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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks

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    Sligo’s landmark mountain: Ben Bulben

    Carved out by flowing glaciers, this unique mountain has a story or two to tell
    • #Landscapes
    • #WalkingandHiking
    • #WildAtlanticWay
    County Sligo
    Amazing landscapes
    2hrs 45 mins from Shannon Airport

    Ben Bulben, County Sligo

    If you spend some time in County Sligo, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of Ben Bulben. Whether you’re visiting 19th-century Classiebawn Castle or walking the sands of Cummeen Strand, the unique tabletop mountain made from limestone and legends will catch your eye with its ever-changing shades of green.

    Views of Ben Bulben, County Sligo

    The shadowy figure to the north

    Ben Bulben is located within the Dartry Mountain Range, north of Sligo town. A Sligo landmark, the mountain is 526 metres tall. It has a unique shape resembling a table with pleated cloth hanging down the side, making it easily recognisable even if it’s your first acquaintance with the mountain. If you’ve heard of Ben Bulben before, perhaps you know some of the tales associated with this part of Ireland. The story of Diarmuid and Gráinne, a mythical warrior and a beautiful princess, is a captivating love story, and you can visit their cave (one of the highest caves in Ireland) where legend has it that the couple once hid. That’s not the only legend associated with this mountain – there’s said to be a fairy door here, too. It’s a dark patch on the north face of Ben Bulben; locals say that when this door to the fairy world appears to be open, the weather will be good for a few days – ideal mountain-climbing conditions!

    Ben Bulben, County Sligo

    WB Yeats

    Ben Bulben was an inspiration to esteemed Irish writer William Butler Yeats. He even wrote a poem titled Under Ben Bulben.

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    Meet the mountain

    Stand atop the mountain and feel the cold wind sweeping over you, breathe in the fresh air and admire views of the Sligo coastline, Atlantic Ocean and Slieve League in County Donegal. But wait… how do you get up there? Climbing and hiking are two common methods. The south face is a popular spot for climbers, but if you’re not experienced then a hike is the best way to get to the top. The Ben Bulben and Cloyragh route will take you to the summit, while the Ben Bulben Forest Walk is a looped walk through the forest beneath the mountain. Guided hiking options are perfect for discovering the mountain in the company of experts who offer stories, insights and helpful hints along the way.

    Ben Bulben, County Sligo

    More around Sligo

    Mullaghmore Head

    Sligo

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    Attraction

    The Model - Home of the Niland Collection

    The Model - Home of the Niland Collection, in Sligo town, is one of Ireland's important contemporary arts centres with an extensive and vibrant programme of visual and performing arts.

    Sligo

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    Attraction

    Hooked Sligo

    Hooked restaurant in Sligo Town, is named after the meat hooks used in the traditional butcher’s shop which Anthony Gray’s father, Joe, had in the town for many years. The ethos of Hooked Sligo is to purchase local, using artisan and Irish producers. It serves tasty food in a casual and eclectic environment.

    Sligo

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    Attraction

    Streedagh Beach

    Set off on a scenic ramble on Streedagh Beach in County Sligo. The 3km long sandy beach links Streedagh Point to Connor's Island and makes for a magnificent walk with views of the Sligo coastline.

    Sligo

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    Attraction

    Strandhill Lodge and Suites

    Strandhill Lodge and Suites is a new Boutique Hotel, which sits in the picturesque, seaside village of Strandhill, County Sligo.

    Sligo

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    Accommodation

    Sligo Abbey

    The Dominican priory known as Sligo Abbey has dominated Sligo's eastern district since the town was founded in the mid 13th century. Large parts of the church, sacristy and chapterhouse are preserved from this period, alongside the beautiful 15th century cloister and associated buildings.

    Sligo

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    Attraction

    Yeats Building

    The Yeats Building is in the heart of Sligo Town on the River Garavogue. It’s a well preserved arts and crafts building over 120 years old. Here, the Yeats Society celebrates the life and work of Nobel poet WB Yeats and his talented family, sisters Susan and Elizabeth and brother Jack. County Sligo was a source of inspiration and creativity for all of WB’s life. His mother, Susan was from Sligo and she gave all her children a love of this place, its history, legends, folklore and its glorious wild Atlantic scenery.

    Sligo

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    Lissadell House & Gardens

    Lissadell House & Gardens is situated on the shores of Sligo Bay, in north Sligo. The historic and literary associations of Lissadell and the natural beauty of its setting with sea, woodland and mountains makes Lissadell one of the top tourist attractions.

    Sligo

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    The Strandhill People’s Market

    The Strandhill People’s Market takes place in the unique venue of Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport in Strandhill, County Sligo, just a few short minutes stroll from the beachfront. The market sells an array of local crafts, foods and textiles.

    Sligo

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    Sligo Food Trail

    The Sligo Food Trail is a network of 70 plus food related businesses from county Sligo, who have joined together to showcase and develop new food experiences, showcasing the finest, freshest, food on the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Sligo

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    Attraction