Posted: 21st June 2022
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,550-mile (2,500 km) route on the West Ireland Coastline and arguably one of the best road trips in the world. The route takes you threw 9 counties showing off Ireland’s white beaches, castles, mountains and rugged Islands.
Sligo County
Sligo is not as rugged as Donegal County it is more pastoral with fish filled lakes, flat topped mountains, green landscapes and ancient sites. It is also a great county to experience Irish culture. There is a vibrant and creative food ethos here, plenty of music festivals and its coast’s surf is internationally renowned.
There are plenty of places to stop and visit in Sligo but I have shortlisted listed my favourites and ‘must see highlights’ below.
If you are coming in or leaving from Belfast or Larne you might want to add the 3-day scenic Causeway Route to your trip, see the link for the route and highlights Causeway Coastal Route.
7 Must See Highlights
1. Mullaghmore
Mullaghmore is a popular holiday destination with a skyline dominated by Mount Ben Bulben.
2. Streedagh Point
There is not much here other than beaches and wildlife, which makes for a great camping spot. The dunes, lagoons and salt marsh provide a great habitat for plants and animals. The underlying bedrock is layers of sedimentary rocks rich in fossils. Keep any eye out when walking along the beach, many of these fossils show creatures of large aquatic organisms up to 40cm big.
3. Mount Ben Bulben
The 8km hike up around Ben Bulben is dramatic, you can see where the ice glaziers have carved the landscape. The trail will bring you a striking waterfall and panoramic views of Sligo Bay. It is a moderate to strenuous walk and should take about 3 .5 hours, the car park is at Luke’s Bridge.
4. Rosses Point
Rosses Point is a picturesque seaside village with a clean, fine sanded beach.
5. Sligo Town
If it is a pub crawl you are after then Sligo Town is the place to be. In the centre of the town every few doors belong to a pub, there are a lot, even by Irish standards.
In addition to the pubs Sligo is a charming town full of history. One of the big highlights is the 13th century Abbey.
6. Easkey
This beautiful village of Easkey is recognised internationally as one of the most popular surfing destinations in Ireland. Surfing takes place here all year round.
The skyline here is dominated by Roslee Castle, built in 1207 and standing over 20m in height. Easkey is the perfect place to watch the waves break along the Atlantic Way.
7. Enniscrone
Enniscrone is a lovely long beach good for swimming and walking. Fossils are frequently found on the adjacent cobble shore and can be seen embedded in the pier.
The Victorian seaweed baths are located beside the quay and are also worth a visit.
I hope this blog was of use. If you would like to check out other road trips in Ireland go to Causeway Coastal and Wild Atlantic Way Donegal.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask in the comment box below.
I would like to dedicate this blog to the Sligo born and bred, and my good friend Calum. Thank you for showing Ella and I the delights of Sligo. Look forward to seeing you at Christmas buddy xxx
Much love Emma & Jamie xx
