The North West:Layout 1 02/05/2007 15:03 Page 211
ENNISCRONE captured by the Normans in the 13th, Sligo had developed into a
One of the county’s oldest seaside resort towns, Enniscrone lies on the brisk trading port by the early 1700s. There is a good selection of
shores of Killala Bay. Its popular beach and 17th century castle attract pubs, wonderful range of restaurants and eateries, accommodation
many visitors. For a little pampering, sample the luxurious seaweed baths. and plenty to see and do. Sligo is an important centre for the arts,
Enniscrone also has a superb 18-hole championship golf links course. featuring very active theatres, the Hawk’s Well and the Blue Raincoat
Kids will also enjoy the Waterpoint all-weather aqua leisure centre. Theatre, as well as art galleries including the Model Arts and Niland
Gallery and Yeats Memorial Building. A commemorative Yeats statue
GRANGE in the town centre commands attention from visitors. Information is
Located 10km north of Sligo on the N15, Grange is the starting point for available year round from North West Tourism
the Gleniff Horseshoe drive, where awe-inspiring limestone cliffs, valleys, (www.irelandnorthwest.ie) on Temple Street. Tel: (071) 916 1201.
mountains and a cave associated with the legendary lovers Diarmuid On Abbey Street stands the 13th century Sligo Abbey. With its
and Grainne – who spent their marriage on the run – can be seen. wealth of carvings and well-preserved cloisters, it contains the only
sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic
GURTEEN church. At the Douglas Hyde Bridge, the Yeats Memorial Building
Gurteen is home to the Michael Coleman Heritage Centre, a focal houses the W. B. Yeats Exhibition and the Sligo Art Gallery. Each
point for the South Sligo musical tradition. The Coleman Traditional summer the Yeats Society hosts the renowned Yeats International
Music Festival attracts many overseas visitors and musicians and is Summer School here, along with other events throughout the year.
held annually on the last weekend in August. The Sligo County Museum houses a vast collection of memorabilia
from the Yeats family, Countess Markievicz and the county, while a
shopping shopping visit to the Model Arts and Niland Gallery is also worthwhile. It houses
Coleman Music/Visitor Centre, Gurteen, Co. Sligo. Tel: (071) 918 an impressive collection of paintings by 20th century Irish artists,
2599; Web:
www.colemanirishmusic.com. This is a must for all music including Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, Louis Le Brocquy and George
lovers, especially for those who have fallen for the rhythmic beats and Russell. Tel: (071) 914 1405.
infectious melodies of traditional Irish music. The centre hosts Situated about 5km outside the town, Carrowmore Megalithic
traditional music shows and has a music/gift shop. Open Mon. to Sat. Cemetery encloses more than 60 stone circles and passage tombs,
10am–6pm all year round. making it one of the largest megalithic cemeteries in Europe. The
Cemetery is open from April to October. Tel: (071) 916 1534. In the
KNOCKNAREA east of County Sligo on the Leitrim border, Lough Gill’s atmospheric
A few kilometres north-west of Carrowmore is the hilltop cairn of surroundings were the inspiration for W. B. Yeats’ Lake Isle of
Knocknarea. This huge cairn is said to be the final resting place of Innisfree. The 48km round trip takes in a wealth of places, and the
Maeve, the Warrior Queen of the Táin Bo Cuailgne. The cairn comprises ideal starting point is Dooney Rock. Signposted along the N4 from
40,000 tonnes of stone and the simple fact that it has never been Sligo Town, it has wonderful views of the lough and its many islands.
disturbed adds to its sense of mystery. A trek to the summit is worth
the effort for the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. guestrooms accommodation
Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, Sligo. Tel: (071) 919 0400; Fax:
RIVERSTOWN (071) 916 9556. Email:
sligo@leehotels.com; Web:
Riverstown is home to Sligo Folk Park, where visitors can tour the
www.leehotels.com. The Sligo Park Hotel is set in quiet parkland and
19th century Millview House, Mrs. Buckley’s Cottage, the recreated surrounded by some of the most scenic countryside in Ireland, ranging
village street, museum and exhibition hall and traditional craft centre. from the majestic Benbulben to the gentle waters of Lough Gill. This
Not forgetting the full functioning forge, which all culminate in a contemporary style hotel boasts spacious, comfortable bedrooms, a
glimpse at life and times gone by.
ROSSES POINT
This seafaring village 8km north of Sligo Town, was a summer home to
the young W. B. Yeats and Jack B. Yeats, much beloved by both and
often mentioned by W. B. Yeats in his work. It not only houses Sligo’s
yacht club, but also offers visitors a leisurely stay with sandy beaches,
golf facilities and peaceful surroundings.
SLIGO TOWN
Sligo is a busy market town on the River Garavogue in the heart of
Yeats Country. Plundered by the Vikings in the 9th century and
Coleman Music
Music/Gift Shop
Visitor Centre
Gurteen, Co.Sligo
Ceiliúradh an Earraigh
May 4th – 7th
Traditional Music Shows
July & August Wed & Sat
Coleman Traditional
Festival
Aug 31st – Sept 2nd
Tel: (071) 91 82599
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
www.colemanirishmusic.com
Ben Bulben mountain, Co. Sligo.
the north west 211
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