Freedom At Last and Sligo did not disappoint
The time has come…to pull the suitcases out, and start stay-cationing once more!
Lockdown is slowly lifting and you can feel the buzz in the air as people start browsing comparison sites again for that perfect Summer deal.
We were no different, - Hello Sligo!
We decided to book directly with the Clayton Hotel Group online and bagged an amazing weekend break in this beautiful 1800’s building. Its ornate façade welcomes you and makes you feel like you are not staying in another chain hotel, but something different and a little bit specia!.
Walking in Friday evening it was clear that the sanitization process in place as well as the social distancing implemented was working well and it really made us feel at ease straight away. The cleanliness was out of this world and we could not fault the staff or amenities. It was the perfect location for our weekend trip and it has definitely been added to our recommendation list.
https://www.claytonhotelsligo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-hotel-homepage
So, on the Saturday we decided to get up early and have an action packed day, despite the temperamental weather. Even though we were cloud chasing for the best part of the morning we managed to pack in some of the major Sligo sites, including climbing the gargantuan Benbulben!
Things to Do in Sligo
Glencar Waterfall
-Inspiration for W/B. Yeats’ poem “The Stolen Child”, this 50 foot waterfall is well worth an hours visit. The car park is well signposted and it is just a short hill walk up to the waterfall viewing point. It is jut a short drive outside of Sligo town and has cafe and toilet facilities by the car park for the perfect pitstop/picnic time with the family.
https://leitrimtourism.com/treasured-landscapes/glencar-waterfall/
Benbulben
Benbulben is a wild hike as I would like to call it, as there are no major trails markings. There are trails on the lower section of the mountain but it is very easy to veer off and create your own path. A moderate climb but the weather could change that very quickly. There are several areas of bog marshland to cross prior to reaching the foot of the mountain so heavy rainfall could impede your climb before you really begin! Although tough, misty, and feeling like the mountain sheep were laughing at me at more than one stage, it was well worth the climb for the views. Such a feeling of relief getting to that top plane!!
Benbulben stands at around 557m and the 9km loop took us about 2.5 hours (with me stopping every 10 minutes to take photos )
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/ireland/county-sligo/benbulben-loop-trail
Hiking Tips & Recommendations (personally bought items)
If you need help like I do when climbing these trails, - then these are for you! I cannot climb a mountain without them!!!
I bought these Regatta hiking shoes in 2019 and they are still like new! They have gotten me through the Camino in Spain, Irish hiking in all weathers, and now Benbulben, - so a fantastic investment
I suffer with my feet, - high heels are a thing of the past and those red toes are just a huge NO NO when hiking in misty, sweaty, muggy Irish weather..so..invest in your feet. I have definitely learned!
Staying hydrated and well equipped on these mountain hikes is a must… unfortunately you tend to learn from your mistakes so be prepared, not sorry!!
Being sensible is sensible!
Rosses Point & Beach
A short drive back in towards Sligo and you will find yourself on one of Irelands only Blue flag beaches at Rosses point. The area is picturesque, calm and perfect for reenergizing yourself after a morning of hiking. The water was so clear you could nearly pretend you weren’t in Ireland for a moment …
https://rossespoint.ie/
There is so much to do in Sligo that you would love to have a week to explore the historic cultured landscape and luscious scenery that it offers you…so here are a few ore ideas for your next trip ..
Knocknarea.
Lissadell House.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
Strandhill Beach.
Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird - The Devil's Chimney.
Carrowkeel.
Explore Sligo town
…….and so much more!!
Until next time…… Have a safe Irish Summer 2021!!
Sarah x
