Sligo is a historic and stunningly beautiful seaside town (nominally a city) situated on the north-west coast of IRELAND. Sligo gets it's name from the Irish word 'Sligeach' - a reference to the shelly river - Garavogue on which it is situated. The Garavogue flows out of Lough Gill, 'the bright lake' and makes its short way to the sea through scenic forest.  The waterfall at Glencar is a popular tourist walk, and there are a number of walks and horse riding trips which one can use to soak up the peace and grandeur of the natural environment.  Bicycle and car hire is readily available. Sligo City is the capital of the north-western region of Ireland.

Sligo town has a population of 18,000 and is the second city of the province of Connaught.  A place of strategic importance in antiquty, the town achieved prominence in 1245 when it became the residence of the Earl of Kildare, Maurice Fitzgerald. The County of Sligo is the 16th largest county in the country.  It is bordered by Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo to the north, east and south/south west respectively, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Sligo harbour is guarded on both sides by impressive mountains. To the North is Ben Bulbin, celebrated by the work of poet W.B Yeats, and overlooking his much-visited resting place in Drumcliffe. To the south, Queen Medbh's cairn dominates the skyline of Knocknarea. The cairn, known as Mioscán Medbh, which gives the distinctive breast shape to the mountain is actually thousands of years older than the (Iron Age) Celtic Warrior Queen. It is one of a huge number of megalithic sites which dot the Sligo landscape.  In a small area are to be found passage graves, kitchen middens, dolmens and according to recent investigations, the world's oldest building. The sites are administered and protected by Duchás.

Traditional Irish music has a huge importance in the culture of Sligo. Michael Coleman, the legendary and influential fiddler, came from the area, and today, alongside a thriving session culture, modern Sligo groups such as Dervish - who have their own style with trad music - ply their trade internationally. The town also has jazz, rock and country groups. Many pubs have sessions. Organised gigs are promoted right through the year.
Sligo has two theatres; the Hawk's Well Theatre and the Factory Theatre. The Gaiety cinema (6-screen) has been recently refurbished.

Sligo is twinned with Tallahassie, USA, Kempten, Germany, and Crozon, France.  More about Sligo anon.

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