Sligo of West Coast Ireland is surrounded by scenic mountains, wide beaches, and green hills. It is more than just beautiful; it is a great adventure for families too. There are lot of places you can explore with your family and perfect for making family memories. So, let’s explore our top picks 10 family-friendly activities in Sligo.
Rosses Point Beach
Rosses Point Beach is our first pick. It is a top place in Sligo for families to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. It is a great place for having a relax and fun day.
The beach is good for all ages. The water is shallow and safe for small children. Don’t worry lifeguards are there in the summer to keep everyone safe. There are also water sports like kayaking, surfing, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
If you don’t want to get wet, you can play frisbee, volleyball, or just walk along the shore. Every summer, the Yeats International Summer School holds poetry readings on the beach.
Rosses Point has good facilities for families. There is plenty of parking, public restrooms, and changing areas. There are also cafes and ice cream shops close to the beach.
The best thing about Rosses Point Beach is that it’s free. It is definitely a place to visit with your family when you are in Sligo.
Benbulben Mountain
Sligo’s ‘Table Mountain’ is an iconic landmark in Ireland. The Benbulben Forest Walk is great for families. It is an easy trail that goes around the base of the mountain. The trail gives beautiful views and does not involve hard climbing. It is suitable for hikers of all ages. The path has signs that provide information about the local plants and animals.
There are picnic areas along the trail. Families can stop here to rest and enjoy the views of Sligo’s countryside. The picnic spots have benches and tables. They are ideal for a snack or a relaxed lunch in nature.
The parking at the trailhead is free. There is plenty of space for cars. This makes it easy to get to the mountain. Some local tour operators offer guided hikes of Benbulben.
The price for guided tours varies. It usually costs between €20 to €50 per person. There are often family rates. It is a good idea to book in advance, especially in the busy tourist season.
Lough Gill
Lough Gill is a beautiful freshwater lake in Sligo. It is a great place for families to relax and enjoy water activities. You can go on a guided boat tour at Lough Gill. These tours give you a wide view of the nearby woods and let you see lots of wildlife. They are easy for families because you don’t need much planning or equipment. The tours usually last about 1 to 2 hours. This is perfect for families with small children who can’t do longer trips.
Kayaking is another fun activity at Lough Gill. You can rent kayaks right by the lake. They offer both single and double kayaks. This is great if you want to kayak with young children. The lake’s calm waters make it safe for beginners and fun for everyone. Renting a kayak cost about €15 to €20 per hour. There are discounts if you buy a family package.
Lough Gill is also important because of the poet W.B. Yeats. He wrote about the Lake Isle of Innisfree in his poems. This small, empty island on the lake helps you connect to Yeats’ work.
Sligo Abbey
Sligo Abbey is a historic site from the mid-13th century. It is also known as the Abbey of the Holy Cross. This site shows off gothic and renaissance architecture.
The abbey is famous for its ruins that date back to history. It has a unique 15th-century high altar. This altar is the only one from that time still existing in any Irish monastic church. The abbey has a well-kept cloister too. There is a legend about a 14th-century high cross hidden in its walls.
Sligo Abbey has special tours for children. These tours share exciting stories about the abbey’s long history. The tours are interactive and include scavenger hunts. These activities help children learn about medieval life, architecture, and legends.
To visit Sligo Abbey is affordable for families. Adults pay €5, children pay €3, and a family ticket costs €13 (for 2 adults and up to 5 children). Children under 12 enter for free. This makes it a budget-friendly option for families. Check the website here.
In the summer, Sligo Abbey hosts events like medieval fairs and living history days. Actors wear costumes from the abbey’s peak time and show daily life and crafts. These events do not cost extra. They make the visit more engaging and educational.
Model Arts and Niland Gallery
The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is in Sligo’s center. It’s known for its modern ways of teaching and involving people. It has many exhibits and programs that are great for families.
The Model is famous for its workshops that are good for kids who are curious about art. These workshops are practical. Kids use art materials and learn from skilled teachers and artists. They cover different art forms like painting, sculpture, and more.
The gallery also has exhibits made for kids. These might include areas where kids can touch materials, videos in easy language, or activity sheets.
Getting into the Model Arts and Niland Gallery is usually free. This is good for families. Some special shows or events might have a small fee. They keep prices low to make it easy for families to come. Workshops might cost a little, especially for non-members.
The gallery has ‘Family Days’ too. These are special times when children and parents can do activities together. The gallery tells you the prices and suggests booking in advance.
Learn more from here.
Sligo County Museum and Yeats Building
The museum has many items showing Sligo’s archaeological, historical, and cultural past. It has a special exhibit on W.B. Yeats. This exhibit shows his letters, photos, and personal items. It is designed to be easy for everyone, including kids to understand.
The museum offers guided tours for families. These tours are designed to make history interesting for children. They use storytelling to keep kids engaged.
Entering the Sligo County Museum and Yeats Building is free. Visiting in the morning or on weekday afternoons is best. These times are less busy.
The museum often has workshops and special events. These are usually on important dates related to Yeats’ life, like his birthday or the anniversary of his death. These events might include readings, performances, and special exhibits. By watching the museum’s calendar will help you plan your visit to these special events.
Doorly Park
Doorly Park has many well-kept trails. People like these trails because they pass through woods and along the river. The trails are safe and fun for kids to explore. Signs along the trails teach about the plants and animals in the area.
There is a playground in the park. The park’s different habitats are great for bird watching and photography.
Most of the park and trails are free to visit. Sometimes, the park has guided tours and educational programs that cost a little money. Guided tours are led by experts. They may talk about the park’s ecology, birds, or history. These tours usually cost about €5 to €10 per person. There are often discounts for families and groups.
Mullaghmore Head
Mullaghmore is famous for watching sea life. You can see dolphins, seals, and various seabirds here. Families can take local boat tours to get a closer look at these marine animals.
Boating is another popular activity at Mullaghmore Head. You can choose from a calm boat ride along the coast or an exciting sailing trip. There are many choices for all ages and adventure levels. Local companies offer guided tours on big boats and also rent boats for families who want to explore on their own.
The prices for boat tours vary. Typical sea life watching tours cost about €20 to €30 per person. You can rent a private boat cost between €50 to €100 per hour. This price depends on the boat’s size and how long you rent it. There is discount available for family tour too.
The best time to go to Mullaghmore Head is from late spring to early autumn. This rime the marine life is most active, and the weather is also good for boating. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for these activities and the light is great for taking photos, and the sea is usually calmer.
Strandhill Village
Strandhill Village is a vibrant seaside community on the rugged coast of Sligo. The village is popular with both locals and tourists.
Strandhill is famous for its surfing. It has some of the best waves on Ireland’s west coast. There are many surf schools in the village. They offer surfing lessons for all ages. A group surfing lesson costs between €30 and €40. This price includes all the gear like wetsuits and surfboards. So you don’t have to worry about the gears.
There are many places to eat in Strandhill. The village has various eateries that suit all tastes. Casual cafes and upscale restaurants serve fresh local seafood. These places are family-friendly and offer children’s menus too.
The Strand Bar often have deals like ‘Kids Eat Free’ on certain days. Another must-visit is Mammy Johnston’s Ice Cream Parlour. They serve homemade ice cream with many flavors that everyone will love.
Strandhill Village gets busy, especially in summer. It’s a good idea to book surf lessons ahead of time. If you are dining out with a big group, make sure to reserve early.
Drumcliffe Church
We will finish our picks with Drumcliffe Church. It is located just under the large Benbulben Mountain. The Church has a long history. It was started in the 6th century by Saint Columba. The church area has an old Christian cross and a round tower. These show the ancient religious history of Ireland. But the church is most known as the burial place of W.B. Yeats. His grave has a simple headstone with his own words: “Cast a cold Eye on Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by!”
The church is in a quiet place. The mountain of Benbulben makes the area even more scenic. It is a good place for taking photos and relaxing.
There is a tea house next to the church. It is called the Drumcliffe Tea House and Craft Shop. Families can eat and drink there. They serve snacks, meals, cakes, and Irish tea. It is a cozy spot to rest after seeing the church.
The tea house also has a shop. Visitors can buy local crafts and souvenirs like books, jewelry, and handmade items. It is a good place to find a keepsake.
It is free to visit Drumcliffe Church. There is no entrance fee. The churchyard and Yeats’ grave are open all year.
When planning your trip to Sligo, think about what your family likes. Sligo has a lot to offer. So, you can plan a trip that suits everyone’s tastes. After your visit share your stories. Your experiences can help other families plan their trips.
Remember to follow our blog for more travel tips and guides. Thank you for traveling with us to Sligo. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures in these lovely places!
