Sligo

Sligeach

Nestled along Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, Sligo is a county steeped in myth, poetry, and breathtaking natural beauty. With its dramatic landscapes of mountains, lakes, and surf-washed beaches, Sligo has inspired writers, artists, and dreamers for generations. From the iconic silhouette of Benbulben to the rhythmic pull of the Atlantic in Strandhill, this is a county that balances its rich ancient past with a vibrant modern culture. It’s a place where folklore whispers through the heather, and creativity flows as freely as its rivers.

Sligo is inseparable from W.B. Yeats, who is buried beneath the distinctive flat-topped ridge of Benbulben that dominates the county’s northern skyline.

SURNAMES: O’Hara, O’Healy, Mac Donagh, McGowan, O’Dowd, Brennan, Clancy, Conlon, McNulty, Flynn

HISTORY

Sligo’s story stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of Neolithic settlements like the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The county’s name comes from ‘Sligeach’, meaning ‘abounding in shells’, referencing the shell middens found along its coast. These ancient burial sites show that Sligo was a significant spiritual and communal centre for thousands of years.

During the medieval period, Sligo rose to prominence under the influence of the powerful O’Conor family, becoming a key location in Gaelic Ireland. The town of Sligo was officially established in the 13th century, and its strategic coastal location made it a bustling hub for trade with Europe.

The county faced severe hardships during the Cromwellian conquest and later the Great Famine, when mass emigration emptied entire villages. Despite these struggles, Sligo held fast to its cultural roots and emerged as a muse for poet W.B. Yeats, who lies buried under the shadow of Benbulben.

TOWNS: Sligo, Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Enniscrone, Strandhill, Collooney, Ballisodare, Grange, Riverstown, Gurteen, Easky, Coolaney.

LANDSCAPE & TODAY

Carrowmore’s megalithic cemetery predates even Newgrange, while Sligo’s Atlantic coastline has made it one of Ireland’s most popular surfing destinations.

Sligo town’s growing food and arts scene, paired with the county’s mountains and beaches, has made it an increasingly popular base for both visitors and returning emigrants.

Ready to explore more of Ireland? Browse all 32 counties.