Rosses Point

Start your trip in the peaceful seaside village of Rosses Point, just a few minutes from Sligo Town. Bring the little ones for a walk along the sandy shore, with incredible views of Sligo Bay and the Darty Mountains. The beautiful beach is safe for swimming and patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. If you’re not venturing into the water, there are plenty of dryland activities to enjoy. 

Book in with Sligo Boat Charters and whisk your family away to Seal Rocks to meet the local colony of grey seals, who come right up to the boat to say hello.

Coney Island 

Time your visit to Rosses Point well and you can drive the 5km across the causeway at low tide to Coney Island. The island gets its name from the Latin word for rabbit, thanks to the abundance of furry inhabitants there. Teens can explore the beach in search of the washed-up whale remains, while little ones are enchanted by folklore tales of mermaids and fairy forts.

Strandhill

A short 20-minute drive brings you to action-packed Strandhill – the ideal place to tire out your adventurous kids. Book the whole family in with Sligo Surf Experience for a day of fun in the waves. If you’re staying a little longer, take advantage of their surf summer camps and give yourself some kid-free time. 

Hang out in the grassy sand dunes of Strandhill Beach, with flat-topped Benbulben in the background. Back at the village, treat them to an ice cream as you watch a famous Strandhill sunset. If you have more time to spend in this scenic spot, check out more of the best things to do in Strandhill.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

Travel back in time at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, 10 minutes inland from Strandhill. Explore Ireland's ancient history and visit tombs that are over 5,000 years old. Stop by the visitor centre in the small farmhouse and get your bearings before lacing up your boots for a ramble around ancient structures older than the Pyramids of Egypt. 

Enniscrone

Venture west along the scenic coast until you arrive at the seaside village of Enniscrone. Get your day off to a fun start at the playground and even squeeze in a round of crazy golf. Afterwards wander down to beautiful Enniscrone Beach; a hive of activity during the summer, with surfers, swimmers and sunbathers taking advantage of the gorgeous natural setting.

If the weather is a little on the brisk side, head to Waterpoint Aqua Park. Open every day, this indoor waterpark and spa features a waterslide that’s a whopping 65m long. There’s a pool for the little ones, a main pool for older children and adults, indoor rock climbing and a soft play area. If you have someone to watch the kids, sneak off to the spa for some quiet time in the jacuzzi.

Eagles Flying

For a truly memorable experience, visit Eagles Flying in Ballymote. Watch handlers show off the skills of falcons, hawks and eagles as they swoop and zip around. The twice-daily shows go ahead even in poor weather, thanks to the indoor arena.

The centre has over 450 animals and you can see them up close at the petting zoo. Smaller children enjoy making friends with furry lambs, goats and Rosie the pig, while more adventurous kids can hold a four-meter long python if they dare.

The Rose of Innisfree

Voyage through the tranquil scenery of Lough Gill with a cruise on the Rose of Innisfree. Setting sail from Sligo Town, the 72-seater boat makes its way along the Garavogue and out to beautiful Lough Gill, the town fading into the landscape as you’re transported to utter calm. Enjoy tea and homemade scones as you sail past ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ – the inspiration for the famous poem by W.B. Yeats. Sailings go year-round thanks to the all-weather boat, and kids under four go for free.