Sligo tours

Things to do in Sligo

Sligo seems to echo with the kind of poetry that W.B. Yeats found so inspiring. The misty hills and the wild Atlantic have a way of speaking to those who listen. It's not just about landscapes here; it's about stories, music, and art woven into daily life. A local guide turns a Sligo tour into a cultural journey. Whether you're enjoying fresh Atlantic oysters or tracing Yeats' steps, you're not just seeing but understanding. And it's not just about skipping lines; it's about skipping the ordinary, discovering the parts of Sligo that linger long after the visit is over. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Sligo. Explore Sligo your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Sligo tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Sligo for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike beneath Benbulben for big views over Drumcliffe Bay, then continue to the dunes at Streedagh or the headland at Mullaghmore to watch for seals and seabirds. For a gentler pace, join your guide for a shore walk at Ballysadare Bay at low tide to see waders feeding, or visit Glencar Waterfall after a short forest stroll. Architecture tours: Explore the cloisters and carvings at medieval Sligo Abbey, compare the neo-Classical lines of Lissadell House with the 19th-century Model School (now The Model), and pause at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for its stained glass. Architectural tours can also include Parke’s Castle on Lough Gill with its restored courtyard and oak timbers. History tours: Walk among megalithic tombs at Carrowmore with stories that reach back millennia, then stop in Drumcliffe to see the round tower and the grave of W.B. Yeats. History tours can tie in the 1588 Spanish Armada wreck site at Streedagh and plantation-era tales at Parke’s Castle. Sligo town centre is compact and easy to cover on foot, and intercity rail and buses arrive nearby; reaching Benbulben, Lissadell, Carrowmore, or Mullaghmore is easier with a car, so you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide to include private transport. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Sligo inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Sligo's charm by setting out on a private walking tour, where your guide can introduce you to the city's vibrant neighborhoods. With a local by your side, you'll uncover the best spots tailored to your interests. Consider including these popular neighborhoods in your itinerary: - Riverside: Perfect for families and those interested in nature, this area offers scenic walks along the Garavogue River. You can enjoy the lush greenery and perhaps even a picnic by the water. - Old Sligo Town: Dive into Sligo’s rich history with its mix of medieval ruins and Georgian buildings. Cultural tourists will appreciate the stories of Yeats and the deep-rooted traditions echoed in the local pubs and shops. - Strandhill: For those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, this coastal neighborhood is ideal. Surf the waves or unwind in a seaweed bath, making it a great choice for multi-generational groups looking for a bit of everything. Day trip ideas from Sligo Base yourself in Sligo and use the town as your springboard to wild coastlines, lakes, and ancient sites, setting up day trips that fit your style while private tours keep the logistics simple. Benbulben and the Gleniff Horseshoe: Drive a loop under the table mountain, stop for short walks to cascades and cave views, and catch shifting light on the cliffs; great if you enjoy scenic roads, quick hikes, and geology stories. Strandhill and Knocknarea: Watch surfers from the promenade, walk the dunes boardwalk, then climb Knocknarea for summit views and Queen Maeve’s ancient cairn; suits you if you want beach air, a steady hill walk, and easy spots for a casual lunch. Lough Gill and Glencar Waterfall: Circle the lake for forest walks at places like Dooney Rock, take in lake islands and quiet piers, then continue to Glencar for the classic waterfall; ideal for nature lovers, relaxed walkers, and photographers who like calm landscapes. Mullaghmore Head: Follow the coastal loop for sea stacks, Atlantic spray, and wide views toward Donegal, with time for a harbour stroll; good if you want big skies, lighthouse vistas, and a low stress drive with many pullouts. Donegal Town and Slieve League Cliffs: Start with a look around the harbour and craft shops, then continue to some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs for viewpoints and cliff edge paths; best if you like a full day with grand scenery and lots of photo stops, and your tour can pace the stops to match the weather and your energy. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Sligo most travellers miss.