Sligo and Leitrim might just be one of the most underrated combinations for a road trip in Ireland.

Within a relatively small area, you can walk beneath Benbulben, stand beside waterfalls, explore a 17th-century castle, drive through dramatic mountain valleys and visit prehistoric tombs that are thousands of years older than the pyramids.

Then you've got Atlantic beaches, colourful villages, Irish mythology and some of the best scenery in the north-west.

Better still, many of these attractions are completely free.

Whether you're staying in Sligo Town, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or planning a weekend around north Leitrim, here are 10 must-visit places around Sligo and Leitrim.

---

1. Glencar Waterfall, County Leitrim

If you've never visited Glencar Waterfall, this is probably the place we'd start.

The 15-metre waterfall tumbles through woodland beside Glencar Lough and is one of the most famous natural attractions in County Leitrim.

It also has a strong literary connection.

The waterfall inspired W.B. Yeats and appears in his famous poem The Stolen Child.

One of the best things about Glencar is how easy it is to visit.

From the car park, a short woodland path leads towards the waterfall.

You don't need hiking equipment or several hours to reach it, making this a particularly good stop for families.

It's especially impressive after heavy rain.

Which, fortunately for waterfall enthusiasts, isn't exactly rare in this part of Ireland.

What you'll find at Glencar

• Short woodland walk
• Waterfall viewing area
• Free parking
• Playground
• Picnic area
• Toilets
• Café
• Glencar Lough nearby

Best for: Families, photographers and an easy scenic stop.

---

2. Mullaghmore, County Sligo

Few places capture the drama of County Sligo's coastline better than Mullaghmore.

This small harbour village sits on a spectacular peninsula overlooking Donegal Bay.

Mullaghmore Beach stretches along the coastline, while the instantly recognisable Classiebawn Castle rises above the surrounding countryside.

The castle is privately owned, so you can't visit inside, but you'll get fantastic views while driving or walking around the peninsula.

Mullaghmore is also internationally known for something considerably more dramatic.

Big-wave surfing.

When Atlantic conditions are right, enormous waves form offshore and attract some of the world's best surfers.

You don't need to go anywhere near those waves yourself.

Watching from a safe distance is perfectly acceptable.

Things to do in Mullaghmore

• Walk along Mullaghmore Beach
• Explore the harbour
• Drive around Mullaghmore Head
• Photograph Classiebawn Castle
• Look across Donegal Bay
• Stop for seafood in the village

On clear days you may even see towards the enormous Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal.

Best for: Coastal scenery, photography and Wild Atlantic Way road trips.

---

3. Benbulben Forest Walk, County Sligo

You can't spend much time around Sligo without noticing Benbulben.

The enormous flat-topped mountain dominates the landscape and has become one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in Ireland.

Thankfully, you don't need to climb to the summit to enjoy it.

The Benbulben Forest Walk, also known as the Gortarowey Looped Walk, takes you along the lower slopes beneath the mountain.

It's a brilliant option if you want impressive scenery without tackling a serious mountain hike.

The route offers views across the surrounding countryside towards Donegal Bay and the Atlantic.

And, of course, you spend much of the walk beneath Benbulben's dramatic limestone cliffs.

Why we love it

You're close enough to really appreciate the sheer size of the mountain.

The scenery changes constantly as you move between woodland, open countryside and mountain views.

And on a clear day, the views across north Sligo are superb.

Best for: Walkers who want big mountain scenery without a difficult climb.

---

4. Parke's Castle, County Leitrim

Sitting on the northern shore of Lough Gill, Parke's Castle is one of the prettiest historic sites in the region.

The restored plantation castle dates mainly from the early 17th century.

But the site has an even older history.

An earlier tower house here belonged to Sir Brian O'Rourke, lord of West Breifne.

Today you can explore the castle rooms and courtyard while learning about the families who lived here and the turbulent history of the surrounding region.

The setting is almost as impressive as the castle.

Lough Gill stretches out directly in front of the building, surrounded by wooded hills.

Parke's Castle visitor information

The castle normally opens seasonally from spring into autumn.

Admission charges apply.

Guided and self-guided visits are available.

There is also parking and visitor facilities on site.

If you're visiting outside the main season, check opening times before travelling specifically to go inside.

Best for: History, castles and beautiful lake views.

---

5. Strandhill, County Sligo

Strandhill is one of those places where you can very easily arrive for an hour and still be there four hours later.

The coastal village sits just outside Sligo Town and has become one of Ireland's best-known surfing destinations.

Even if you've absolutely no intention of getting into the Atlantic, there's plenty to do.

Walk along the seafront.

Grab a coffee.

Watch the surfers.

Have lunch.

Or simply sit somewhere looking towards the ocean.

The surrounding landscape is excellent too.

Knocknarea rises directly behind the village, while the views stretch across Sligo Bay towards Benbulben and the surrounding mountains.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat nearby, The Driftwood in Rosses Point is just a short drive away and well worth a visit.

Things to do in Strandhill

• Watch the surfers
• Take a surf lesson
• Walk along the promenade
• Grab coffee or lunch
• Explore nearby Knocknarea
• Visit the beach
• Enjoy the sunset

Swimming isn't generally recommended at Strandhill Beach because of strong currents, so always follow local safety information.

Best for: Surfing, coffee, coastal atmosphere and sunsets.

---

6. Fowley's Falls, County Leitrim

If Glencar is Leitrim's famous waterfall, Fowley's Falls is its quieter cousin.

Located near Rossinver in north Leitrim, this beautiful series of cascades follows the Glenaniff River through a wooded limestone valley.

Unlike Glencar, this isn't one single dramatic drop.

Instead, the river tumbles over several levels of exposed rock, creating a series of waterfalls and rushing pools.

A natural walking trail follows the river.

The approximately 3km linear route eventually links towards The Organic Centre near Rossinver.

Because it's considerably less famous than Glencar, Fowley's Falls often feels much quieter.

And after heavy rain?

The whole valley comes alive.

What to expect

• Woodland trails
• Several cascades
• River views
• Narrow paths
• Natural terrain
• Peaceful surroundings

Good footwear is worthwhile, particularly after wet weather.

Best for: Hidden gems, woodland walks and escaping the crowds.

---

7. Knocknarea, County Sligo

For one of the best views in County Sligo, climb Knocknarea.

The mountain rises dramatically behind Strandhill and is topped by an enormous prehistoric cairn traditionally associated with Queen Maeve of Connacht.

According to legend, the warrior queen is buried upright beneath the stones, facing her enemies in Ulster.

Archaeology and mythology don't always agree quite so neatly.

But it certainly makes the walk more interesting.

The Queen Maeve Trail climbs approximately 300 metres towards the summit.

The route involves a sustained climb and plenty of steps, so don't underestimate it.

Your reward is an extraordinary panorama across:

• Sligo Bay
• Strandhill
• Coney Island
• Benbulben
• Donegal
• Leitrim
• The Atlantic coastline

The summit cairn is an ancient archaeological monument.

Do not climb onto it or remove stones.

Best for: Big views, Irish mythology and a rewarding hike.

---

8. Gleniff Horseshoe, County Sligo

The Gleniff Horseshoe feels like you've driven into the middle of an enormous natural amphitheatre.

This roughly 10km loop winds beneath the Dartry Mountains in north Sligo.

Huge cliffs tower above the narrow road while sheep graze across the valley floor.

You can drive it.

Cycle it.

Or walk sections if you want more time to appreciate the landscape.

One of the most famous features is Diarmuid and Gráinne's Cave, high in the cliffs of Benwisken.

According to Irish legend, Diarmuid and Gráinne sheltered here while fleeing from Fionn MacCumhaill.

Whether they actually did is another question.

But looking up at the enormous cave from the valley certainly adds to the atmosphere.

Take your time

The road is narrow and this isn't somewhere to rush.

Stop at safe pull-ins.

Enjoy the scenery.

And remember that local people actually use these roads.

The landscape may feel like a movie set.

The road is still a road.

Best for: Scenic drives, mountains, folklore and photography.

---

9. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, County Sligo

Sligo isn't only about mountains and beaches.

It's home to one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Ireland.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery contains Ireland's largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs.

More than 30 monuments survive, with parts of the cemetery dating back almost 6,000 years.

That's an extraordinary thought when you're standing among them.

The landscape is equally important.

From Carrowmore you can see Knocknarea and Queen Maeve's enormous cairn rising nearby.

The entire area forms part of Sligo's remarkable prehistoric landscape.

A newly upgraded visitor centre opened in 2026, providing more information about the archaeology and the people who constructed these monuments thousands of years ago.

If you enjoy prehistoric sites, you might also want to read our guide to Carrowkeel Passage Tombs, another remarkable ancient site in County Sligo.

2026 visitor information

Carrowmore's main visitor season runs from spring into early December.

Admission charges apply.

Guided tours are available.

Allow at least an hour if you want to properly explore the site.

Best for: Ancient Ireland, archaeology and anyone fascinated by prehistoric history.

---

10. Caves of Keash, County Sligo

We'll finish with one of the most unusual places in County Sligo.

High above the village of Keash, 17 caves puncture the limestone cliffs of Keshcorran Mountain.

From a distance they look almost like dark windows cut into the mountain.

Up close, they're even more impressive.

The Caves of Keash have been connected with Irish mythology, archaeology and folklore for centuries.

Stories link the caves with figures including Cormac Mac Airt and the legendary warrior Fionn MacCumhaill.

Archaeological discoveries have also revealed evidence of both humans and animals using the caves thousands of years ago.

Getting to the caves

Visiting involves a proper uphill walk.

The trail crosses farmland and climbs steeply towards the caves.

The ground can become:

• Muddy
• Slippery
• Uneven

Good footwear is essential.

The caves themselves also have uneven surfaces.

This isn't an attraction suited to buggies or visitors with limited mobility.

Access can occasionally be restricted, including during lambing season, so check current conditions before travelling.

But if the trail is open and conditions are good?

The views from the caves across County Sligo are spectacular.

Best for: Adventure, mythology, archaeology and something completely different.

---

Which Places Can You Combine?

One of the best things about Sligo and Leitrim is how close many of these attractions are to one another.

You can easily combine several in one day.

North Sligo Day

Try: Benbulben Forest Walk → Gleniff Horseshoe → Mullaghmore

That's a superb combination of mountain walking, scenic driving and Atlantic coastline.

Finish with food around Mullaghmore or head back towards Sligo Town.

Glencar and Lough Gill Day

Combine: Glencar Waterfall → Parke's Castle → Lough Gill

These three attractions sit relatively close together and make an easy day without enormous amounts of driving.

Strandhill and Ancient Sligo Day

Combine: Carrowmore → Knocknarea → Strandhill

Start with prehistoric Ireland at Carrowmore.

Then climb Knocknarea.

Finally head into Strandhill for food and coffee.

You'll have earned both.

South Sligo Adventure

Head towards the Caves of Keash and combine them with other attractions around south Sligo.

This is particularly good if you're looking for a quieter alternative to the busier northern coastline.

---

Where Should You Base Yourself?

Sligo Town is probably the easiest base if you want to explore all ten locations.

You're within easy reach of Strandhill, Knocknarea, Carrowmore, Benbulben, Glencar, Parke's Castle, Mullaghmore and the Gleniff Horseshoe.

And you've got plenty of restaurants, accommodation and pubs in the evening.

For something quieter, you could also base yourself around Drumcliffe, Mullaghmore, Dromahair or Manorhamilton depending on which side of the region you want to explore.

---

How Many Days Do You Need?

You could technically race around many of these places in two days.

We wouldn't.

Three days would be much better.

Day One

Glencar Waterfall → Parke's Castle → Lough Gill → Sligo Town

Day Two

Benbulben Forest Walk → Gleniff Horseshoe → Mullaghmore

Day Three

Carrowmore → Knocknarea → Strandhill

You could then add the Caves of Keash or Fowley's Falls depending on where you're travelling from, or extend the trip to four days.

---

Best Places for Families

• Glencar Waterfall – short walk, playground and easy access
• Mullaghmore – beach, harbour and coastal scenery
• Parke's Castle – manageable historic attraction
• Strandhill – easy to explore with plenty of cafés
• Carrowmore – particularly good for older children interested in history

Knocknarea and the Caves of Keash require more care with younger children because of steep and uneven terrain.

---

Best Free Places

Several attractions on this list won't cost you anything to explore:

• Glencar Waterfall
• Mullaghmore
• Benbulben Forest Walk
• Strandhill
• Fowley's Falls
• Knocknarea
• Gleniff Horseshoe
• Caves of Keash

That makes Sligo and Leitrim particularly good for a budget road trip.

---

Best Places for Photography

• Gleniff Horseshoe – enormous mountain scenery
• Mullaghmore – Classiebawn Castle, coastline and Benbulben
• Glencar Waterfall – woodland and waterfall shots
• Knocknarea – panoramic views across Sligo Bay
• Benbulben Forest Walk – perhaps the best place to appreciate Benbulben's dramatic shape

You could fill your phone remarkably quickly around here.

---

When is the Best Time to Visit Sligo and Leitrim?

Each season offers something different.

Spring – Waterfalls are usually flowing strongly and the countryside begins turning green.

Summer – Long daylight hours make it easier to combine several attractions.

Autumn – Probably our favourite. Fewer crowds, changing colours and atmospheric landscapes.

Winter – The mountains and Atlantic coast can look spectacular, but daylight hours are much shorter and some heritage attractions close seasonally.

Always check conditions before mountain walks.

---

A Few Things to Remember

The landscape around Sligo and Leitrim can feel wild and remote remarkably quickly.

Before setting off:

• Check the weather
• Wear proper footwear
• Keep dogs under control
• Don't block narrow roads
• Respect farmland
• Stay on marked trails
• Leave archaeological monuments untouched
• Take rubbish home

And don't rely entirely on mobile reception in remote valleys. Download directions beforehand.

---

10 Must-Visit Places Around Sligo and Leitrim at a Glance

1. Glencar Waterfall, Leitrim – Beautiful woodland waterfall associated with W.B. Yeats
2. Mullaghmore, Sligo – Wild Atlantic coastline, beach and views of Classiebawn Castle
3. Benbulben Forest Walk, Sligo – Easy-to-moderate walking beneath one of Ireland's most famous mountains
4. Parke's Castle, Leitrim – Restored 17th-century castle overlooking Lough Gill
5. Strandhill, Sligo – Surfing, coffee, food and Atlantic views
6. Fowley's Falls, Leitrim – Hidden woodland waterfall and riverside trail
7. Knocknarea, Sligo – Mountain hike to the legendary cairn of Queen Maeve
8. Gleniff Horseshoe, Sligo – Spectacular 10km scenic mountain loop
9. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo – One of Europe's great prehistoric landscapes
10. Caves of Keash, Sligo – Seventeen limestone caves filled with history and mythology

---

Final Thoughts

There are parts of Ireland where you travel a long distance between the highlights.

Sligo and Leitrim aren't like that.

Within a relatively compact corner of the north-west you can stand underneath waterfalls, walk beneath Benbulben, explore ancient tombs, drive into spectacular mountain valleys and finish your day watching the Atlantic in Strandhill.

And somehow the region still feels quieter than many of Ireland's best-known tourist areas.

If you're visiting for the first time, we'd give yourself at least a couple of days.

Don't rush through Gleniff.

Take the woodland walk at Glencar.

Climb Knocknarea if the weather allows.

And leave enough time for one of those unplanned stops when you turn a corner and suddenly realise the view is far better than whatever was on your itinerary.

That's Sligo and Leitrim.