Car free from Sligo to Carrick-on-Shannon!

You could spend a significant amount of time in Sligo given how much there is to see here. But if you only have a morning, start it with a stroll along the Garavogue River on Rockwood Parade. Enjoy your morning coffee and freshly-made scone at one of the waterside tables of the Osta Café and Wine Bar, and take in your surroundings.

Walk over to The Model; a contemporary arts centre in a beautiful stone building that hosts a lively programme of visual and performing arts. The Model is also home to the Niland Collection, started by artist Jack B Yeats when he gifted a painting to the Sligo Corporation in 1954. Each year, six curated exhibitions from the Niland Collection are shown, so you can keep coming back to see something new.

For history visit the ruins of Sligo Abbey – a major landmark of the town since it was founded in the mid-thirteenth century. Sections of the church, sacristy and chapterhouse still stand, sheathed in stories of fire, siege and cholera. Explore the remains and admire the sculptures from the Gothic and Renaissance periods, the Cloister arcade and the sculptured high altar from the 15th century.

If you’re staying longer in Sligo, take the time to enjoy the delicious cuisine on offer. Eala Bhán offers some of the tastiest seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Another foodie spot not to be missed is Walker 1781. Try their Guinness and leek sausage pizza and you’ll know what they mean by “traditional, local produce with a contemporary twist”. If being on the Wild Atlantic Way has you craving something from the sea, head to Hooked Restaurant for lowkey, delicious all-day dining.

County Sligo has become synonymous with Nobel Laureate WB Yeats, whose work was often inspired by its dramatic landscapes. The self-guided Yeats Trail takes you to some of the poet’s favourite places including Ben Bulben Mountain, Lissadell and Drumcliff where Yeats is buried. 

However, you don’t need to travel far to appreciate Yeats. In Sligo town, the 8-foot bronze statue of the poet stands proudly on Stephen Street. Look closely and you’ll see it has been inscribed with excerpts from more than 150 of his poems. Just a two-minute walk away is the 120-year-old Yeats Building, home to the Yeats Society Sligo and the Yeats Exhibition, which offers insights into the life and work of the poet’s family.

If you’ve had your fill of Yeats Country, hop on the train from Sligo’s MacDiarmada Station to Carrick-on-Shannon – trains run every 2 hours and the journey takes just 45 minutes.

After arriving at Carrick-on-Shannon train station, a 1km walk will bring you to the old stone arch bridge which crosses over the River Shannon and leads into this colourful market town.

Head down to the marina to see the river cruisers. Some are so fancy they could easily be mistaken for yachts. The marina and the Riverfront Amenity Park are both pleasant places to sit and indulge in a bit of people (and boat) watching. It’s easy to spot beginners on their boats and hard to look away as they cautiously manoeuvre the boat under the bridge.

If you’re feeling confident, you can hire an electric boat from Carrick Day Boats and go exploring along the River Shannon. Alternatively, sit back and relax on a Moon River Cruise as a skilled skipper takes you up the Shannon to Lough Eiden in County Roscommon.

For a real Leitrim love story, visit the Costello Memorial Chapel. It’s the smallest chapel in Europe and was erected by Edward Costello as a tribute to his wife who died at the age of 46 in 1877. She was laid to rest in the chapel and was joined by Edward in 1891.

If this beautiful love story inspired you, check out Carrick-on-Shannon’s art scene with a visit to The Dock arts centre in a 19th century former courthouse just off the main street. Here, you’ll find the Leitrim Design House where national and international crafters exhibit jewellery, ceramics, glasswork, prints and more. When you’ve finished browsing, grab a drink in the Jury Room where you can sit back and relax.

If you happen to be in Carrick-on-Shannon on a Thursday, head along to the farmers market in Market Yard. Here, local producers sell home-grown fruit and vegetables as well as organic wine and baked goods – the smell of freshly-baked bread is hard to resist. 

Some of those producers also supply the town’s restaurants and one to check out is the multi-award-winning The Oarsman. Seven generations have run this restaurant and bar which specialises in craft beers and good food made using artisan ingredients. The Red Bank is another family-run restaurant with a strong reputation. Its appealing ambience with artwork-covered walls and dangling chandeliers (and a tented outdoor area with tables under a twinkling sky of fairy lights) is only enhanced by its locally sourced, seasonal menu.

For something sweet head to the lovely café on St George’s Terrace, Cake Me Away. They offer a delicious selection of melt-in-your-mouth pastries, strawberry cheesecake and cheese and jalapeño scones.

We don’t blame you! There are lots of lovely places to stay in Carrick-on-Shannon. The Courtyard Apartments offers a self-catered stay in the heart of the town. The Bush Hotel is a boutique, family-run hotel which was once the resting point for travellers going by horseback between Dublin and the northwest. Or, truly immerse yourself in this watery wonderland and hire a cruiser and set off to explore the Shannon! With so much more to see and do around Carrick-on-Shannon, you’ll need your rest!