Sligo (in the NorthWest of Ireland) otherwise known as The Adventure Capital, is a gem of a location that strikes a fine balance for business and leisure. It is steeped in heritage and culture with a backdrop of unspoiled beaches, wind and waves, dramatic landscapes amidst a vibrant arts scene.The great Irish Sligo poet, William Butler Yeats and other artists have been inspired by the landscape. The county has dramatic coastlines and iconic mountains like Benbulben and Knocknarea and the beautiful Glencar Waterfall just on the boarder of County Leitrim. Whether you are a culture vulture or adventure seeker there is something in Sligo for you.
Things to do
- Surf Summit Sligo
Surf Summit is a gathering of people who love tech and the outdoors and will take place between 6th & 8thNovember. The 3 day event comprises a curation of activities, networking, dinners, parties, discussions and talks. Tickets are available here.
- Surfing is massive and an all year round in Sligo particularly in Strandhill and Mullaghmore which is known as one of the best big wave surfing locations in the world. There are many surf schools catering for beginners right up to experts.http://www.strandhillsurfschool.com. Cliffs of Insanity is a great book by Keith Duggen about Winter on Ireland's big waves.
- Kitesurfing is popular at Lissadel as the beach is suitable for South to South East winds and it can be quite gusty here so an ideal spot. http://www.adventuresligo.ie/water/kitesurfing/
- SUP or Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great way to take in Yeats' famous Lake Isle of Inishfree and all the other usual activities link to SUP http://www.standuppaddlesligo.ie/
- Hiking - There's a beautiful new walk up Knocknarea with spectacular views from the top across Sligo Bay and Donegal. Queen Maeve's grave is on top and your supposed to bring a stone from the bottom of the mountain and carry it up with you to place on the grave. Many great beaches (including Strandhill and Rosses Point), two iconic mountains Benbulben & Knocknarea - both climbable for amateurs), one waterfall of Glencar can all be taken in from these walks http://www.sligowalks.ie/
- Lissadell House is a neo-classical Greek revivalist style country house, located in County Sligo, Ireland. The old manor house was beloved of William Butler Yeats and built by the famous Gore Booth family. Daily tours of the residence take place and it houses residence hosts' art exhibition.
- The Model Art Gallery is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. This award-winning building is home to the impressive Niland Collection of art, one of the most notable collections in Ireland and featuring works by John and Jack B. Yeats, Estella Solomons, Paul Henry and Louis Le Brocquy among others. Built in 1862 as a Model School, the present building has been extended twice to create a world-class visitors centre.
- Food is fresh and there is an abundance of seafood to try. Restaurants worth a try include:
- Eala Bhán is a purveyor of fine Irish dining from locally sourced food.
- Eithna's By The Sea is known for award winning seafood along the wild Atlantic Way.
- For pleasant café ambiance try http://www.shellscafe.com/
- Nice eatery http://www.osta.ie/
- Seaweed Cook book worth reading is www.irishseaweedkitchen.ie
- Pubs of great variety are dotted around the county. Sligo’s pub scene ranges from younger hip places and craft beer houses to older quieter traditional pubs. It is said that the best pints are served at Shoot The Crows, Swagnman, Draft House Strandhill and Strand Bar Hotel.
- Relax….. There are plenty of spas and seaweed baths where you can unwind.
With all these amazing choice of activities it is hardly surprising that many international companies have made a home in Sligo including Overstock.com; Abbott; Elanco and Abbvie, find out more here. Or connect in with IDA Ireland's Sligo office.
And dont forget to follow us on Twitter: @idaemergebiz
Tanya Lawless
IDA Emerging Business Team
