Your Perfect Day Out
in Sligo Starts Here

Approx. 135km
Depart 9.00am

Begin your day trip by leaving Galway at 9.00am. To break up the drive, stop at the Ireland West Airport (Knock) Visitor Centre around 10.15am. Grab a coffee, watch the airplanes go by, and get a feel for the attractions of the Northwest. Hop back in the car to arrive at Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown by 11.00am for an engaging morning tour.

Approx. 15km
Midday arrival

After exploring the park, enjoy a relaxed lunch at the onsite Millstone Café. Depart at 2.00pm for a short drive to the Carrowkeel Megalithic Tombs, arriving at 2.30pm. Spend a few hours delving into this ancient, breathtaking archaeological complex while taking in the wide-open views across the Bricklieve Mountains.

Approx. 10km to Castlebaldwin /
125km back to Galway

From Carrowkeel, take a short 17-minute drive down to Castlebaldwin. Call into McDermot’s Bar and Restaurant for a hearty meal and refreshments. It’s the perfect, relaxing way to wind down and set you up for a comfortable journey back home to Galway.

Approx. 50km
Depart 9.00am

Begin your day by leaving Donegal Town at 9.00am, driving south along the scenic coast. Arrive at Atlantic Sheepdogs in Grange around 9.40am, just in time for an immersive, one-hour sheepdog demonstration starting at 10.00am. Afterward, depart at 11.30am and enjoy a beautiful drive toward Sligo, passing the majestic slopes of Benbulben on your left and taking in the stunning views of Sligo Bay to your right.

Approx. 35km
Late morning arrival

Arrive at Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown around 12.10pm, just in time to kick off your visit with a delicious lunch or coffee in The Millstone Café. Afterward, devote your afternoon to exploring the park at a relaxed pace. Wander through the beautifully restored rural buildings, fascinating heritage exhibitions, and lush gardens, or let the children enjoy the open spaces and play areas. It’s an unhurried, comfortable place to truly settle into the afternoon.

Approx. 30km to Drumcliff /
55km back to Donegal

Depart the Folk Park at 3.30pm and make your way to historic Drumcliff, arriving around 4.00pm. Take a peaceful stroll through the churchgrounds to visit the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Before making the final drive home to Donegal, call into the nearby Yeats Tavern to relax and enjoy some refreshments, wrapping up a perfect day out.

Approx. 60km
Depart 9.00am

Start your journey by departing Ballina at 9.00am, heading east through the beautiful landscapes of the West of Ireland. You’ll arrive directly at Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown at approximately 10.00am. Start your day by exploring the park’s rich history, wandering through restored rural buildings and exhibitions at your own unhurried pace.

Approx. 20km
Midday arrival

After a wonderful morning of exploring, wrap up your time at the park with a light lunch or a coffee break at The Millstone Café. From there, take a short drive into vibrant Sligo Town. Spend your afternoon immersing yourself in the local culture with visits to the Yeats Building and Gallery, the historic Sligo Abbey, and contemporary art exhibits at The Model / Niland Centre—and perhaps even save a little time for some local shopping.

Approx. 60km
back to Ballina

As the day winds down, treat yourself to a hearty evening meal in Sligo Town. You’ll be spoiled for choice with fantastic local favorites like Hooked, the Glasshouse Hotel, or the Harp Tavern. After a relaxing dinner and a varied day of heritage and culture, enjoy a comfortable drive back home to Ballina.

Approx. 15km
Depart 9.00am

Leave Carrick-on-Shannon at 9.00am for a quick drive to Lough Key Forest Park, arriving around 9.20am. Enjoy a refreshing morning surrounded by nature, whether you choose to explore the lakeside views, take a gentle woodland walk, or stretch your legs along the scenic trails.

Approx. 30km
Midday arrival

Depart Lough Key at 12.30pm and arrive at Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown for 1.00pm. Begin your visit with a relaxing lunch at The Millstone Café before spending a few hours diving into the past. Enjoy wandering through the restored rural buildings and heritage exhibitions at an unhurried, comfortable pace.

Approx. 30km to Strandhill /
55km back to Carrick

Depart the Folk Park for coastal Strandhill to enjoy a beach walk with stunning views of legendary Knocknarea and Queen Maeve’s tomb—complete with an obligatory ice cream from Mammy Johnston’s! To finish your evening, choose from two relaxing options:

• Option 1 (Adults Only, Fri/Sat): Head to the White Hag Brewery in Ballymote for a 5.30pm tour and tasting, followed by food at McDermot’s in Castlebaldwin before driving home.
• Option 2: Head straight from Strandhill to Castlebaldwin for dinner at McDermot’s, then return to Carrick-on-Shannon for a fun, relaxing evening cruise on the River Shannon with Moon River.

Approx. 12km
Depart 9.00am

Depart Manorhamilton at 9.00am and make the short drive to Glencar Waterfall, arriving at 9.15am. Take a peaceful morning stroll around this famous, scenic area to get a close-up view of one of Ireland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Before heading off, call into the local tea rooms for some light, relaxing refreshments.

Approx. 30km
Late morning arrival

Leave Glencar at 11.00am and arrive at Sligo Folk Park at 11.35am. Start your visit by touring the park’s fantastic exhibitions and beautifully restored heritage buildings. When you’re ready for a break, settle in for a delicious lunch at the onsite Millstone Café, enjoying the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere of the park.

Approx. 20km to Dromahair/
25km back to Manorhamilton

Depart the Folk Park at 2.30pm and head to Dromahair to experience The Shed Distillery, arriving at 2.40pm (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult). Afterward, take a beautiful 40-minute drive along the tranquil shores of Lough Gill to the historic Parke’s Castle. Once your castle tour is complete, return to Dromahair for a relaxing stop at the Club House for refreshments before the short drive home.

Approx. 45km
Depart 9.00am

Leave Roscommon Town at 9.00am and head north to Lough Key Forest Park, arriving at 9.45am. Enjoy a refreshing morning surrounded by spectacular lakeside views and woodland trails—it’s a wonderful, gentle way to start your day trip adventure.

Approx. 30km
Midday arrival

Depart Lough Key at 12.00pm and arrive at Sligo Folk Park at 12.30pm. Head straight to The Millstone Café for a delicious lunch, then spend a few unhurried hours exploring the park. Wander through the historic buildings, enjoy the open spaces, and take in the heritage exhibitions at your own relaxed pace.

Approx. 20-25km to evening stops /
45km back to Roscommon

Depart Sligo Folk Park at 4.00pm and choose from two excellent evening routes on your way home:

• Option 1 (Adults Only, Fri/Sat): Travel to the White Hag Brewery in Ballymote for a craft beer tour and taproom tasting experience, followed by refreshments at McDermot’s in Castlebaldwin.
• Option 2: Drive to the historic Boyle Abbey, arriving at 4.30pm for a peaceful tour. Afterward, take a minor detour on the drive home to stop at the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown for a relaxing evening meal.