The new driving route along 2,500 km (1,500 miles) of Ireland’s Atlantic shoreline is now officially open. Stretching from Malin Head in the north–with a jig over to Belfast in Northern Ireland–to Kinsale on the southern coast, the route is a celebration of the wild, raw beauty of oceans in harmonious collision with land. Last October, Tom and I joined a busload of bloggers on a preview of the route’s northernmost reaches, in Donegal and Sligo.
In County Sligo we saw burial sites older than the pyramids of Egypt. Sligo is also Yeats Country, its landscapes featuring lakes, rivers, forest walks and of course, the mighty Atlantic. Here are a few of the highlights of our journey through Sligo.
Sligo is rich in history, prehistory and mythology, with ancient burial places and cairns. Ancient Celtic legends came from this landscape, and it is easy to see why, as we spot Benbulben, the setting of many Celtic legends.
Sligo was also the scene of poet W B Yeats’s childhood, and his work invokes the myths and landscapes we travel today.
The Sligo coast is quiet, although the “prowler surf” offshore is anything but.
Sligo is Yeats’ Country
Streedagh Beach
For more about Streedagh, beach and bluff, see In County Sligo, step into Irish history with SeaTrails.
Soft adventure calling
If hiking, climbing, surfing and fishing pall, Sligo offers an array of other activities to tempt a traveler. Our group experienced two that come highly recommended: Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) and seaweed baths.
Sunset and good food in Strandhill
Related posts:
Feasting on seafood and seaweed in County Sligo, Ireland
In County Sligo, step into Irish history with SeaTrails
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Thanks to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, who hosted our group of TBEX travel bloggers, for an advance look at the Northwest section of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, and to Sligo Tourism for introducing us to local attractions and people. The enjoyment was all ours!
Wonderful memories. You brought it all back to life for me, Anita & Tom!
Thanks for commenting, Linda. We agree, our trip was one to remember!
And I should add that your face, Anita, when you emerged from the seaweed bath was an absolute picture! The image has stayed with me 🙂
I read your previous post as well. It sounds like you had great trip to Ireland and you have explored the beauty of countryside. I love you all stunning images and text is also much informative. I wish I would be there once.