Category: Visit | Page 5

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

Remembering The Armada 18th-21st Sep – Save the date

This September, the Remembering the Armada Festival returns to Grange, County Sligo, from September 18–21, 2025. This unique and poignant festival commemorates the tragic loss of three Spanish Armada ships along the Sligo coast in 1588 and celebrates the enduring cultural ties between Ireland and Spain.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way, the festival offers a rich programme of heritage, music, storytelling, and remembrance. Visitors can expect:

Boat trips exploring the scenic Sligo coastline and the route of the Armada ships
️ Historical photo exhibitions bringing the 16th-century maritime story to life
Live concerts and traditional Irish music celebrating our shared cultural rhythms
Guided heritage walks across Streedagh and surrounding landscapes
Lectures and talks led by historians and local experts
A powerful remembrance ceremony on Streedagh Beach, attended by members of the Spanish Navy, honouring those who lost their lives

This annual festival is both a local highlight and an international tribute—linking communities across time and borders through the lens of a shared past. It offers an unforgettable opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate the bonds between Sligo and Spain.

Visitors from near and far are invited to immerse themselves in the history, hospitality, and heritage of Grange and North Sligo, while also taking time to explore the broader wonders of the county—from South Sligo’s cultural landscape to the stunning coastlines of West Sligo.

The Remembering the Armada Festival is delivered by a dedicated local committee, with input from historians, community groups, cultural organisations, and international partners.

Join us in Sligo this September for a weekend that connects history with heart.

For full details and programme updates, visit their website here.

Waveski and Surf Kayak European Championships heading for Easkey

The European Championships of Waveski and Surf Kayak will be held in Ireland for the first time in 2025.

This is a world-class spectacle of skill, precision, and raw ocean energy, and it will take place along the rugged Atlantic coastline of Easky, Co. Sligo, from September 5th to 9th, 2025.

Ireland will become the beating heart of European paddle surfing as top athletes from across the continent descend on one of the country’s most iconic surf breaks.

Easky, long revered by surfers for its powerful reef breaks and unspoiled beauty, is now set to take its place on the international paddle sport stage.

This is a testament to the strength of Ireland’s surf culture, the growth of paddle sports, and the island’s ability to host events of the highest calibre.

Sanctioned by the World Waveski Surfing Association (WWSA) and the World Surf Kayak Association (WSKA), the championships will be a crucial event for athletes chasing international rankings and qualification for the 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles.

With up to 150 competitors, the waves off Easky will see the best in the sport push the limits of what is possible on a surf kayak or waveski.

The competition will feature Open Men’s and Women’s divisions across Waveski, High-Performance (HP), International Class (IC), and an Adaptive Waveski category, ensuring that the event showcases the full spectrum of paddle surfing talent.

For Irish paddle sports, this event is more than just a competition. It is a landmark moment, a chance for local athletes to test themselves against Europe’s finest, and an opportunity for Ireland’s surf-rich coastline to shine on the world stage.

Canoeing Ireland, which has long championed the development of paddle surfing, is backing the event, recognising its significance not only for the sport but for Ireland’s status as a premier watersports destination.

Taste of Sligo Food Festival set for September Success

Friday 19th – Sunday 21st September 2025

After an outstandingly successful event in their first year, the Taste of Sligo Food Festival has announced a stellar line up for the 2025 festival which now extends to three days. Running from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September the annual celebration of food, which is the brainchild of local food hero Anthony Gray, brings top chefs and food producers to Queen Maeve Square in the heart of Sligo town. It’s all about the atmosphere and a winning combination of cookery demonstrations, al fresco dining, live music and kids’ entertainment as well as dozens of artisan food stalls and food trucks it adds up to a superb experience for foodies of all ages. It’s an additional draw, bringing tourists to Sligo for a foodie weekend.

Professional cookery demonstrations include celebrity chefs Kevin Dundon, Shane Smith and Sham Hanifa with well-known MC Tracie Daly of Ballymaloe fame. Also starring on the demo stage are award winning local Sligo Food Trail members Alan Fitzmaurice (The Glasshouse Hotel), Becca Sweeney (Hooked), Anthony Gray (Hooked & Eala Bhan), Aisling Kelly (Sligo Oyster Experience), Afro Caribbean cooking sensation Funké Egberongbe (Funké Restaurant) and Dr Prannie Rhatigan as part of the Spanish Armada Ireland weekend. Sarah Browne (Oysome) is a new local face on the demonstration stage.

Stands include a fabulous cross-section of producers with lots of artisan produce to bring home and enjoy on the day. Mammy Johnson’s have all the home made ice-cream flavours you can imagine. Drinks are well represented too with Lough Gill Craft Beer catering for craft beer lovers and the Drumshanbo Gin Bar offering delicious options.

New this year is the Cool Food School with cookery workshops for 5th and 6th class students. Presented by BTEC-qualified Health Coach Deirdre, the mission is to teach children of all ages about the joys of healthy eating. Workshops will be held before the festival opens on Friday in Eala Bhán.

For 2025 a third day has been added due to popular demand and the festival begins this year on Friday 19th September with a tapas-style event running from 4.30 to 9pm. Festival hours on Saturday 20th September are 12-8pm and on Sunday 21st September 12-9pm. Large crowds are expected and advance booking is advised.

The Taste of Sligo Food Festival is supported by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF), Sligo BID, Sligo Food Trail, Visit Sligo, Sligo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Wild Atlantic Way and Sligo Chamber of Commerce, Whitesides SuperValu, Expert Electrical and Hawks Rock Distillery.

The easiest way to get festival tickets is to book in advance through Eventbrite:

www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-sligo-food-festival-2025-tickets-1469189307769

The cost is €10 per day or €15 for an early bird three day-ticket (before 31st July). The standard three-day ticket price is €20. Under-12s get free admission with an adult.

The Model awarded Full Museum Accreditation

The Model has been awarded Full Museum Accreditation by the Heritage Council under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI). This is the highest level of recognition available through the programme and marks a significant milestone for The Model and cultural life in the northwest.

This year, 11 museums were recognised through the MSPI at a special ceremony at Kilkenny Castle. Among them, The Model was commended for its outstanding commitment to collection care and public engagement, particularly for the way in which it brings significant Irish artworks to life for both local and national audiences.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony at Kilkenny Castle, Director of The Model, Emer McGarry paid tribute to all of the staff for their work during the accreditation process, and thanked the Heritage Council and Sligo County Council for their support. “The Model is very proud to receive Full Museum Accreditation alongside so many great organisations and National Cultural Institutions. This wonderful achievement demonstrates that the way we care for The Niland Collection and plan for the continued success of The Model is in keeping with international standards of best practice, in the same way as the finest museums in the world.”

You can check out what’s on at The Model here.

Irish Surf Team Celebrated at Strandhill Homecoming After Historic European Championship Win

There were jubilant scenes in Strandhill last night as gold medallist Gearóid McDaid and the Irish Surf Team were welcomed home following their historic success at the European Surfing Championships.

McDaid became the first Irish surfer to take gold at the competition, while the national team secured an overall third-place finish — Ireland’s strongest result to date.

The homecoming took place at the National Surf Centre, where a crowd gathered in the village square for podium interviews with the team and coaches.

The celebration marked a defining moment for Irish surfing, reflecting both the achievements of a rising generation of athletes and the strength of local community support.

South Sligo Summer School 2025 Launched!

The South Sligo Summer School has kicked off for 2025!

This is a week long summer school of Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance, featuring a packed programme of events including concerts, céilís, talks, practice sessions, outdoor gatherings and workshops in a broad range of instruments, singing and dancing.

The South Sligo Summer School is a well established annual event in the traditional Irish music calendar and draws people of all ages and levels of experience to Tubbercurry from all over the world as well as from all parts of Ireland and the local area, to immerse themselves in a week of music, song and dance.

The area is renowned for its rich musical tradition and for the unique Sligo style of fiddle and fiddle & flute duet playing in particular.

While the emphasis is on promoting the local style, the programme is broad ranging and eclectic with workshops such as Mixed Melody Instruments for Adults, bodhrán, traditional guitar, lilting and sean nós singing and dancing, amongst a host of other options.

You can see the full schedule of events at https://www.southsligosummerschool.com/