Experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Sligo with a stay at The Schoolhouse at Annaghmore, a charming retreat in the care of Irish Landmark Trust. Built in the 1860s, The Schoolhouse is an enchanting rural building, nestled by the picturesque Owenmore River and surrounded by mature woodland.
The Schoolhouse offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comforts. Its location allows visitors to easily explore nearby Sligo town, with its bustling streets, cosy cafes, boutique shops, and the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Not far from stunning beaches and historical landmarks like Lissadel House, visitors can experience both relaxation and adventure.
For those seeking natural beauty, the coastal areas of Strandhill, Mullaghmore, and Enniscrone are within driving distance. Sligo’s rugged landscapes, serene lakes, and great surfing spots ensure a memorable holiday for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
History of the Schoolhouse Annaghmore
The Schoolhouse at Annaghmore stands as a significant educational landmark for the local community. This schoolhouse was key in shaping the early education of local young students from when it was built in the 1860’s. The property now offers guests a unique glimpse into Irish educational history while providing modern, comfortable accommodations.
Preservation efforts have honoured the building’s original essence while making it suitable for holiday stays. Visitors can not only enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape but also immerse themselves in the historical ambience of the schoolhouse. This blend of history and hospitality makes it a compelling destination.
Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration
Once you have arrived, take some time to explore the property and its surroundings. You could then spend the afternoon visiting the nearby Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown. This is an interesting open-air museum that showcases rural life in Ireland from the 18th century onwards. (15-minute drive). Start planning your visit here.
Afterwards, enjoy dinner at The Bridge Bar & Restaurant in Riverstown, known for its hearty pub food. For up-to-date menus and booking, see their page.
Day 2: Discover Sligo Town
Today head to Sligo Town and visit the Yeats Memorial Building. They offer a poetry afternoon tea, private tours, group tours, and individual tours where you can learn more about one of Ireland’s legendary writers.
Afterwards, visit The Model Contemporary Arts Centre and home to the Niland Collection. They have an exciting and interesting programme of events throughout the year. To plan your visit click here.
Finally, we recommend exploring Sligo Abbey, a Dominican Friary with a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
For dinner, we recommend trying Eala Bhán for a delicious treat. Menu features local, seasonal ingredients and delicious drinks.
Day 3: Coastal Beauty & Beaches
Sligo’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in Ireland, including Strandhill, Enniscrone, and Mullaghmore. This makes it a surfer’s paradise, and its endless beaches are also perfect for walks, swims or to try horse riding. Check out this list for some of the best surfing beaches in Sligo.
We recommend that you drive to Strandhill (a 17-minute drive) for a relaxing morning walk or swim at the beach. While there you could try out a seaweed bath at Voya Seaweed Baths for a unique wellness experience.
If you would like to try surfing, Strandhill is one of the most popular surf spots in the Country. There are a number of surf schools in the area and they cater for all levels.
In the afternoon, visit Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the largest collections of megalithic tombs in Ireland.
In the early evening, you could come back to Strandhill for dinner at Shells Café, a popular spot for fresh, locally sourced meals. Alternatively, try the Strand Bar for delicious food and drinks.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures
Sligo is a great county for walks, to name a few: The Glen, Devils Chimney, Benbulben Forest Walk, Caves of Keash, and Glencar Waterfall. To read a full list of great walks in Sligo click here.
One of the best known is Knocknarea Mountain to see Queen Maeve’s Cairn and enjoy panoramic views of Sligo.
In the afternoon, visit Lough Gill and take a boat trip to the Isle of Innisfree, made famous by W.B. Yeats’ poem. Boat tours depart from the centre of Sligo Town and travel along the Garavogue River for 30 minutes to reach the beautiful lake of Lough Gill.
For dinner, you could try Coach Lane Restaurant in Sligo Town, known for its cosy atmosphere and excellent food
We recommend that you drive to Strandhill (a 17-minute drive) for a relaxing morning walk or swim at the beach. While there you could try out a seaweed bath at Voya Seaweed Baths for a unique wellness experience.
If you would like to try surfing, Strandhill is one of the most popular surf spots in the Country. There are a number of surf schools in the area and they cater for all levels.
In the afternoon, visit Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the largest collections of megalithic tombs in Ireland.
In the early evening, you could come back to Strandhill for dinner at Shells Café, a popular spot for fresh, locally sourced meals. Alternatively, try the Strand Bar for delicious food and drinks.
Day 5: Historical Sites & Culture
Explore Parke’s Castle, a beautifully restored 17th-century plantation castle on the shores of Lough Gill.
In the afternoon, visit the Sligo County Museum (ideal for a wet day!). The Museum contains a fascinating collection of exhibits detailing Sligo’s rich stone-age history, including a large firkin of 100-year-old bog butter.
The Yeats Room here is full of manuscripts, photographs, letters, and newspaper cuttings associated with the celebrated poet. Also in the museum, you will see paintings by Irish artists George Russell, Sean Keating, and Jack. B. Yeats, brother of W.B.
There is also a display of artefacts and memorabilia associated with Countess Constance Markievicz and her sister Eva Gore-Booth.
Day 6: Drumcliffe & Sligo Food Tour
In the morning, take a short drive to the charming village of Drumcliffe to see the final resting place of W.B. Yeats and the historic Drumcliffe Church. (20-minute drive).
In the afternoon, take a tour with Sligo Food Trails. They have several excellent foodie experiences on offer. To learn more and book click here.
Day 7: Visit Lissadel House
A visit to Lissadell House is highly recommended. (25-minute drive from The Schoolhouse).
A combination of museum and home, Lissadell House was once the abode of the Gore-Booths, with two of the 5 siblings being Constance and Eva, revolutionary and suffragette, respectively. They also have lovely tea rooms. Plan your visit and make a booking on their website.
Places to Eat
- Eala Bhán, Sligo Town
- Shells Café, Strandhill
- Coach Lane Restaurant, Sligo Town
- Lang’s Bar & Restaurant, Grange
- Sligo food trails
- Sligo farmers market
Tips from the House Manager
- Car Rental: Having a car is highly recommended to explore the surrounding areas comfortably.
- Bike Rental: If you would like to explore the area by bike, visit Coolaney national mountain bike centre.
- Eagles Flying is worth a visit. Nestled in the green hills of South Sligo, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for Raptors and Owls, the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying. It is situated on more than 27 ha of mature parklands near Ballymote. Currently, it is the home of many different species of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. There are also many different species of other birds and animals such as deer, skunk, and foxes.
- Try some beer from local Lough Gill Brewery or some whiskey from Lough Gill Distillers
- Why not let a local expert show you around by booking a tour, check out Sligo Tours for more.
When to visit
Sligo is great to visit at any time. The weather is generally better March – October, but it is a lovely cosy spot to visit in Wintertime too. There is a lively cultural and music scene in Sligo. In addition to the plentiful events that take place throughout the year, Sligo also has a number of headline events that take place annually. In July there is the Arts Festival, in August the Yeats Summer School, the Summer Festival and Sligo racing festival. In October they have Sligo Live. For a full list of events in Sligo throughout the year visit here.
When booking your stay at Schoolhouse at Annaghmore or any other Irish Landmark Trust property, keep in mind that the longer you stay, the more affordable the nightly rate becomes. With so much to see and do in the area, it’s well worth considering extending your visit by an extra night or two to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of County Sligo. To book your stay visit here.This seven-day itinerary ensures a balanced mix of relaxation, cultural exploration, and outdoor activities, providing a comprehensive experience of Sligo’s charm and the unique ambiance of The Schoolhouse at Annaghmore. Please note that everything in this itinerary is correct at time of writing (Summer 2024). Please always consult the relevant website for up-to-date information and booking details.