We are fortunate to be returning to Ireland for two weeks and will be spending the first week in the North. We are picking up our children at the Shannon Airport midday on a Saturday to spend a week on the West Coast with them. We are looking to break up the drive with an overnight somewhere between the Derry/Londonderry area and the Shannon Airport. We have already stayed in Galway and at Ashford Castle, so we are looking for other suggestions. Sligo breaks up the drive nicely, but does not even earn a mention in the Rick guide book. Clifden sounds gorgeous but is 6 hours drive from Londonderry and another 3 to the airport in the am. Anyone have any special places?
Posted by
Rocky Mount, VA
290 posts
Sligo makes a great stopping point between Shannon and Londonderry. I actually spent two nights there. It’s pleasant to walk along the river and through the town. There are a number of nice restaurants and cafes, several with scenic views of the river. There are nice hotels and B&B’s.
There is a signposted walking trail of the town starting on Stephen Street with a booklet, ‘A Walking Trail & Pictorial Town Map of Sligo’ available from the Tourist Office in O Connell Street if you’re interested, but it’s easy enough to wander on your own.
There are several museums and art galleries and a William Butler Yeats statue. In town the ruined medieval Sligo Abbey has carved tombs. Nearby, there is the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Knocknarea (Queen Mauve's tomb).
Just a few minutes away, St. Columba’s Church in Drumcliffe is the site of W.B. Yeats’ grave. There is a nearby round tower and high cross. The church is scenic and the area offers scenic views of Benbuben, which is awe inspiring. There is a nice café on the church grounds as well.
Since I had two days, I drove around a bit and spent some time walking along country lanes and a few trails to get different photographic shots of Benbulben and had a pleasant conversation with a farmer who came by on his tractor while I was taking photos.
I took an indirect route to Londonderry so I could stop at the Ulster American Folk Park, which displays Irish dwellings of several Irish who emigrated to the United States as well as American dwelling built by Irish immigrants.
Check out this link to see more things to do in the area.
Posted by
OP
Lowell
28 posts
Thank you fcraymond76 I will check Tripadvisor for B&B's.