Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
Created | Updated Nov 14, 2002
Sligo is the main town in County Sligo, Ireland. It's up near the top on the left, or north-west as geographers among you might want to refer to it. The town centre is a really nice place to wander, there's a good clean fast flowing river, the Garavogue, running right through the middle, you frequently see people fishing in it, and catching stuff, and at night when all the restaurants and bars are lit up it looks truly fantastic.
Food ' Drink:
Speaking of restaurants and bars, there's a bar called Fiddlers Creek by the footbridge over the river that does great food, in huge helpings, and a Chinese restaurant, 'The Dragon House' at the entrance to Market Yard that is truly superb. Prices seem fair, but then outside Dublin all of Ireland seems cheap. There's a profusion of pubs throughout the town, one that's particularly worth a mention is 'Thomas Connolly's on Markievicz Road. Going to this place was 'an experience', it doesn't look like it's had anything done to it in 40 years. The stains from every pint of beer thrown exuberantly at the ceiling when the local side have scored are still there. It has atmosphere in spades, and according to some it serves the best pint of Guinness in Sligo. I wouldn't know, can't stand the stuff.
Attractions:
As I said it's an attractive town, not too big and there's some good old architecture to be inspired by. Sligo Abbey, built in 1250 ish, and abandoned at the end of the 17th century is worth a look, and there are several old churches. Another reason to visit, for many, will be as some sort of Yeats pilgrimage. I confess to knowing nothing about the chap, except that he's buried there, they have a visitor centre dedicated to his works, and a statue of him.
Other Info:
Down in the dock is the now burnt out wreck of what I believe is a Russian ship, which is slowly becoming a local feature. You come to the bridge and there it is looking very large and very out of place. It's begging to be turned into a floating disco or something, which is probably why it's never been scrapped, but doubtless would cost a fortune to do which is probably why it's still a wreck.
If you're travelling by road watch out for the one way system, a clockwise loop round Stephen St., Bridge St.,Thomas St., Castle St., Grattan St., and O'Connell St. I've spelt it out as I haven't yet seen a map that bothers to mention this kinda crucial fact. Driving the wrong way up Bridge St, across the river is embarrassing, trust me.
Where to Stay:
As for places to stay, The Riverside is good, particularly if you like the sound of bubbling water to lull you to sleep, but they do get lots of coach parties, and The Tower is OK, nice bar & rooms but the food's not as good. But hey, eat out!
Food ' Drink:
Speaking of restaurants and bars, there's a bar called Fiddlers Creek by the footbridge over the river that does great food, in huge helpings, and a Chinese restaurant, 'The Dragon House' at the entrance to Market Yard that is truly superb. Prices seem fair, but then outside Dublin all of Ireland seems cheap. There's a profusion of pubs throughout the town, one that's particularly worth a mention is 'Thomas Connolly's on Markievicz Road. Going to this place was 'an experience', it doesn't look like it's had anything done to it in 40 years. The stains from every pint of beer thrown exuberantly at the ceiling when the local side have scored are still there. It has atmosphere in spades, and according to some it serves the best pint of Guinness in Sligo. I wouldn't know, can't stand the stuff.
Attractions:
As I said it's an attractive town, not too big and there's some good old architecture to be inspired by. Sligo Abbey, built in 1250 ish, and abandoned at the end of the 17th century is worth a look, and there are several old churches. Another reason to visit, for many, will be as some sort of Yeats pilgrimage. I confess to knowing nothing about the chap, except that he's buried there, they have a visitor centre dedicated to his works, and a statue of him.
Other Info:
Down in the dock is the now burnt out wreck of what I believe is a Russian ship, which is slowly becoming a local feature. You come to the bridge and there it is looking very large and very out of place. It's begging to be turned into a floating disco or something, which is probably why it's never been scrapped, but doubtless would cost a fortune to do which is probably why it's still a wreck.
If you're travelling by road watch out for the one way system, a clockwise loop round Stephen St., Bridge St.,Thomas St., Castle St., Grattan St., and O'Connell St. I've spelt it out as I haven't yet seen a map that bothers to mention this kinda crucial fact. Driving the wrong way up Bridge St, across the river is embarrassing, trust me.
Where to Stay:
As for places to stay, The Riverside is good, particularly if you like the sound of bubbling water to lull you to sleep, but they do get lots of coach parties, and The Tower is OK, nice bar & rooms but the food's not as good. But hey, eat out!
