The Schoolhouse at Annaghmore

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.

Lissadell House and Gardens County Sligo Ireland

 

Places to Eat 

 

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.

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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.