origin of name · one of ireland’s most well-known poets, w.b. yeats, spent most of his childhood...
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Origin of Name: The Irish word ‘Sligeach’, meaning ‘a shelly place’
Nickname: Yeats County, The Magpies
Location: North-West Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way
Population: 65,535 people according to 2016 CSO Census of Ireland
Province: Connacht (third largest county in Connacht)
Distance from Dublin: 207km
Total Area: 1838km2
Sligo Fact File
According to the 2016 CSO census, the following five towns are Sligo’slargest:1. Sligo town2. Tubbercurry3. Strandhill4. Ballymote5. Colooney
Where Is Sligo on the Map?
Sligo is one of the earliest known places of human settlement in Ireland and was founded by the Vikings.
The county has a megalithic cemetery in Carrowmore, similar to Newgrange, that dates back to the stone age.
Queen Maeve's tomb, Miosgán Médhbh, is rumoured to be buried nearby.
Sligo was officially formed in 1585, but it wasn’t until the end of the Nine Years’ War in 1603 that it came into effect.
Sligo’s History
Sligo’s iconic crest dates back to just 1980, when it was adopted by Sligo County Council.
The design is that of a black shield with an open book on which there is a red rose and a Celtic cross.
The crest is said to represent the rich literal and cultural history of Sligo, referring to works by W.B. Yeats and the Books of Ballymote and Lecan.
The crest is black and white in colour and matches the county’s strong GAA colours.
Coat of Arms
Sligo has a strong and well-documented culture.
One of Ireland’s most well-known poets, W.B. Yeats, spent most of his childhood in Sligo, which was the inspiration for much of his poetry. Yeats said, “The place that has really influenced my life most is Sligo.”
Yeats chose Drumcliff, in the north of Sligo, to be his final resting place.
Each year, Yeats Day is held in Sligo in his honour.
Sligo’s Culture
Sligo has a strong and vibrant history of traditional music with many festivals taking place each year. This includes the Queen Maeve International Summer School and the Sligo Live festival which attracts thousands of visitors to the county.
Notable musicians from Sligo include James Morrison, Michael Coleman, Paddy Killoran, Westlife, tin-whistle player Carmel Gunning and the band Dervish.
Live traditional music and jigs in pubs are a great source of entertainment for visitors around Sligo throughout the year.
Sligo’s Traditional Music Culture
Sligo has a very strong sporting record and, unlike nearby counties, has had more success at soccer rather than the GAA.
Soccer The county’s main soccer team, Sligo Rovers, who are a League of Ireland Premier Division, have played at the Showgrounds since the club was founded in 1928.
Gaelic FootballSligo play in the GAA Connacht Senior Football Championship ever year but have only ever managed to win the Connacht final three times in 1928, 1975 and 2007. Sligo sadly have never made it to an All-Ireland final. In 1922, they came very close after beating Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final but lost due to a technicality. No Sligo team has ever appeared in an All-Ireland Senior ClubFootball final. Their local grounds is Markievicz Park inSligo, and their county colours are black and white.
Sport in Sligo
Sligo has a beautiful coastal and seaside landscape with many sandy beaches with rolling Atlantic waves, small villages, and legendary mountains such as Benbulben and Knocknarea. It is the perfect place to start your summer adventure.
It is said you can hardly take ‘a good stretch of the legs’ without tripping over a legend.
Sligo’s Scenery