Summer Days in Sligo PDF Print E-mail

Summer Days in Sligo


 

  1. Sathya Sai Sanctuary (Donkey Sanctuary)

The Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust for Nature was founded in 1991 primarily to offer a place of peace and refuge for old, injured, unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused donkeys, who through no fault of their own, no longer fit into a world geared for profit and productivity and which is presently dominated by heavy agricultural machinery. Once an important part of the Irish heritage and farming economy these forgotten animals so often suffer through mankind's greed for money and power and even today are generally valued more for their financial worth than for the spirit within. Situated in truly magnificent surroundings adjacent to the Carrowkeel Megalithic Site (which is also worth a visit!) at Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo, Ireland, only 5 kms off the main N4 Sligo to Dublin road. Bring waterproof boots, enjoy your visit and give these humble animals the love they deserve.

  1. Horseriding at Island View Riding Stables, Moneygold, Grange

Island View is a family run farm at the foot of Benbulben mountain and the Atlantic Ocean is just at their doorstep. The stables offer treks on miles of sandy beach, over rugged moorlands and to the stable-owned private island. Tailormade treks and friendly, competent staff ensure that everybody will get the time of their life on horse back. Also at Riding View Stables they now offer Swingle Tree Carriage Tours. Unique to the North West you have the opportunity to hire a horse drawn carriage driven by their experienced coachman. The hustle and bustle of modern life will soon be forgotten as you travel and explore at a more relaxed pace. The carriage comfortably seats 6 to 8 adults or up to 10 children. And even more, on a visit here, children and adults can enjoy seeing the free range chickens, rabbits, dogs and kittens. Pony rides or beach trekking is also available.


  1. Waterpoint in Enniscrone

Because we know it rains in the summer too! A spot with fun for all the family … there’s a water slide, a kid pool, a spa and a new playground at the back as well as an astro turf and parents can also try the seaweed baths on the pier or the 18 whole championship links golf course.

  1. Gillighan's World, Baroncourt, Kilmacowen, Ballysdare, Co. Sligo

A stone tunnel entrance, with dolmen and amphitheatre rising out of lush green lawns commences your escape into the Botanical gardens, and natural flora and fauna blend together, enhanced by" faerie habitants" in miniature models villages and "enchanted" glades. Streams and secluded seating areas create a magical atmosphere, whilst a visit to the "faerie fort" offers spectacular panoramic views. Wild-life pond and aquatic cove, plus informal guided tour round the "Pet Village". Quizzes and competitions keep the young amused allowing the adults freedom to relax. For more information visit the website

  1. Eagles Flying in Ballymote

Situated amid the beautiful landscape of Ballymote, Eagles Flying is Ireland's largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls. During the highly entertaining and interactive Bird Shows you can experience Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls flying right over your head or landing next to you. Some of them even allow to be touched - but ask one of the birds trainers before! You might even have the chance of a bird landing on your bare hand. Never before you have been that close to a bird of prey. Watch different species of eagles hunting on prey-dummies in their natural environment and be astonished about the arrow like flight of the falcons and the high intelligence of the vultures. During the Flying Demonstrations scientists will inform about the biology of the raptors and their important role in nature. There is a children’s pet zoo with goats, lambs, donkeys, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, pot-bellied pigs.

  1. Sligo Folk Park, Riverstown

Sligo Folk Park is located in the beautiful village of Riverstown, Co Sligo. This community based attraction gives a true experience of rural life and Irish heritage at the turn of the late 19th Century. It’s a “Trip Down Memory Lane” here, in the heart of County Sligo, the cultural history and heritage of the whole region comes to life. This is a place, which is great for young and old. Children can discover how their great grandparents used to live and, those who are still young at heart, can rediscover how life used to be in days gone by.

  1. Go to the Beach!

Well you are spoilt for choice really! Sligo beaches are havens for most water sports including surfing, body boarding, kayaking and surf kayaking. They are also very clean!

  • Enniscrone prides itself on it 5km of sandy beach and it is a pleasant seaside town with lots to see and do with all of the family.
  • Easky is the surfing capital but for experienced surfers only.
  • Strandhill is roughly 10km from Sligo town. With its wild Atlantic waves is another popular spot for surfers but swimming is forbidden at Strandhill beach due to the very strong currents.
  • Mullaghmore Beach is another stunning beach in North County Sligo, 25km from Sligo town via the N15 and beside the town of Mullaghmore. This is a great beach for children as the water is so shallow for ages!

  1. Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds

Choose Happy Days and Funny Bones or one of Sligo’s great outdoor playgrounds. The new one in Doorly Park is just great!


  1. Go for a Nature walk

Gleniff Horseshoe Millsite: In North Co Sligo there is a hidden valley in Gleniff. With stunning scenery. At the Base of the Horseshoe route there is a renovated Millsite, with a lovely nature walk and sculpture trail. Picnic tables are there asking to be used! 

Hazelwood Sculpture Trail Sligo: Only 3km from Sligo town at half Moon Bay on the shores of Lough Gill is the Hazelwood Demense. Well known locally for its forest trails where you will find a unique series of outdoor sculptures from Irish and International artists, a quiet picnic area and beautiful lakeside views. The demense is located on an area between Lough Gill and the Garavogue River. The nature trail forms a loop of about 3km with two shorter alternatives available. All are clearly marked and begin and end at the car park.

 

  1. Catch a Match… Sligo Rovers or Sligo GAA – choice is yours!

How thrilling is attending a match! The kids will love it and you can choose soccer or Gaelic in Sligo! Just wrap up warm (and waterproof!).


 

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