.

Best of all, admission is free!

Surfing in Sligo

Sligo is truly a surfer’s paradise! With beaches like Strandhill, Streedagh, and Easkey, it offers some of the best winds for surfing. The coastline’s unique orientation ensures perfect waves along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. It’s even known as “Ireland’s Surf Coast!”

During the winter storm season, Mullaghmore attracts big wave surfers, and it even held the record for the largest wave ever surfed in Ireland until recently.

For families, the Strandhill Surf School offers both adult and children’s surf lessons every day. Each lesson lasts 2.5 hours, and all the necessary equipment is provided. Plus, you can even enroll your child in a surf camp!

Cost of Family Ticket: €150

Seaweed Baths

Have you ever considered taking a bath with seaweed? It might sound unusual, but the seaweed baths in Enniscrone offer a truly unique and refreshing experience during your visit to Sligo.

Seaweed baths are more than just a relaxing experience—they’re beneficial for your health too! The seaweed in the water releases minerals and vitamins with natural anti-aging properties and moisturizing effects. This bath helps improve skin texture, supports thyroid function, boosts metabolism, reduces eczema, and aids in repairing damaged skin cells.

After your rejuvenating soak, you can warm up with a soothing herbal tea, adding the perfect touch to your wellness experience.

Devil’s Chimney

The Devil’s Chimney is truly a sight to behold! As Ireland’s tallest waterfall, standing at 150 meters, it is located on the border between County Sligo and County Leitrim, nestled in the Dartry Mountains of western Ireland. Its Irish name, Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, translates to “stream against the height,” which is quite fitting. On windy days, the waterfall appears to flow backward, as the wind pushes the water upwards and over the cliff.

The best time to visit the Devil’s Chimney is right after rainfall, when the waterfall is at its most impressive. It’s also conveniently located near Glencar Waterfall, so you can easily visit both in one trip.

For a rainy day adventure, this spot is perfect. But if you’re planning for summer, here are some other fantastic spots to visit:

Northwest Adventure Tours

If you’re looking to explore the stunning landscapes of Sligo by bike, Northwest Adventure Tours offers the perfect guided cycling experience.

On this tour, you’ll discover the county’s hidden gems, with your guide leading you to the most scenic and picturesque spots. Along the way, your kids will also have the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about Irish flora and fauna.

Cost of family ticket: €90

Boat Trip to Lough Gill

The best time to enjoy a boat trip in Sligo is between July and September. Starting from the town of Sligo, you can embark on a scenic cruise across the beautiful freshwater Lough Gill. The hour-long trip offers stunning views of the lake and provides a peaceful environment for outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

Lough Gill is also historically significant, offering a chance to connect with the inspiration behind W.B. Yeats’ poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree. It’s a perfect blend of nature and literature!

Sligo Dark Tales Tour

For families who enjoy a bit of spookiness, the Sligo Dark Tales Tour offers a unique evening experience. This two-hour guided tour takes you through Sligo’s eerie past, including tales of Bram Stoker, the cholera epidemic that inspired Dracula, and visits to haunted sites like Sligo Abbey and Sligo Gaol. Your kids will love learning about the darker side of Sligo’s history while uncovering interesting facts about the town’s past.

Glencar Waterfall

If you’re a fan of W.B. Yeats, you may recognize Glencar Waterfall from his poem The Stolen Child. This stunning 50-foot waterfall is nestled in a beautiful forest, and you can take a short walk along a nature trail to reach it. The best part? It’s a completely free experience, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy Sligo’s natural beauty while connecting with Yeats’ poetic inspiration.

Yeats’ Grave in Drumcliff

A visit to Yeats’ grave in Drumcliff is a great way to spark a love of literature in your children. Yeats’ works, like The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Down by the Sally Gardens, and The Stolen Child, bring these landmarks to life. Drumcliff, the final resting place of this great poet, is a peaceful village that exudes quiet charm.

While you’re there, you can enjoy a lovely café and shop, where you’ll find woolen crafts, quirky cards, and a range of Yeats books—perfect for inspiring your young literature enthusiasts!

The Monastic Island of Inishmurray

Inishmurray is a place rich in history and folklore! Around the 9th century, the island was home to a thriving monastery, which became a target for Viking raiders seeking gold and other treasures. While Viking raids were common during this period, the Sligo mainlanders uniquely fought back, successfully defending the island and ensuring the Vikings never returned.

Before planning your visit, however, be sure to check if the island is open to tourists.

Ancient Megalithic Sites

The Coolera Peninsula and the area around the Garavogue River have been inhabited since ancient megalithic times, more than 5,000 years ago. Monuments, tombs, cairns, and other sites from this era still dot the Sligo countryside, some of which are older than the Egyptian pyramids!

Notable sites include the massive cairn atop Knocknarea Hill and the megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel and Carrowmore. Though these tombs are somewhat difficult to access, they can be seen from the cairn atop Keashcorran Hill, offering a glimpse into Sligo’s ancient past.

The Famous “Shelly Place”

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Sligo’s name? The name “Sligo” comes from the Irish word “Sligeach,” which translates to “shelly place.” This name reflects the region’s rich history, dating back to megalithic times, when the people of Sligo relied heavily on shellfish. Today, the area continues to bear evidence of this tradition, with Lissadell Mussels and oysters being local delicacies famous beyond the region. In fact, they’re considered a top delicacy by chefs in London. So, when you’re in Sligo, don’t forget to indulge in its iconic shellfish!

The Cave of Diarmuid & Grainne

The Cave of Diarmuid & Grainne is steeped in Irish mythology, similar to the legendary tales of Romeo and Juliet. According to the legend, Diarmuid, one of the greatest warriors of the Fianna, and Grainne, the daughter of High King Cormac Mac Airt, were deeply in love. Grainne, wanting to escape an arranged marriage, pleaded with Diarmuid to elope with her. Initially, Diarmuid refused, bound by honor, but eventually, his love for Grainne led him to agree.

As they fled from the wrath of Fionn and his warriors, they sought refuge in various hiding places, including the Cave of Diarmuid & Grainne. This cave, like many places in Irish mythology, is seen as a symbol of shelter and secrecy, holding the story of their enduring love and escape.

Caving at Marble Arch Caves

If you’re looking for an underground adventure, the Marble Arch Caves are a must-see! Located just a short drive from Sligo, these UNESCO Global Geopark caves offer a thrilling experience for you and your kids. Discover winding passageways, underground rivers, and stunning rock formations on a guided tour through this natural wonder.

Sligo Food Trail

When it comes to food, Sligo is a true gem in Ireland’s contemporary culinary scene. The Sligo Food Trail showcases the region’s growing reputation for fresh, local cuisine, with a network of chefs committed to creating innovative, healthy dishes.

For a perfect brunch, head to Shell’s Cafe in Strandhill, which boasts oceanfront views. For fresh seafood, Eithna’s by the Sea in Mullaghmore is a top choice, while Sweetbeat Cafe caters to those seeking delicious vegan options.

From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Sligo offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, catching waves, or simply relaxing by the beach, this scenic corner of Ireland has something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sligo!