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A three-time Olympic gold medallist was among the first guests to explore Sligo’s heritage and landscapes with Ireland in Focus, a new tour company launched by local landscape photographer Ciarán McHugh.

The week-long heritage and photography tour, based out of Temple House Estate, offers visitors an immersive small-group experience uncovering Ireland’s hidden heritage, from sweeping coastlines and ancient tombs to local craft studios.

While designed to showcase the “real Ireland,” Ireland in Focus tours also weave in gentle photography instruction from McHugh, helping guests learn how to better capture their journey, whether using professional cameras or mobile phones.

“My aim was to create something personal and authentic – an experience that lets guests connect with Ireland the way locals do,” said Carney resident Ciarán McHugh. “The tour moves at a relaxed pace, giving guests time to take it all in. Photography becomes a tool for seeing, not just taking pictures. It helps guests slow down and notice the details that make Ireland so special.”

Among the inaugural tour guests was Nancy Hogshead, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and one of the most accomplished female swimmers in U.S. history. Hogshead, now a leading advocate for gender equity and athlete rights, joined the tour as part of her first visit to Ireland.

Speaking after the tour, Nancy Hogshead said: “Every day was unforgettable, one heart-stopping view after another. We watched pottery and iron being forged into art, listened to a harpist during dinner. We listened to the local storyteller regale us with stories of the fairies and local customs”.

The group spent seven days based entirely at Temple House, a 1,000-acre estate that includes a lakeside 13th-century Knights Templar castle. Staying in one location allows guests to unpack once, unwind, and truly immerse themselves in the surroundings.

The tour was also a showcase of local collaboration, bringing together some of Sligo’s most talented craftspeople, musicians, and storytellers. Guests enjoyed exclusive meet-the-makers visits, including a behind-the-scenes look at John Ryan Ceramics and a hands-on demonstration at the forge of master blacksmith Michael Budd.

One of the most memorable evenings at  Temple House saw the haunting Uilleann pipes of Brian Leach drift across the lakeside night sky, guiding guests to a surprise firepit gathering. There, under the stars, the group sipped hot chocolate and listened to ghost and fairy stories told by renowned Mullaghmore storyteller Joe McGowan – an experience that perfectly captured the magic and intimacy of the week.

From private visits to traditional workshops to exploring the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast and ancient sites, each day offered a unique encounter with Irish culture. The tours particularly appeal to senior travellers and solo female travellers seeking meaningful, well-paced experiences with exclusive local access and genuine personal connection.

“Around 90% of our week was spent in Sligo, and we still only scratched the surface,” added Ciarán McHugh. “It’s the total opposite of those big whistle-stop tours that try to cover all of Ireland – you see everything, but experience nothing. Sligo has so much to offer, and what we’re doing proves you can build an incredible experience around one region.”

With Ireland in Focus now fully booked for 2025 and new dates for 2026 soon to open, the company looks set to put Sligo firmly on the map for visitors seeking authentic Irish cultural experiences.

This December, families in Sligo – and visitors from across Ireland – can forget queues in the rain and long drives in the dark of winter: Santa’s Movigloo is here.

Created especially with families in mind, this brand-new immersive Christmas experience marks Hawk’s Well’s very first production at the newly acquired Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote, with 22 magical performances only – designed to make Christmas memories for children and the grown-ups who come with them.

Families step straight inside to magic, music, mischief and movies: Meet Santa in his BIG glowing holiday igloo. Meet their MOViGLOO band, Elf and Safety, who have songs to sing and plenty of mischievous tricks up their sleeves. Relax with a festive film while you wait.

It’s everything in one ticket, one trip – Santa + film + music + gift + photo – all on your doorstep in Sligo.

And getting there couldn’t be easier. Ballymote is just a short train ride away, with kids under 8 travelling free, and the theatre is only a six-minute walk from the station – part of the adventure for families making the trip.

No long queues in the cold, no cross-country travel, no stress. Just cosy, magical memories. In our imaginations, the family adventure of visiting Santa comes with soft falling snow, frosted wonderlands and the perfect Christmas photo.

The reality in Ireland is often very different – biting winds, battering rain, dampened spirits. Movigloo changes all that. Warm, welcoming and full of fun, every moment of the visit becomes part of the experience.

Getting there is easy too! The Art Deco is just a 6-minute walk from Ballymote Train Station, and with free train travel for under-8s, it’s the perfect festive day out for families.

“As a parent, I know the challenge – sometimes the wait can feel longer than the visit itself, or it’s a late drive into the countryside in the dark and in terrible weather conditions,” said Kieran Griffiths Director of Hawk’s Well Theatre.

“We wanted Movigloo to be different: warm, welcoming and joyful, but with all the magic of Christmas. Every minute adds to the magic, not the stress. We wanted to design something which appealed to the child, the parent and the child within the parent.”

Sligo’s stunning landscapes and vibrant food culture come together this autumn with the launch of The Sligo Picnic – a brand-new collaboration between Sligo Food Trail and Visit Sligo.

This exciting initiative invites visitors and locals alike to savour the very best of Sligo’s food and drink offering while exploring the county’s mountains, lakes, beaches, towns, villages and heritage sites.

From cafés and hotels to restaurants and artisan producers, members of the Sligo Food Trail are creating premium picnic experiences designed for every kind of day out.

Whether you are setting off on a coastal walk along any point on the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoying a hike in the Ox Mountains, planning a round of golf on a world class links golf course, or relaxing by a lake shore in South Sligo, you can now take the flavours of Sligo with you.

Each picnic is crafted using the finest and freshest ingredients – celebrating Sligo’s thriving food scene while connecting people to the county’s breathtaking outdoors.

Families, couples, friends, golfers, surfers, and walkers alike can all enjoy a ready-to-go taste of Sligo that enhances every adventure.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy said:
“Food is central to the Sligo experience – it is a reflection of our people, our creativity, and our landscape. The Sligo Picnic brings together two of our greatest strengths: outstanding local produce and the natural beauty of our outdoors.

Whether you are in South Sligo exploring our lakes and heritage trails, in West or North Sligo along the Wild Atlantic Way, or in the bustling heart of Sligo town, this initiative ensures you can enjoy the very best of Sligo’s food wherever your journey takes you.”

The Sligo Picnic is designed to support local businesses, promote sustainability through local sourcing and appropriate packaging, and provide visitors with memorable experiences that combine taste, place, and community.

Members of the Sligo Food Trail taking part in the campaign include GG’s Foodtruck, Hooked, Sligo Wellness Centre, Cawley’s Hotel, Diamond Coast Hotel, Ocean Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, The Address Sligo, The Glasshouse and The Riverside Hotel.

The Ireland eGovernment Awards, now in their 23rd year, are the recognised benchmark for excellence in digital government services in Ireland. They celebrate innovation, creativity, and leadership in the public sector, honouring projects that transform how services are delivered to citizens through technology.

The Ideas Engine, a first-of-its-kind digital tool in Ireland, was awarded for its excellence in digital innovation and citizen engagement. The app stood out for its personalised itinerary-building capabilities, powered by local data and AI, which connect visitors with experiences across County Sligo — from scenic trails and cultural events to food, wellness, and family fun.

Commenting on the success of the Ideas Engine, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, said:

“This award is a testament to what can happen when innovation, local talent, and a love for Sligo come together. The Ideas Engine is more than a tool — it’s a celebration of everything that makes our county special. We’re proud to lead the way in digital tourism.”

Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon, added:

“Winning this award reflects our commitment to smart, sustainable development and the power of collaboration. The Ideas Engine is a shining example of how technology can enhance visitor experiences while supporting local businesses and communities.”

The project was developed in collaboration with tourism students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, who played a key role in researching and organising local tourism data. Their involvement brought fresh insights and ensured the platform reflects the full diversity of Sligo’s offerings.

The technical delivery of the Ideas Engine was provided by Great Visitor Experiences, an Irish-based tourism promotion brand known for its cutting-edge digital solutions. Their expertise helped bring the platform to life, making it accessible, intuitive, and impactful for both visitors and locals.

Accessible via www.sligo.ie/visit/ideas-engine, the Ideas Engine continues to evolve as a cornerstone of Sligo’s smart tourism strategy — connecting people with unforgettable experiences across every corner of the county. It marks a new approach in destination marketing in Ireland, being the first platform of its kind in the country.