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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.

Sligo Celebrates Heritage Week 2025: ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ (16–24 August)

Heritage Week 2025 in Sligo is bursting with great events and unique experiences that all follow the theme of this years national programming – “Exploring Our Foundations”. All of the events in Sligo can be seen at on the Heritage Week website here. Heritage week runs between August 16th – 24th.

Highlights Across the County

Popular events taking place during Heritage Week
- Try the Pipes – Dive into the magic of the uilleann pipes with a free taster session hosted by Na Píobairí Uilleann at Hawk’s Well Theatre on 16 August, 14:00–16:00
- Art in the Abbey – Explore Sligo Abbey through charcoal in an outdoor drawing workshop led by Martina Butler on 23 August, 10:30–15:30
- The Cloister Boys – Enjoy trad-fusion music with OPW guides Barry Mulligan and Harry Keaney inside the evocative walls of Sligo Abbey on 17, 20, and 24 August
- Centuries of Sound – Join Gregory Daly for an immersive talk on South Sligo’s rich traditional music legacy, featuring live tunes with his daughter, Ciara, followed by The Cloister Boys, on 20 August, 14:00–15:00
- Imagining Sligo’s First People – Hear award-winning author Monica Corish in conversation with Susan O’Keeffe at the Yeats Building on 22 August, 17:00–18:30—to explore the prehistoric roots beneath Knocknarea
- Local Sligo Stories – A touching tribute to John Mullaney through a video recording event at The Nest on 20 August, 19:00–20:30
Libraries & Community Workshops
- Harvest Knot Workshops – Make traditional harvest knots and learn their history in sessions at Sligo Central Library, Tubbercurry, and Ballymote libraries on 19 and 22 August. Booking required
- The Pig in Irish Mythology – Joe McGowan shares folklore wisdom at Sligo Local Studies on 21 August, 13:00–13:45
- Lunchtime Spotlight: The Yeats Sisters – Discover the legacies of Lily and Elizabeth Yeats at Sligo Central Library on 19 August, 13:00–13:30.
Heritage Walks & Exploration
- Walking Tour of Ballymote – Delve into historic architecture and local craftsmanship on a guided tour beginning at Ballymote Castle on 24 August, 15:30–16:30
- Discovering the Layers of Court Abbey (Achonry) – Visit The Knocknashee Community Hub on 24 August, 16:00–18:00, to explore Court Abbey’s legacy
- Exploring Geevagh’s Heritage – Join a heritage walk and storytelling event at Geevagh Community Centre on 23 August, 14:00–16:00
- Celebrating Traveller Life and Culture – Engage with a vibrant display of Traveller heritage and traditions at Cranmore Road, Sligo, on 21 August, 10:00–13:00

Why This Matters

Heritage Week is a nationwide celebration of Ireland’s cultural, architectural, and natural legacy—and this year marks its 20th anniversary under the theme “Exploring our Foundations”. Sligo’s curated programme invites participants to connect with land, stories, traditions, and community—uniting all corners of the county in a vibrant tapestry of shared discovery.

Strandhill Film & Folk Festival Unveils 2025 Programme Celebrating Film, Music, and Place

The Strandhill Film & Folk Festival (SFFF) has announced its 2025 programme, promising a brilliant weekend of film, music, and cultural celebration through a curated line-up of screenings, performances, talks and workshops. Taking place from August 29–31 in Strandhill village, full details and tickets are available at www.strandhillfilmandfolkfestival.ie.

Now in its second year, the festival adds an exciting range of fringe events while keeping its intimate atmosphere, leaning in themes of nature, biodiversity and conservation. The festival is has been made possible by support from The Arts Council, the Creative Ireland Programme 2023–2027 and Sligo County Council.

Opening night at Shells Café features acclaimed filmmaker Neasa Ní Chianáin in a Director in Focus panel moderated by Sligo-based director Marian Quinn, presented in partnership with X-Pollinator and supported by the National Talent Academies. A networking reception with refreshments from Shells Café will follow (RSVP required).

On Saturday, August 30, two short film programmes will be screened in St Anne’s Church. The first showcases award-winning Irish work, including Farmers!? by Freddie Leyden, winner of Best Director: Irish Short at Cork International Film Festival, and Dancing with Strangers: From Palestine to Ireland by Gavin Fitzgerald and Dr Rita Marcalo, a choreographic act of resistance where four dancers in Gaza offer people in Ireland an embodied experience of their personal story of occupation and genocide.

The second programme celebrates regional filmmaking, with shorts from Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal. Highlights include An Buachaill Nua, a heartfelt 1970s-set Sligo tale by Diarmuid Timmons, and A Day in the Sun, written and directed by Edwin Mulane’s, this stunning film uses Sligo’s natural beauty to great cinematic effect.

The headline music event features The Máirtín O’Connor Trio — Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd — performing in the atmospheric St Anne’s Church on Saturday evening. Known for their virtuosity and deep roots in Irish traditional music, the trio are celebrated for their dynamic, soulful performances.

On Sunday, August 31, the festival presents A Sense of Place — a day of talks and workshops connecting audiences to local heritage, ecology and creativity, this day of free events is funded by the Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 and Sligo County Council.

Archaeologist Marion Dowd and writer Maura Gilligan, joined by musician Stephen O’Dowd, will weave together archaeology, folklore, memoir and poetry exploring the Cúil Irra peninsula. Wildlife cinematographer Peter Clyne and biodiversity officer Ruth Hanniffy will reveal Sligo’s wild wonders through captivating images and stories.

Artist Peter Crann will demonstrate Crankie Boxes — hand-cranked storytelling devices with scrolling images and live narration. Uilleann piper Leonard Barry will offer hands-on workshops for those wishing to learn this iconic Irish instrument.

Remembering the Armada 2025 Programme Launched

An expanded programme for the Remembering the Armada festival will take place at various locations in Sligo on 18-21 September. Comprising of a Spanish Armada conference, tours and concerts as well as many other events including the annual remembrance parade on Streedagh Beach, this year’s festival will have something for anyone interested in Ireland’s Armada heritage.

As many will know, the Spanish Armada lost three of its ships at Streedagh in September 1588, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 men. Every year the community gathers to commemorate the tragedy and over time, this has grown to incorporate diverse events that attract Armada historians as well as members of the public that have an interest in this chapter of Hispano-Irish history.

“It’s important that we have a broad programme of events,” says the new Chair of Spanish Armada Ireland Dr. Prannie Rhatigan. “Many people come to get a flavour of what is a captivating story in itself, but we want to ensure that the programme has general appeal as well as engaging with historians and experts. There’s something for everyone and we always want to encourage both locals and visitors to get involved and this year is the biggest series of events we’ve run to date.”

The programme for this year’s festival is now online at www.spanisharmadaireland.com/festival and reflects the range of events on offer. From a tour of Donegal Bay to visit Slieve Liag (Europe’s tallest sea cliffs) by sea to an immersive music event overlooking the ocean to a 40 year photographic exhibition of the Armada discovery of 1985, the programme is varied and captivating. The Armada Conference itself, which will take place on Friday 19th September at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill, will feature experts from Ireland and Spain who will provide details on the latest Armada discoveries, as well as new research that pertains to the events of 1588.

“It’s a dynamic programme that will appeal to many people from the first time visitor to the returning Armada enthusiast,” says Cllr. Donal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and a member of Spanish Armada Ireland. “It’s a credit to the people of Grange and Streedagh in particular, that they have increased the profile of this unique chapter of our history over so many years. Supported by Sligo County Council, the event continues to surprise and challenge in equal measure and I am very much looking forward to this year’s events once things get underway in September.”

While the story of the Armada coming to grief in Ireland is more than 400 years old, the legacy continues. Every year, subaqua teams from the Underwater Archaeology Unit survey the site at Streedagh, monitoring the seabed for changes in the environment and which might lead to intervention by divers. In 2015, a significant change in the underwater environment led to the requirement for 9 cannons and other priceless artefacts to be recovered by the UAU.

This year, their team will return to Sligo to bring us the latest information on the Armada shipwrecks. The conference itself as well as the overall festival is supported by the National Monuments Service, the Spanish Embassy in Ireland and the Spanish Navy.

One of the most eye catching elements of the Armada festival in recent years has been the involvement of the modern Spanish Armada. Each year since 2016, Spain has sent a naval vessel and team of officers and crew to take part in Remembering the Armada and this year is no exception. The Spanish Navy Band will also be in attendance and will play at various events, including a Gala Concert at Grange Church (followed by Céilí at Grange Hall), which will also help generate funds for a new running track in the village.

Tickets for all of the events are now available at www.SpanishArmadaIreland.com/festival and while many events are free and open to the public, there is a limited capacity for others, like the boat tour, concert, recital and conference and we strongly encourage you to book tickets well in advance for what promises to be a very popular weekend of Armada activities in Sligo this September.

Visit Sligo Shortlisted for eGovernment Award

Visit Sligo’s innovative Ideas Engine has been shortlisted for a prestigious eGovernment Award, recognising the county’s pioneering approach to digital tourism promotion. Developed by Sligo County Council in collaboration with ATU Sligo tourism students, the Ideas Engine is a digital platform that blends local data and expertise with AI technology.

The Ideas Engine is designed to spark creativity, inspire itineraries, and promote all corners of County Sligo to a national, and international audience. This exciting project is further building on the many new initiatives undertaken by the Tourism unit in the Council in recent times in the promotion of Sligo as a must-visit tourist destination.

The nomination highlights Sligo’s commitment to leading the way in digital transformation within the public sector. Through projects like the Ideas Engine, overhaul of www.sligo.ie and ongoing promotional campaigns on social media platforms, Visit Sligo. lead out under the auspices of the Council, continues to champion digital approaches that support the Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan.

As part of its ongoing digital strategy, Visit Sligo has significantly amplified its online presence, giving festivals and events a powerful platform on social media. From festivals with an international reach like Sligo Live to the treats of the Taste of Sligo food festival to the culturally rich Remembering the Armada Festival in Grange, each event benefits from tailored digital campaigns that attract both locals and international visitors along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Gilroy, welcomed the news:

“This recognition for the Ideas Engine shows what can happen when innovation, local talent and a love for Sligo come together. Our county is bursting with energy, creativity and world-class festivals — there’s never been a better time to visit. I encourage everyone to come to Sligo this year and experience one of our many unforgettable events for themselves.”

The Ideas Engine is available on the Visit Sligo website here and continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the county’s smart tourism strategy.

Sligo Beach Wheelchair availability

Sligo County Council offer the use of beach wheelchairs for use at Enniscrone and Mullaghmore Beaches.

In order to book a wheelchair, an application form must be fully completed and submitted to the Environment Section, Sligo County Council, Riverside, Sligo or emailed to environ@sligococo.ie. All application forms must be submitted at least 2 days prior to date of intended use.

Beach Wheelchair Use – Application Form (PDF) – 91 kbs

Beach wheelchairs are available at the following locations and can be booked in slots of up to 3 hours. (Depending on demand).

Terms and Conditions for use:

All chair users must have a carer/assistant with them to aid them in transfer to the chair and to push the chair, as the wheelchairs are not self-propelling. The people managing the bookings will not be in a position to assist transfer to and from the chair or push users on to the beach.
Lifeguards will not be in a position to assist with wheelchair use.
All users must present a current photo ID when collecting the chair.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for the use of the wheel chairs in order to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience. All users will be required to complete, sign and return an application prior to use.

Enniscrone Beach:

To book the Debug Beach Wheelchair please contact:
Suzanne at 087 9716389 or email info@surfsligo.com

Rosses Point Beach:

Unavailable at present until further notice. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Mullaghmore Beach:

Terrabeach Wheelchair and Hippocampe Beach Wheelchair available for use: please contact Sligo County Council:
Tel: 071 911 1111 or email: enviro@sligococo.ie
For further information please contact the Environment Department of Sligo County Council on 071 9111 111 (Office hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email enviro@sligococo.ie

Beach Wheelchair Use on Request – Off Season

We often get requests for the use of our beach wheelchairs at different locations and at various times during the year, outside of our busy summer season.
We will do our best to accommodate requests of this nature, once the wheelchair is available and we have staff available to transport the wheelchair to the requested location.
If you wish to make a request to use our beach wheelchairs, off season, please contact us at 071 9111 111 (Office hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email enviro@sligococo.ie