Lough Key Forest Park
Discover how this fascinating landscape has been shaped; from underground to up amongst the treetops, ‘Irelands only Tree Canopy Walk, a truly unique experience immersing you in the history, flora and fauna that make Lough Key so unique.
This is a self guided tour so therefore there is no time limit on your journey through time…… The beauty of this is that you can spend as much or little time as you want on this magical journey.
Guided Tours are also available at any time of the year for groups of at least 10 people.
The Lough Key Experience is fully wheelchair accessible and buggy/pram accessible. Please note that Dogs are not permitted on the Lough Key Experience.
On this journey you’ll discover how humans have shaped this landscape over thousands of years; you’ll be introduced to a way of life in Rockingham House that is now long gone and you’ll find out about the wildlife that thrives in these forests and on the lake.
The ‘Lough Key Experience’ is an engaging audio trail of the Park’s history, flora arid fauna through the 19th century underground tunnels, to the top of the refurbished 5-storey Moylurg viewing tower and along a contemporary Tree Canopy Walk, the first of its kind in Ireland, This 300m long creation of timber and steel gently rises 9m above the woodland floor and offers an engaging ‘birds eye’ view of nature as it meanders through the treetops offering panoramic views of the shimmering island studded lake.
Visit loughkey.ie for more information.
Zipit Forest Adventures
Zipit Forest Adventures is located 15 minutes from Ardagh Suites.
It opened its (and Ireland’s) first forest aerial trail adventure in April, 2011 at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Co. Roscommon. This vast estate is predominantly covered by forest and woodland with both broadleaf and conifer trees growing within the park.
There are 5 courses to choose from, with varying difficulty based upon your age and fitness level.
Zipit promises an adventure for the whole family and a day out to remember.
For more information visit zipit.ie
Sligo Folk Park, Riverstown
Sligo Folk Park is situated at the heart of Riverstown village and has been designed to give you a glimpse of what life used to be like in the past. Below are some of the attractions located within the Folk Park.
Millview House
Come and see the fully restored Millview House, which originates from the late 19th century. Here you can see, feel and even smell how life was at the turn of the last century. Millview House is surrounded by open workshops in which historical artefacts are restored to their former glory.
The Archives
For many years Sligo Folk Park has collected old books relating to the history of Riverstown, County Sligo and the region, and has to date one of the most comprehensive archival collection in the North West area.
Museum & Exhibition Hall
Built in the style of a Traditional Residence with the typical courtyard, our visitors can see one of Ireland’s finest collection of rural history and agricultural artefacts. What makes this place truly exciting is its ever-changing exhibitions and Special Events throughout the year. We are constantly adding new and different displays and artefacts to our collection, making this the place to come back to. One major highlight during the year in the Annual Vintage Day, which is usually held in June.
Traditional Craft Shop
Call in to our Traditional Craft Shop and take the opportunity to see some of Sligo’s finest crafts works, including a wide range of pottery, knitwear, paintings, wood-turning, patchwork, jewellery and stained glass. Many items on display have been sourced from the region, making them the ideal souvenir.
The Village Street
Inside the exhibition hall is a carefully recreated village streetscape consisting of a variety of shops and services typical in every Irish village – the Creamery store, the Pub, the Grocers… with each one containing authentic objects.
The Beehive Cafe Restaurant
2014 sees the launch of The Beehive Cafe Restaurant at Sligo Folk Park, owned and run by local couple John and Brid Graham, they strive to provide the very best in wholesome home cooking with daily delights such as apple and parsnip soup for starter, local venison stew for main and home made apple pie for sweet followed by one of the finest gourmet coffees in County Sligo. Change is afoot at Sligo Folk Park and we look forward to seeing you here soon. Group bookings are always welcome.
W.B. Yeats
W.B. Yeats spent much of his childhood in Sligo and wrote many poems about it and it’s beauty. Born in Dublin in 1865, Yeats grew up and was educated in Ireland and London where he studied painting before discovering poetry was his true calling.
His writing at the turn of the century drew extensively from sources in Irish mythology and folklore. Also a potent influence on his poetry was the Irish revolutionary Maud Gonne, whom he met in 1889, a woman equally famous for her passionate nationalist politics and her beauty. Though she married another man in 1903 and grew apart from Yeats (and Yeats himself was eventually married to another woman, Georgie Hyde Lees), she remained a powerful figure in his poetry.
W. B. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 and died in 1939 at the age of 73.
Sligo houses both Yeats’ grave at Drumcliffe and a heritage museum dedicated to him located in the town centre.
Sligo Town
The county of Sligo is also known as Yeats County. The famous poet William Butler Yeats is buried at the Drumcliffe Churchyard, under the loaf-shaped Benbulben Mountain.
The place is also considered to be the main source of inspiration by the poet because it has beautiful sceneries and long coastlines. Located in the west coast province of Connacht, Sligo actually translates to “the place of shells,” as the prehistoric people of the town is known for their huge appetite for the crustacean shellfish. Archaeologists and historians found the remains of shellfish buried all over Sligo. It is the largest town in the northwest of Ireland, and its history can be traced back to as far as 6,000 years ago. Sligo is popular for its rich Irish history, heritage, folklore, and mythology. Almost every stone and hill in the county has its own, unique story to tell. The magnificent mountains, winding rivers, and uneven coastline make Sligo popular among tourists and backpackers. As a striking contrast to the rugged uplands and terrains of the county, the lakes around Sligo are well-known for their very still waters and marshlands. The summit of Knocknarae is known for its imposing Neolithic cairn and is identified by locals as Queen Maeve’s grave. In neighboring Carrowmore, visitors will find the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. The county’s scenic coast has some excellent surfing beaches like Strandhill and Enniscrone. Lissadell House is a good family attraction with a very beautiful beach nearby. It was once the home of Countess Markievicz. Golf courses are also found in the county. Other activities for tourists include horse riding, cycling, fishing, and other water sports. When you are in Sligo, you can find refuge in its self-catering accommodation options and bed and breakfasts.
Visit discoversligo.com or whatsoninsligo.com for local event and attraction information.
Arigna Mining Experience
Arigna Mining Experience Centre was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley.
This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like from the 1700′s until closure in 1990.
During the underground tour, visitors will experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world. The tour which will last 45 minutes brings visitors to the coal face of the mine, where the methods used to extract coal are demonstrated. Lighting and sound effects in the mine, add to the authenticity of the underground experience.
Local geology and the formation of coal deposits are explained in our exhibition area, as is the history of energy production.
The exhibition also explains the concepts and operation of different renewable energy systems. Some of these systems can then be viewed in operation in the Energy Centre Building and on the nearby wind farms.
A history tour presents the origins and history of the Arigna coal mines. It explores its impact on the local community, through a photo gallery & displays. The Renewable Energy Demonstrations can be viewed on site in the Centre, while the wind farms can be seen on the nearby Kilronan Mountains.
For more information visit arignaminingexperience.ie
Strandhill Surf School
Located 20 minutes away, Strandhill Surf School runs daily lessons catering for all age groups from beginner to intermediate level. No experience is necessary to learn to surf and you don’t need to be able to swim. The instructors work right in the water with you at all times, giving you valuable advice and tips. You will be surfing with a group that suits your ability where you will have most fun and enjoy your lesson.
The waves are in walking distance. Surf boards and wet suits will be provided. After the lesson showers are waiting for you after which you can peruse the lively village surroundings in Strandhill, you won’t have to go far for a relaxing end to your perfect day!
For more information & bookings visit strandhillsurfschool.com
Eagles Flying
Eagles Flying is an attraction for all the family at an affordable price. It is the largest Centre for Birds of Prey and Owls in the country. Situated on 27 hectares, the sanctuary is home to about 350 birds and animals out of 75 species. Established in 1999 the centre was originally set up for research purposes only, but as a consequence of increasing interest and local awareness, it was decided to open parts of the centre to visitors. In the summer of 2003 its birds were introduced to the first eager visitors and numbers continue to increase every year.
As the sanctuary became better known, people from all over Ireland started to bring us injured birds and other helpless wildlife. We try to heal all these patients and if possible return them to nature.
This hospital and rehabilitation sector is now the most time consuming and labour intensive department at the centre.
You will be amazed by majestic birds soaring above your head before perching before your very eyes. During the flying demonstrations you will learn about the biology of the birds and any questions you may have will be answered.
Educating you about these birds also means safeguarding these endangered species for future generations as you will learn how to do your share in protecting their natural habitats in nature.
For more information & booking visit eaglesflying.com
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is available at Lough Bo Shooting Centre, in the heart of the Irish countryside only 25 minutes from Carrick On Shannon and Sligo, and 15 minutes from Boyle. The Shooting centre is situated in an area of unspoilt natural beauty, close to the excellent fishing lakes of Lough Bo and Lough Arrow.
They can cater for both individuals and groups. All equipment is supplied and an instructor is always present. In addition to clay pigeon shooting there is a rifle range. They are well set up, with an all-weather shooting range and floodlights so that inclement weather is unlikely to spoil a planned day. An interesting option they offer is the use of low impact shells, which have the effect of decreasing gun recoil, something that is particularly appreciated by beginners and smaller individuals.
Male & Female Shooters. Individuals and groups welcome. No previous experience required.
Visit loughbo.ie for more
