Visit

County Sligo Castle Climbs Six Places to No. 8 in National Tripadvisor Rankings

Markree Castle has been named one of Ireland’s top hotels after securing the No. 8 position in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2026.

The achievement sees the County Sligo castle climb six places from last year’s rankings, placing Markree Castle among the Top 10 hotels in Ireland based on reviews and ratings submitted by guests over the past 12 months.

Markree Castle has become one of the northwest’s leading hospitality destinations, welcoming visitors from across Ireland and around the world to experience the unique charm, history and hospitality of one of Ireland’s most iconic castles.

Nicholas Ryan, General Manager of Markree Castle, said the recognition was a tremendous achievement for the entire team.

“To be recognised as one of Ireland’s Top 10 hotels and to move up six places from last year is something we are incredibly proud of. What makes this award particularly special is that it comes directly from our guests. Every review represents a personal experience, and we are honoured that so many people have chosen to share such positive feedback about their stay with us.”

 “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team. From our accommodation and food and beverage teams to housekeeping, maintenance and administration, every member of staff plays an important role in creating memorable experiences for our guests.”

 “We are also proud to represent County Sligo and the northwest. We are fortunate to be located in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions and it is always a privilege to welcome visitors and showcase everything that Sligo has to offer.”

Part of the Romantic Castles of Ireland collection, Markree Castle combines centuries of history with contemporary luxury and has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading castle destinations for weddings, celebrations and luxury escapes.

The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards represent the highest level of excellence in travel and are awarded to businesses that consistently receive outstanding reviews and ratings from travellers worldwide.

For Markree Castle, the latest ranking marks another significant milestone and reinforces its position as one of the premier hospitality destinations in the west of Ireland.

Their website is www.markreecastle.ie 

El Galeón Andalucía – Updated information for visitors:

• There is a temporary car park available close to the ship. Please follow the instructions of stewards on site. (Click here to see the temporary car park location).
• The public can access the area directly in front of the ship but please follow all instructions provided by stewards on site.
• It is recommended that all tickets are purchased online here.

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Sligo will welcome the spectacular Galeón Andalucía, the world’s largest replica Spanish galleon, for a two week visit from 30 June to 13 July 2026. The ship’s arrival marks a major cultural moment for the county and provides an exceptional new visitor experience at the start of the summer holidays.

Weather permitting, the Galeón Andalucía will sail into Sligo Harbour on 30 June, creating a dramatic and memorable spectacle for residents and visitors.

Before entering the harbour, the vessel will pause offshore at Streedagh Beach, honouring the site of the 1588 Spanish Armada sinkings and acknowledging Sligo’s deep historical connection to this story.

Sligo is home to the Remembering the Armada Festival, and the group will launch their 2026 festival during the visit.

Visitors will be able to step on board for a self guided tour, exploring the decks, cabins and maritime heritage of this spectacular ship.

The experience is suitable for all ages and is will be a major draw for families, community groups, maritime enthusiasts and cultural visitors.

This visit is hosted and supported by Sligo County Council, with additional support from the Sligo Tourist Development Association (STDA) and Fáilte Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy welcomed the news of the visit saying “As both Cathaoirleach and a long standing member of the Grange and Armada Development Association I am delighted to welcome the Galeón Andalucía to Sligo. This ship represents a powerful link between our coastline and one of the most compelling chapters in European maritime history. Its visit strengthens the bond between Sligo and the Armada story, honours those who were lost at Streedagh in 1588, and offers our communities and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with this shared heritage.”

Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council added “The arrival of the Galeón Andalucía is a truly unique experience for Sligo and a significant addition to our summer visitor offering. It showcases the strength of collaboration across our tourism partners and highlights the depth of culture, heritage and landscape that defines County Sligo. This is the type of distinctive, high quality experience that supports our Destination and Experience Development Plan and encourages visitors to explore right across the county.”

The Sligo Tourist Development Association (STDA) is supporting the visit and the Chair, Lewis J Rhatigan, has said “The Sligo Tourist Development Association is very pleased to support the visit of the Galeón Andalucía. This initiative aligns strongly with our objectives to enhance Sligo’s profile, support compelling visitor experiences and strengthen the tourism economy. The ship will attract both local families and visitors from further afield, contributing to increased footfall and wider economic benefit throughout the county.”

Fáilte Ireland is also supporting the visit and Luke Murray, Wild Atlantic Way Manager for Sligo and Mayo commented;

“The visit of the Galeón Andalucía directly supports actions set out in the Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan to interpret and bring to life the county’s Spanish Armada heritage. This is a strong example of the Plan being activated through a high‑profile, place‑based experience that connects Sligo’s maritime history with contemporary cultural engagement. By anchoring the Spanish Armada story in a living, immersive way, the visit strengthens Sligo’s coastal experience offering and encourages visitors to explore the county more deeply. Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support Sligo County Council and local partners in delivering an initiative that aligns with the objectives of the Sligo DEDP and the wider Wild Atlantic Way”.

The visit of the Galeón Andalucía supports Sligo’s commitment to balanced tourism dispersal, encouraging visitors to explore coastal, rural, cultural and urban areas across the county. From Streedagh and Grange to Sligo town and the wider Wild Atlantic Way, the initiative complements the county’s broader tourism strategy.

Visitors will also be encouraged to use the Visit Sligo Ideas Engine — the county’s personalised itinerary generator — to plan a full day or multi‑day experience around their visit to the ship. Full information regarding the visit will be available on www.sligo.ie and on the Visit Sligo social media channels.

Ticketing information for visit of Galeón Andalucía to Sligo

When:                         Public visits available between 1^st July and 12^th July

Ship open to visitors from 10am to 8pm daily

Where:                       Deepwater Quay, Sligo Harbour

Ticket prices:

Standard        (Age 10 and up):         €15

Child               (Age 5-10):                   €7

Family (2 adults & 3 children):        €37

Tickets available on board or online at https://ticket.velacuadra.es/

Discounts are available for advance online tickets purchased.

The ship is not wheelchair accessible.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan announces ‘The One @ One’ – a Night-Time Economy Late-Night Pilot Bus Service in Sligo, Buncrana and Longford

New late-night services will operate at 1am over the May, June, August & October Bank Holiday weekends and on Culture Night.

The Minister for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D has today announced the launch of ‘The One @ One’, a new late-night transport pilot serving three rural Night-Time Economy locations Sligo, Buncrana and Longford.

As rural Night-Time Economy pilot towns, all three locations have consistently identified access to safe, reliable late-night transport as one of the most significant barriers to nighttime participation. This pilot initiative aims to test tailored solutions designed specifically for smaller towns and dispersed rural communities.

Developed as a targeted response to research and extensive local consultation, ‘The One @ One’ will support safer, more accessible travel for residents and visitors while strengthening the vibrancy of the rural night-time economy. The pilot directly aligns with national policy commitments to improve inclusivity, safety and connectivity across Ireland’s rural towns during evening and night-time hours.

The service will operate on several busy weekends and key dates throughout the year, giving people more ways to travel safely after a night out. These trial periods will help partners understand demand, monitor usage, and shape future late-night transport options for rural communities across the country.

This pilot initiative is a partnership between the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the National Transport Authority, and Local Link, delivered in collaboration with Longford County Council, Donegal County Council, Sligo County Council and Sligo BID.

Speaking about the initiative today:

Cathaoirleach Donal Gilroy, Sligo County Council said:

“Access to safe and reliable late-night transport is essential to how people experience and enjoy our town after dark. This pilot represents a very positive step in supporting Sligo’s night-time economy while prioritising safety, inclusion and sustainability. By removing transport barriers, we are helping residents, workers and visitors alike to fully participate in evening life in Sligo and ensuring our town remains welcoming, vibrant and connected.”

Announcing the pilot initiative today, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:

“I’m very aware that rural areas can face greater challenges than larger urban centres, when it comes to transport and accessing night-time activities. That’s why I’m delighted to support the launch of this pilot initiative as part of the Night-Time Economy programme. It’s especially encouraging to see the strong collaboration between the three counties and their local authorities in working together to address shared needs.”

Speaking today, Ed Betagh, Local Link Programme Manager, National Transport Authority said:

“NTA is a strong supporter of the Night-Time Economy and understands the importance of improving our public transport network to ensure our passengers can get home from work or from a night out with friends later in the evening. We are already investing in late night services in cities and towns across the country, and this pilot project will bring these benefits to even more people.”

The 1am bus service will be operated by Local Link and will run on the following routes:

Buncrana – Route 959: Buncrana to Greencastle via Carndonagh

Sligo – Route 981: Markievicz Road to Rockfield

Longford – Route 865: Longford Centre to Granard

Speaking about the initiative today:

Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council said:

“This late-night bus pilot is in direct response to feedback from the people and businesses of Sligo town. Access to late-night transport has consistently emerged as a key challenge across all three locations. As pilot towns, we have a unique opportunity to trial innovative solutions, evaluate their impact, and better meet the needs of our communities. So we are delighted to see the One @ One come to life here in Sligo town.”

The introduction of ‘The One @ One’ marks an important step in enhancing accessibility, safety and vibrancy within Ireland’s rural night-time economy. This pilot will help ensure that more people can enjoy what their towns have to offer confident that they have a safe way to get home at the end of the night.

A remarkable milestone in local theatre is set to be celebrated this April as The Phoenix Players mark an incredible 80 years on stage with a vibrant and nostalgic anniversary exhibition.

Taking place in St. Brigid’s Hall, this special event promises to bring audiences on a journey through eight decades of drama, laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Running from 12–8pm on Saturday 25th April and 12–3pm on Sunday 26th April, the exhibition is free to attend and open to all.

Visitors can expect far more than a simple display. This immersive exhibition will shine a spotlight on the rich history of the group, with each decade carefully curated to tell its own story. From newspaper clippings and vintage posters to cast and crew photographs, the evolution of the Phoenix Players will be brought vividly to life.

A treasure trove of props, costumes, and memorabilia from past productions will be on display, alongside some stories of accolades earned over the years. For many, it will be a chance to reminisce — and for others, an opportunity to discover the legacy of one of the area’s most enduring drama groups.

Adding to the experience, a dedicated audio-visual reel will showcase snippets from productions across the decades, capturing unforgettable moments from the stage. Visitors will even have the unique chance to step onto the boards themselves, exploring old props and getting a true feel for life behind the curtain.

Of course, no theatre story would be complete without the tales that happen offstage. The exhibition will also feature funny stories, backstage mishaps, and behind-the-scenes chaos — the moments that audiences don’t always see but which make theatre so special.

The celebrations continue on Saturday evening, 25th with a social gathering in Cawley’s Hotel, where food, drink, and storytelling will take centre stage. Tickets for the social event are available from Gillespies & Doohans, priced at €15 per person, and promises an evening of great company, shared memories, and plenty of laughter.

This anniversary weekend is more than just a look back — it’s a celebration of the people, passion, and performances that have kept the Phoenix Players thriving for 80 years.

Whether you’ve been part of a production, sat in the audience, or are simply curious to experience the magic of local theatre, this is an event not to be missed.

Come along, take a trip through the decades, and be part of the story.

Exhibition runs Sat 25th April 12-8pm & Sun 26th April 12-3pm, Free Entry.

Social Event Saturday 25th 8pm Cawleys Hotel Tubbercurry, Tickets €15.