1. Climb Benbulben or Benbulben Forest Walk
Standing tall above Drumcliffe Village in Co. Sligo is majestic Benbulben. Park up at Luke’s Bridge, 5km north of Drumcliffe, to begin your Benbulben adventure. Walking past glacial tracks, wild gullies and babbling streams, you'll make your way to the flat-topped summit where you can enjoy magical views of the Wild Atlantic Way. Look out for unique flora and fauna, including Fringed Sandwort which dates back to the Ice Age.
The Benbulben Loop Trail on the forest road brings you to a striking waterfall where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sligo Bay and, on a clear day, Donegal in the distance. Visit the grave of renowned poet W. B. Yeats at Drumcliffe Cemetery near the base of Benbulben and later have lunch in Drumcliffe Tea House.
2. Surfing at Strandhill Beach
Strandhill Beach is located in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, just 5 miles west of Sligo Town, and is renowned worldwide for being a fantastic surf spot and a prime example of Ireland's natural beauty, with panoramic views of Knocknarea and Benbulben. There are several surf schools catering for both novices and experienced surfers.
As well as being an extremely popular surfing spot, Strandhill has several amazing walks from Strandhill Beach to Culleenamore Strand and to Killaspubrone.
Situated on the western edge of Strandhill Village, the Discovery Point offers impressive views inland to Knocknarea Mountain and seaward over Strandhill Beach, Sligo Bay, and Coney Island. Large boulders have been built along the line of the promenade to act as a defence system in order to combat coastal erosion. The surrounding landscape and terrain largely consist of marram-covered dunes.
3. Mullaghmore Head
Mullaghmore Head is a renowned surfing spot, and is often described as Ireland's ultimate big wave destination. Explore the walking route along the coastline of Mullaghmore Head and, afterwards, stop by the small fishing village of Mullaghmore, where you can savour some fresh seafood and enjoy a warm welcome from the locals. Look out for majestic Classiebawn Castle in the distance and admire the picturesque stone harbour. Another must-do is a boat trip on the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean, heading to Inishmurray Island. See the ruins of the ancient monastic site founded by St. Molaise and make some time for a deep-sea angling trip - the catch here is always impressive.
4. Knocknarea and Queen Maeve's Cairn
Knocknarea Mountain is situated four miles west of Sligo Town, in the area of the Strandhill Peninsula. 1078 feet high, this breathtaking mountain dominates the skyline of Sligo Town. Take the neatly paved path from the car park, before heading to the summit of the mountain - a walk of 40 to 45 minutes. Once you reach the top, there lies the cairn of Queen Maeve of Connacht. The cairn is about 10 metres high and is visible for miles around. It has not been excavated, but is thought to cover a passage tomb similar to that of Heapstown Cairn. Queen Maeve and Knocknarea Mountain are mentioned in several of Yeats' poems and are of keen interest in Irish myth.
5. Drumcliff Church and Grave of W.B Yeats
Set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains, the village of Drumcliffe is home to the site of a 6th century monastery and, perhaps more famously, the grave of poet W. B. Yeats, whose final resting place is marked in the graveyard by a simple headstone.
Found in the churchyard, his grave is inscribed with "cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by." This was Yeats' self-penned epitaph, which he provided along with instructions that the grave consist of "no marble, no conventional phrase". The graveyard also contains a high cross, and the site of the 6th century Columbian monastery is nearby.
6. Rosses Point
Rosses Point is situated 8km from Sligo Town and is a 2km stretch of fine sand backed by sand dunes. It is a popular seaside resort with beautiful views of Knocknarea to the south and Benbulben to the north.
The village of Rosses Point is set against the backdrop of the spectacular Dartry mountain range and the beauty of Sligo Bay. There are restaurants and good accommodation, as well as friendly pubs. The bay is ideal for windsurfing and other water sports.
The beach is lifeguard-patrolled during the bathing season; more information can be found on the noticeboard there. 
7. Carrowkeel Megalithic Site
Near the village of Castlebaldwin, visitors will find the Carrowkeel Megalithis Site: an ancient passage tomb cemetery built between 3200 and 2400 BC, comprised of 14 cairns and beautifully situated in the Bricklieve Mountains. The site's 14 passage cairns are mostly round in shape and contain limestone slabs. Carrowkeel also boasts 140 circular stone foundations, which are thought to be the remains of a prehistoric village. The site should be accessed with a guide.
8. Streedagh Beach
Set off on a scenic ramble on Streedagh Beach. The 3km sandy beach links Streedagh Point to Connor's Island and makes for a magnificent walk with stunning views of the Sligo coastline to enjoy.
The sandbar at Streedagh Beach is overlain by sand dunes with an estuary to the east side and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, both habitats for a rich array of flora and fauna.
The exposed beach, with its reef breaks, creates ideal surfing conditions. Bring your board and wetsuit to experience some of the best cold water surfing in the world. Windsurfers and stand-up paddle boarders (SUP) can take to the calmer water in the sheltered estuary. Alternatively,keep your feet on dry land and watch as giant waves come rolling in from the Atlantic and crash against the shore.
9. Kayaking on Lough Gill
Lough Gill is a large lake, about 8 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. There is public access to the lough from a pier on the south shore at the mouth of the Garavogue River, at Inishfree Pier, and at Shriff Bay. The picturesque lake is surrounded by woods and contains brown trout and salmon, as well as about 20 small islands, including the Lake Isle of Innisfree made famous by poet William Butler Yeats.
Explore the wonderful landscape of Lough Gill onboard a traditional open boat. Departing from the centre of Sligo Town, these boat trips travel along the Garavogue River for 30 minutes to reach the beautiful lake of Lough Gill. You can also kayak on Lough Gill, which is such a fun activity for all the family.
10. Gleniff Horseshoe Drive/Walk
Hidden under the Dartry Mountains in north County Sligo is the magical Gleniff Horseshoe. You can choose to explore this beautiful route by car, by foot or by bike. The Gleniff Horseshoe is a small single-lane 10km route brimming with breathtaking scenery with the Dartry Mountains towering above you on either side. Two of the mountains in this mountain range include Benbulben and Truskmore. Visitors are also rewarded with stunning coastal views of Donegal Bay.
Along the route, look out for the ruins of the old schoolhouse at the foot of the Cliffs of Annacoona. When you look up from here, you will see where legendary Diarmuid and Gráinne’s cave gapes open from the limestone cliff face. Make a stop at Magic Hill where the laws of gravity are defied: release the handbrake, and watch your car roll up the hill. Just over 25km from Sligo Town, Gleniff Horseshoe is an enchanting route, steeped in history and folklore, and is an ideal destination if you want to see some of County Sligo’s rugged mountains.
Where to stay:
Coopershill House Co. Sligo
If you are looking for a genuine, romantic, grand Irish country house with comfort, character and sublime cooking, then you are going to love Coopershill. Coopershill has been in the O’Hara family since it was built in 1774 and they have been welcoming and entertaining guests ever since.
A stunning mile-long avenue crossing the river Unshin and winding through ancient woods and deer pastures on the 500-acre private estate bring you to this fabulous Georgian mansion. Warm hospitality, original antiques, spacious bedrooms and views from every window create an oasis of peace, quiet and relaxation.
Dinner is a highlight, served at candlelit tables set with family silver and crystal. With their own vegetable and fruit gardens, most of the vegetables come out of the ground just metres from the dining room! The highest quality produce is sourced in the region, rewarding visitors with amazing flavours.
Located by the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s the perfect base for exploring WB Yeats' country, mountains, lakes and megalithic ruins along with Championship golf courses, beaches and fishing just a short drive away.
