Category: Visit | Page 2

The Sligo Picnic Launches: A Taste of Sligo to Take Outdoors

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.

Carrowmore Visitor Centre Reopens

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, visited Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Co. Sligo to view the completion of refurbishment works at the visitor centre. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the oldest and largest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland with remains of over 35 passage tombs constructed almost 6,000 years ago.

Minister Moran, said “I am delighted to see these works in the final stages at the Carrowmore Visitor Centre. The refurbished, modernised and fully accessible visitor centre will enhance the overall visitor experience. If you are making a trip to Sligo make sure to pay a visit to Carrowmore Monolithic site. We will be open this year until December 3rd with an extended season.

The upgraded visitor centre includes new immersive interpretation and exhibitions, increased accessibility including baby-changing facilities, upgraded staff accommodation and sheltered outdoor areas, including a new glazed canopy to facilitate guided tours. This project has been funded by Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In recognition of the demand to experience this unique site, the OPW is extending the visitor season at Carrowmore until 3 December 2025. This will allow more people the opportunity to explore the megalithic landscape and the new facilities. The refurbished Visitor Centre offering will be officially launched in March 2026 with a national and international promotional campaign.

Carrowmore Monolithic Site is located near Sligo town on the Cúil Íorra Peninsula, at the heart of Neolithic north-west Ireland. It promises to become a cornerstone of Sligo’s cultural tourism, blending centuries of history with a modern visitor experience. For more information about this historic location please see – www.heritageireland.ie

Visit Sligo “Ideas Engine” Wins Prestigious eGovernment Award

Sligo County Council is celebrating national recognition after its innovative tourism platform, the Ideas Engine, won a top honour at the Ireland eGovernment Awards held in O’Reilly Hall, Belfield on the 18th September and attended by Minister Jack Chambers.

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.

Sligo Jazz Project Wins International Award

Sligo Jazz Project has been announced as a 2025 Jazz Forward Award Recipient.

The Jazz Forward Award program celebrates trailblazers across the jazz ecosystem – businesses, organizations, and individuals who play pivotal roles in promoting jazz, discovering and elevating new talent, and expanding the reach and influence of the art form.

Global recipients are showcased in All About Jazz’s weekly newsletter, featured prominently on the website, and permanently listed on the Jazz Forward recipients page.

Winners also join the Spotlight On podcast hosted by Lawrence Peryer and are included in All About Jazz’s annual industry-wide announcement distributed by DL Media.

The 2025 winners were selected by a distinguished committee including Michael Ricci, Lawrence Peryer, and Joseph Vella. “These honourees are doing the challenging work that often goes unseen: cultivating new audiences, nurturing artistic growth, and reinforcing the infrastructure that keeps jazz viable,” said Michael Ricci, publisher of All About Jazz.

“The Jazz Forward Awards are our way of shining a light on those building the scaffolding of jazz’s future.”

This news, from the world’s biggest jazz website AllAboutJazz.com, comes as a timely boost while Sligo Jazz Project assemble their 2026 faculty. Sligo Jazz Project’s 2026 event will take place 21-26 July 2026 and will, as always, have a star studded faculty of international and Irish musicians of note.

On another note, Sligo Jazz Project teams up with Sligo Live festival – which, like Sligo Jazz Project, celebrates 20 years in 2025 – in co-promoting a concert on Sligo Live Festival’s programme for the first time this October. Norwegian soundscape artist, composer and tuba virtuoso Daniel Herskedal performs with his trio on Sunday October 26 at 3pm in the Hawks Well Theatre.

Tickets available from the Sligo Live website or hawkswell.com.

New Public Garden Path Opens at Hawk’s Rock Distillery

Hawk’s Rock Distillery has opened a new garden path on the grounds of Hazelwood House, which is now open to the public during daylight hours.

The new path runs from the distillery’s front gate across the front of the historic house, before linking with the Lady Anne Walk on the western side of the Hazelwood peninsula.

Along the walk, new interpretive signage highlights the history of Hazelwood House, its architecture and a few of the discoveries made during the conservation works. The route also connects with the wider network of woodland trails on the Hazelwood Peninsula, which are managed by Sligo County Council and Coillte.

The Garden Path forms part of Hawk’s Rock Distillery’s ongoing work to conserve and celebrate this historic site, while opening it up for the enjoyment of the public. For more information, please visit hawksrockdistillery.com.

Visit Sligo shortlisted for Irish Digital Media Awards

Visit Sligo is delighted to announce that it has been officially shortlisted for the 22nd annual Irish Digital Media Awards, honouring excellence in digital innovation and engagement across the island.

The Digital Media Awards 2025 are in their 22nd year and are set to take place on Friday, 10 October 2025, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

Each year, the Awards reflect the dynamic digital landscape in Ireland. Visit Sligo and the new innovative ‘Ideas Engine’ has been shortlisted in the category for ‘Best use of AI’.

The Ideas Engine is a new digital tool conceived and developed by Sligo County Council that creates bespoke itineraries for visitors based on their interests and dates of travel. It utilises local data and expertise along with AI technology to ensure a balanced spread of promotion across the county and alignment with the Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan.

“We are truly honoured to be included among the outstanding organisations recognised by the 2025 Digital Media Awards,” said Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy. “This nomination reflects our dedication to delivering digital experiences that inspire people to visit Sligo and showcasing the remarkable beauty of our special county”.

“Sligo is the activity and adventure capital of the north west of Ireland and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to the special place that we are lucky to call home.”

The Digital Media Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in digital content, strategy, and innovation across Ireland. The awards cover a wide range of categories—ranging from SEO, social media, and content, to technology, email campaigns, and brand strategy—structured to reflect the evolving digital media landscape and to showcase excellence across organisations of all sizes.

Wild & Well Festival 2025 – Schedule information

This September, the serene grounds of Annaghmore House, Collooney, Co. Sligo will be transformed into a vibrant sanctuary of wellness, creativity, and celebration as the Wild & Well Festival returns, running 5th–7th September 2025.

Set along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, this three-day gathering invites you to reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the untamed spirit of Sligo through workshops, music, and immersive experiences. Whether you come for a day or embrace the full weekend with camping, expect an unforgettable blend of creativity, movement, and soulful connection.

Workshops for Every Spirit

Across the festival’s immersive spaces — ROOT, CREATE, FLOW, THRIVE, IGNITE — you’ll discover a wealth of transformative sessions designed to restore, inspire, and energise.

ROOT: Drop into grounding practices such as Shamanic Sound Journeys with Didgeridoo Jedi, Mythic Movement with Aron Hegarty, and Rest & Restore Yoga with Nicole O’Kelly.
CREATE: Unleash your imagination with collage and painting workshops, sacred pottery making, and mythology-infused cacao rituals.
FLOW: Move your body with Ecstatic Shamanic Journeys, Tribal Twerk with Nikki Solyom, Contact Improv, and Kali Dance.
THRIVE: Dive into drumming, reiki, and sound healing, explore Masculine Embodiment, or join Conscious Connection workshops.
IGNITE: Expand your horizons with Lucid Dreaming, Psychedelics & Holistic Wellbeing, Food & Folklore, and DIY Kombucha Brewing.

Music that Moves the Soul

When the sun dips, the Main Stage comes alive with soundscapes that fuse tradition, innovation, and world rhythm:

Friday Highlights: Domhan, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, ELFÉ.
Saturday Highlights: Tyrell Black, Jenny Ní Ruiséil, Le Chéile, Kiruu, CAOIMHÍN, Hewan.
Sunday Highlights: Mass with the Lads, Ciara Lawless, Erin & The Lens, Didgeridoo Jedi, and a powerhouse finale with Kíla 4.
Expect everything from Irish folk to global fusion, ecstatic beats to heart-opening harmonies — a true celebration of music’s power to connect.

With camping under the stars, nourishing food stalls, and the natural beauty of South Sligo as your backdrop, Wild & Well Festival is more than an event — it’s an immersive experience of belonging, creativity, and joy.

Tickets range from single-day passes to full weekend camping with options to suit every seeker.

This autumn, step away from the noise and into a community that celebrates all that it means to be wild, well, and wonderfully alive.

Annaghmore House, Collooney | 5–7 Sept 2025

Find out more and book your place here

Sligo Festivals & Events – September 2025

September in Sligo is alive with energy, colour, and community spirit. From surfing spectacles on the Wild Atlantic Way to classical concerts, salsa dancing, and heritage celebrations, the month is packed with festivals and gatherings that showcase the best of County Sligo. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, history enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, there’s something here for you.

Culture Night Sligo 2025 – Over 30 Free Events Announced for 19 September

Sligo is set to come alive with music, art, theatre, workshops and late-night experiences as Culture Night returns on Friday 19 September. More than 30 free events will take place across the county from 4pm until late, celebrating local creativity and cultural diversity.

Highlights include a multi-cultural celebration at The Model, a moon-themed evening of poetry, film and music at Yeats Society Sligo, and Allta Creations’ roving street theatre, The Púca Roams, inspired by Irish folklore. Across the county, visitors can experience a revival of ancient Irish annal-writing at Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown, art and writing in the dramatic Gleniff Horseshoe (gRounded), and a surf culture celebration with Barry Britton in Strandhill (Tides of Expression).

Other standout events range from traditional music in the medieval surrounds of Sligo Abbey (Sligo Soundscapes), to a powerful exhibition of The Hands of History bronze sculptures at Hawk’s Well Theatre, and the feel-good community sing-along Sligo Sings at City Hall.

This year’s programme also features Culture Night Late, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in support of the Night-Time Economy initiative, and delivered in partnership by Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. From 9pm, audiences can enjoy a live music broadcast from The Model in partnership with RTÉ 2FM, atmospheric performances in the Yeats Building’s Oak Moon garden café, rising teenage bands at The Nest, and an immersive late-night experience at Metalbox Workshop Collective on Adelaide Street, offering a rare chance to explore this creative space at Image Framers after dark through film, visual art and experimental music.

Following an Open Call in late May, Sligo Arts Service received 42 applications for Culture Night funding under three different categories: Flagship events, Featured events and a countywide programme entitled Culture Wide. This year, three Flagship events, four Featured events and 22 Culture Wide events have been supported, with approximately €25,000 in funding committed to events.

In addition to the funded programme, Sligo Arts Service will promote other independent events, ensuring the night showcases the full range of cultural activity taking place in Sligo.

Culture Night Sligo is funded by The Arts Council and delivered locally by Sligo County Council’s Arts Service.

The full Culture Night Sligo 2025 programme is available to see here.

‘What Home Means to Me’ Exhibition launches in Sligo City Hall

Representatives of Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association, the Approved Housing Body (AHB) arm of Focus Ireland, Sligo Co. Council gathered in Sligo City Hall alongside community partners Tusla Aftercare, and Springboard to celebrate their partnership and community work with families and individuals in Sligo for over 18 years.

The event marks Focus Ireland’s 40^th Anniversary and to honour their work and tenants, Focus Ireland commissioned local artist Andy Parsons, to cultivate their tenants in creating some special artwork to convey their lived experience of homelessness and what having a home really means to each of them and their loved ones. The work was created under the theme ‘What Home Means to Me’

Mary Jameson, Manager of Sligo Housing services said “Andy was the obvious choice of artist to work with our tenants and staff in conveying the impact of our services that supports so many people and families in finding and sustaining a home.

Mary further added, “Andy’s work centres around community, focuses on people and places, and on activities where people work together to help each other. These are the same core values of dignity, inclusivity, safety, quality, and empowerment that Focus Ireland and our community partners enveloped to guide how we serve families and individuals in our roles.” She continued: “We see daily what support and advice can achieve for a person or family in need.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland – “This year, marks Focus Ireland 40^th anniversary, however, we don’t see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation.

This month’s recent Department of Housing figures show that a total of 16,058 people including over 5,000 children are currently homeless in Ireland today. Homelessness has nearly doubled (98%) in 4 years from 8,132 people homeless in July 2021 to 16,058 in July this year. “Back in 2007 Focus Housing Association’s collaboration with Sligo Co. Council and community partners began with a shared goal to build communities that ensured people had a safe and secure home, as well as connection to communities that cares and looks out for each other. These are shocking numbers and behind these Department of Housing numbers are real people and children.

Therefore, Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association, the housing arm of Focus Ireland is calling for immediate action from the Government to build newer social and affordable rental housing

Including the funding for the redevelopment and management of older properties as a further solution to homelessness prevention as so many in society are struggling right now to keep a roof over their heads due to rising rents, landlords leaving the market, and many other issues. Include the expansion and streamline of the Tenant-in-Situ scheme to end no-fault evictions. As well as the urgent reform of the HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) to help protect the almost 54,000 households who rely on the payment to sustain their home.

He continued, “We feel our core values of dignity, respect, are more crucial than ever as we confront the growing challenges, and we must continue to work together because we can’t end homelessness alone.

People should draw inspiration from todays’ art showcased from our tenants that conveys a lived experience that no one should have to face and go through. Focus Ireland will continue to campaign and influence government to do better, drawing on the expertise and experience of our services for those who use them, to change policy and services to help change lives.