Unmissable Things to Do in Yeats Country
Discover a land of heart’s desire in County Sligo. A beautiful, ocean-lapped realm woven with rivers and lakes, mountains and valleys, it boasts otherworldly beauty and blends rich history with natural wonder. Also known as Yeats Country, it’s so beautiful that it inspired many of Irish poet and Nobel laureate William Butler Yeats’ works and continues to enrapture all those who visit.
To fall in love with the region for yourself, explore some of the unmissable things to do in Yeats Country during your stay.
Visit the Yeats Society Sligo
First things first, no trip to Yeats Country would be complete without visiting the Yeats Society Sligo. Just a ten-minute walk from Riverside Hotel, this cultural and artistic hub is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and work of WB Yeats. At the centre, a permanent exhibition about Yeats is open to visitors throughout the year, and complemented by a range of private and guided tours, contemporary art displays, and special events.
Play Golf at County Sligo Golf Club
Dating back to 1894, County Sligo’s championship golf course in Rosses Point is undoubtedly one of the most unmissable things to do in Yeats Country for sports fans. Offering 18 holes, this strategic coastal links course promises an equally challenging and rewarding game in one of the most jaw-dropping locations imaginable. Polish your swing as views of the Dartry Mountains and Drumcliffe Bay vie for your attention.
Hike to the Top of Benbulben Mountain
Ireland’s answer to South Africa’s Table Mountain, Benbulben is an incredible sight to behold. Within a designated area of geological importance, it is characterised by a large, tabletop nunatak formation. Rivalling Sligo’s Knocknarea for its stunning aesthetics, it makes for an unmissable thing to do in Yeats Country for walkers. Enjoy the circular Benbulben forest walk or reach the summit to admire sweeping panoramas across the surroundings.
Cycle Around Lough Gill
For road cyclists looking for an unmissable thing to do in Yeats Country, the Lough Gill cycle loop is a must. Around 40km long, this route can be started and finished in Sligo and sweeps past some breathtaking scenery. On the way, keep a look out for views of Parkes Castle, Colgagh Lough and Beezie’s Island. The inspiration behind Yeats’ To an Isle in the Water, Beezie’s has a particularly intriguing history – once an old leper colony in the middle of the lake and latterly the home of local lady, Beezie Gallagher, whose old cottage can still be seen.
Go Back in Time at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
A land of fascination, County Sligo dates back thousands of years and is home to one of the largest concentrations of Megalithic tombs in Ireland and beyond. An unmissable thing to do for history lovers, Carrowmore on the Cúil Íorra Peninsula is not only one of the largest, but the oldest site of its kind in Ireland too. Head over to uncover the remains of more than 35 tombs, built nearly 6,000 years ago and retrace the footsteps of time.
Explore the Walkways of Sligo Abbey
Only a five-minute walk from our front door at Riverside Hotel, a visit to Sligo Abbey is a fantastic opportunity. One of the most unmissable things to do in Yeats Country, the abbey was originally founded in 1253 and still preserves many of its thirteenth and fifteenth century buildings. Explore the walkways of Sligo Abbey and take part in guided tours to delve deeper into its history. The abbey is open each day from March to November.
Walk Along the Shorefront at Strandhill Beach
From the original Irish word “Sligeach”, Sligo translates as “abounding in shells”. With its connection to the water, one of the most unmissable things to do in Yeats Country has to be a walk along the coast. For one of the best places, turn your attention to Strandhill Beach. At 11km long, this beach offers something for everyone, from shoreside walks hunting for shells to alfresco picnics to romantic moments watching the most mesmerising sunsets.
Go for Surf at Bundoran
Bundoran is renowned as Ireland’s surfing capital and is an unrivalled destination for surfers. Located in neighbouring County Donegal, it is well worth the roadtrip for salt-tousled wave-chasers looking for their next best barrel. Within the town, surfboard hire is available for those already comfortable in the waves. Meanwhile, a number of surf schools offer lessons to those looking to learn the ropes.
Indulge in a Seaweed Bath
What better way to relax than with a traditional seaweed bath? An unmissable thing to do in Yeats Country, a soothing seaweed bath is the perfect way to relax and unwind. Venture to Kilcullen Bath House in Enniscrone or Voya in Strandhill and look forward to a naturally rejuvenating experience.
Stay at Riverside Hotel
After a day of exploration, enjoy a relaxing stay at Riverside Hotel. Overlooking the Garavogue River in the heart of Sligo town, we are perfectly placed for unforgettable days out across Yeats Country. Choose from one of our spacious, comfortable rooms and make the most of our high-quality facilities, including our lovely onsite café and restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you.