Our Guide to discovering the beauty that lies in the North West of Ireland
Welcome to the breathtaking North West of Ireland, snugly nestled along the dazzling Wild Atlantic Way! Here, we’ve created a fabulous list of must-see attractions and thrilling activities, all just a hop, skip, and a jump from Cawley’s! Dive into our county, unearth some secret treasures and hidden gems, most importantly enjoy your adventure with us!
Benbulben Mountain – It is part of the Dartry Mountains, in an area sometimes called “Yeats Country”. Perched like a regal giant over Drumcliffe Village in Sligo is the breathtaking Benbulben. Trek up to its flat-topped summit and feast your eyes on the enchanting vistas of the Wild Atlantic Way—it’s like nature’s very own show!
40 Minutes by Car 45km
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Carrowkeel – is a cluster of passage tombs in south County Sligo. They were built in the 4th millennium BC. The monuments are on the Bricklieve Hills (An Bricshliabh, ‘the speckled hills’), overlooking Lough Arrow, and are sometimes called the Bricklieve tombs. They are named after the townland of Carrowkeel in which most of them are located.
45 Minutes by Car 32km
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Caves of Kesh – a series of limestone caves located near the village of Keash, County Sligo. The caves are situated on the west side of Keshcorran Hill (part of the Bricklieve Mountains) and consist of sixteen simple chambers, some interconnecting. The caves have been used by man over several millennia, and it has long been suggested that they were the site of ancient religious practice or gathering such as Lughnasadh. (beginning of Harvest Season)
25 Minutes by Car 23km
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Down Patrick Head – Swing by the breathtaking treasure that is Downpatrick Head, just 5km north of the charming Ballycastle village in Mayo! Get ready to feast your eyes on the jaw-dropping Staggs of Broadhaven islands and the majestic Dún Briste sea stack—nature’s very own showstoppers! Head to the Céide Fields after, it’s only a short drive away, drop into the visitors centre and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
1hr 10 Minutes by Car 65km
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Easkey Pier & Roslee Castle – Roslee Castle majestically graces the shores beside the pier at Easkey, standing as a cherished landmark along the enchanting north coast of County Sligo. Gaze in awe at the breathtaking sights of Slieve League, the majestic Benbulbin Mountain, and the endless Atlantic as you stroll along the breezy, cobblestone path of Easky Pier!
41 Minutes by Car 37km
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Eagles Flying – Tucked away in the lush, rolling hills of South Sligo lies the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying, the grandest sanctuary for our feathered friends! Spanning over 27 hectares of scenic parklands near Ballymote, it’s a cozy home for a fabulous flock of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and even vultures! You’ll also meet an array of adorable critters like deer, skunks, and sly foxes.
15 Minutes by Car 16km
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Glencar Waterfall – This enchanting waterfall towers at a breathtaking 50ft, nestled right by Glencar Lough. It’s like nature’s own fairy tale! A quick stroll through the charming woods unveils a treasure trove of viewing spots to soak in the waterfall’s splendor. Sure, there are other waterfalls peeking from the roadside, but none can match the romance of this beauty!
48 Minutes by Car 48km
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Atlantic Sheepdog – Get ready for some fun at Sheepdog Demonstrations with Atlantic Sheepdogs! Here’s your chance to see the brainiest sheepdogs strut their stuff right in their own backyard! Marvel at these border collies as they showcase their herding skills while you soak in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from our fabulous panoramic gallery. It’s a tail-wagging good time!
46 Minutes by Car 49km
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Golf, Tubbercurry – Unleash your inner golf pro at Tubbercurry Golf Club, a charming 9-hole gem tucked away in the stunning County Sligo! With fairways and greens that look like they just stepped out of a postcard, this club is all about that cozy, community vibe for golfers of every stripe. Swing away while soaking in breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape.
2 Minutes by Car 1km
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Killala Bay – Ireland’s first Artifical Reef. MV Shignle was intentionally submerged in September and will be rapidly inhabited by marine life within just a few hours of it resting on the seabed. Algae and coral pave the way for a diverse community of fish and larger marine creatures, making them highly appealing to both divers and fishermen.
39 Minutes by Car 37km
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Keem Bay – Keem Beach on Achill Island is a hidden gem nestled in a gorgeous horseshoe bay in County Mayo. Picture this: a cozy, sandy beach cradled by towering cliffs, just waiting for your footprints! You can find this slice of paradise 10kms west of Keel village, right past the charming little village of Dooagh.
2 hrs by Car 124km
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Knock na Shee – The name of the plateau itself comes from Irish, ‘knock’ (cnoc) meaning ‘hill’ and ‘shee’ (sí) meaning ‘burial mound’ or ‘of the fairies’. In older Irish Knocknashee is known as Mullinabreena. Find a stunning walk here along with the River Moy which rises at the foot of Knocknashee.
11 Minutes by Car 9km
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Knocknarea – At the summit is one of Ireland’s largest cairns, known as Queen Maeve’s Cairn, which is believed to contain a Neolithic passage tomb. There are remains of several smaller tombs on the summit. Knocknarea overlooks the Carrowmore tombs and is thought to have been part of an ancient ritual landscape.
32 Minutes by Car 34km
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Lough Key Forest Park – Experience Lough Key Forest Park packed with activities and adventure – from boat tours, forest adventures, Boda Borg, bike trails, and more. With forest trails and lots of hidden gems to explore, you will have a fun filled, adventurous day in Boyle.
39 Minutes by Car 38km
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Mountain Bike Range – located in the village of Coolaney, about 20 minutes from us.The National Mountain Bike Centre in Coolaney, Sligo is a network of specially designed singletrack trails and forest roads, intended for mountain biking along a clearly marked circular route. You can select from blue grade trails that guide riders through stunning forests and heathland, red grade trails offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Strandhill, and Coolaney Village, or a thrilling black grade route tailored for expert-level bikers.
22 Minutes by Car 21km
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Mullaghmore – Unleash your inner adventurer at Mullaghmore Head, nestled between the charming towns of Cliffoney and Grange in the breathtaking County Sligo! Take a leisurely saunter along the stunning white sandy beach, then dive into the fun with a refreshing swim or catch some waves with a surfing lesson. Surf’s up! Mullaghmore Head is a renowned surfing spot and is described as Ireland’s ultimate big wave destination. Swim in the shimmering blue water or try a spot of windsurfing.
55 Minutes by Car 60km
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Museum of Country Life – Nestled in the chic exhibition halls of Turlough Park House and wrapped in stunning gardens, the Museum of Country Life whisks you back to rural Ireland from 1850 to 1950! Dive into a treasure trove of captivating artefacts from the National Folklife Collection that spill the beans on everything from cozy home life and farming to fishing, hunting, and fashion. It’s like a time-travelling adventure through the heart of Irish tradition!
38 Minutes by Car 45km
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Rathcroghan Visitors Centre – is nestled in the medieval gem of Tulsk, County Roscommon, and is a sparkling jewel in the archaeological crown of Cruachan Aí—home to Ireland’s oldest and biggest unexcavated royal site! Dive into the enchanting history of this area and unravel the spooky origins of Halloween at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.
40 Minutes by Car 45km
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The Shed Distillery, Home to Gunpowder Gin & The Single Pot Whiskey – located in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, here you can embark on distillery tours, attend special events, dine in the Jackalope Café and visit the gift shop.
57 Minutes by Car 55km
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Sligo Oyster Experience – Take part in the Sligo Oyster Farm Tour, led by Aisling, the owner of Sligo Oyster Experience, for a truly unique seafood adventure. Discover the rich history of Sligo’s seafood and enjoy exclusive access to a long-established working oyster farm renowned for its delectable oysters. The Oyster Experience and Aisling Kelly Hunter are Members of the Sligo Food Trail.
32 Minutes by Car 35km
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Strokestown Park House & Gardens – Home to The National Famine Museum, their engaging new National Famine Museum vividly brings to life the impactful stories of the Great Irish Famine, captivating visitors of all ages.Embark on a guided tour of Strokestown Park’s Palladian mansion, a true time capsule that showcases the genuine details of life in an Irish country house from centuries ago, catering to both the gentry and their servants!
54 Minutes by Car 61km
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Strandhill A Surfing Haven – Strandhill is widely regarded as one of the finest beach breaks in the nation and has consistently nurtured some of Ireland’s best surfers over the years. If you’re new to surfing and eager to give it a go, you can sign up for a lesson with one of the fantastic local surf schools, which offers all the necessary equipment.
35 Minutes by Car 37km
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Sliabh Liag Cliffs Centre – Explore the stunning beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic coast at the Sliabh Liag Cliff Centre. Recharge at Ti Linn Café and browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in their gift shop.
2 Hours 5 Minutes by Car 145km
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Westport House & Estate – Experience 17 exhilarating outdoor activities at Westport Adventure Park, nestled within the stunning 400-acre historical Westport Estate. This new outdoor adventure park invites you to embrace thrilling challenges and unforgettable experiences. Scale new heights, chase adrenaline rushes, and tackle Ireland’s largest Net Park.
1 Hour by Car 72km
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White Hag Tours – a modern independent craft brewery from Sligo, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. We brew innovative and groundbreaking beers, inspired by ancient and classic styles. Private tour by appointment for White Hag.
20 Minutes by Car 21km
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