Things to do in Ballysadare

Strandhill Beach borders the coastal town of Strandhill, a charming spot known for its gorgeous scenery, surf breaks and dunes covered by marram grass. Wander along the sandy beach and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hillside or take the icy plunge into the surf breaks that roll into the peninsula. Relax in an oceanfront café and sample scones and jam while you watch the roaring sea.

Knocknarea (Cnoc na Riabh) is an immense monolith overlooking the green pastures of County Sligo. From Neolithic folklore to the poetry of William Butler Yeats, the grassy summit has become mythologized throughout the ages. See the 1,078-foot-tall (329-meter) hill presiding over the peninsula from across the county. Hike up the hillside and enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills and the stunning bays of the west coast from atop the mound. Inspect the enormous pile of loose stones that make up the summit cairn, which is surrounded by myth and mystery.

The long, sandy beach at Streedagh Strand is a scenic stretch on the northwestern shore of Streedagh Point. Visit this pretty beach to stroll along the soft sands, inspect fossils in the limestone cliffs and retrace the adventures of the shipwrecked Spanish Armada captain Francisco de Cuéllar.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is a complex of tombs and stone circles that date back to the Neolithic period. The gneiss-and-quartzite megaliths dotted throughout these lush fields in County Sligo were constructed into passage tombs over 5,500 years ago. Learn about the rituals and cultural traits of prehistoric humans and explore the fascinating archeological site, one of the largest of its kind in Ireland.

Rearing above the Dartry Mountains, Ben Bulben is an immense limestone rock formation that has been important to Irish culture and mythology for millennia. See the landmark peak dominating the county during your travels in Sligo or stroll along the network of trails traversing the mountain’s base and summit.

Sligo Abbey is an impressive stone ruin of a Dominican friary in the heart of the historic town of Sligo. The abbey dates back to the mid-13th century and has survived fires, wars and uprisings throughout the centuries. Explore the ancient structure to appreciate the abbey’s steadfast architecture and to find a collection of preserved stone carvings.