Folklore, fine poetry and ancient remains are all part of Sligo’s special magic. It is the birthplace of William Butler Yeats (1865-1939), who grew up in the county, returned to it many times, and was finally laid to rest there. The landscape of his childhood home, and the myths and legends of the region are all reflected in his work.

The county is rich in ancient sites, the most notable being at Carrowmore, a large cemetary of megalithic tombs.

The town of Sligo is a good starting point for exploring the delightful countryside that surrounds it. Victorian shopfronts line the narrow streets, yet it has all the amenities of a modern town. It is extremely walkable, with a tight grid of central streets containing most of the attractions.

The Garravogue River bisecting the town is spanned by Hyde Bridge and New Bridge and one block to the south, parallel to the river, is the main shopping thoroughfare of Castle Street. On the main route between the ancient provinces of Ulster and Connacht, Sligo was always an important town. Georgian and Victorian houses, churches and commercial premises survive in large numbers, giving it an appealingly settled and old-fashioned air.