If you’re planning a family trip to Sligo, you’re in for a treat. This corner of the Wild Atlantic Way pairs dramatic mountains and beaches with gentle, kid-friendly attractions, so there’s something for every age and energy level. Here are our favourite memorable things to do in Sligo with kids, from getting out in nature to exploring local history and wildlife.
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Prefer to watch before you plan? Take a look at our short video guide to family days out in Sligo for a quick taste of what’s on this list.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sligo
Have a look through our suggestions for fun places to visit in Sligo. Pick a town, village or area to explore, jot down a shortlist beforehand, and then get out and enjoy it — and let us know your family’s favourites!
#1. Sathya Sai Sanctuary (Donkey Sanctuary)
The Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust for Nature was founded to offer a place of peace and refuge for old, injured, unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused donkeys.
It sits in truly magnificent surroundings adjacent to the Carrowkeel Megalithic Site (also well worth a visit), at Castlebaldwin, just off the main N4 Sligo to Dublin road.
Bring waterproof boots, take your time, and let the kids give these gentle animals some love — it’s a lovely, low-key stop for younger children especially.
#2. Waterpoint Aqua Park
Waterpoint Aqua Park in Enniscrone is a great spot for the whole family. Facilities include an indoor heated pool with a 65-metre flume water slide, a separate children’s pool, and regular Kids Funzone inflatable sessions.
#3. Gleniff Horseshoe
© Failte Ireland
For a proper nature walk, head to the Gleniff Horseshoe, a hidden valley with stunning scenery in North County Sligo.
At the base of the horseshoe route you’ll find a renovated millsite with a lovely nature walk, a sculpture trail, and picnic tables just waiting to be used.
This is also home to Sligo’s famous “Magic Road,” where your car appears to roll back up the hill — a fun little detour for curious kids.
#4. Eagles Flying
Set amid the beautiful landscape of Ballymote, Eagles Flying is Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls. Their entertaining, interactive bird shows let you see eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and owls flying right overhead or landing close by.
Some birds can even be touched — always check with a trainer first. Watch different eagle species hunting on prey-dummies in a natural setting, and marvel at the falcons’ speed and the vultures’ intelligence.
There’s also a children’s pet zoo with goats, lambs, donkeys, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and pot-bellied pigs.
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#5. Knocknarea
Local folklore says Queen Maeve is buried on Knocknarea, and that the mound on the summit is her cairn, built while she was fleeing an enemy army.
From the top, you’ll get beautiful views of Ballisodare Bay and Culleenamore on one side, and Sligo Bay and Benbulben on the other.
To climb Knocknarea, follow signs for Strandhill/Knocknarea. It takes roughly 25 minutes to reach the top from the car park, and it’s one of the most striking landmarks in the country.
#6. Hazelwood Sculpture Trail
Just 3km from Sligo town, at Half Moon Bay on the shores of Lough Gill, you’ll find Hazelwood Demesne.
Well known locally, Hazelwood has interesting forest trails featuring a unique series of outdoor sculptures from Irish and international artists, a quiet picnic area, and beautiful lakeside views.
The nature trail forms a loop of about 3km, with two shorter alternatives available. All routes are clearly marked and begin and end at the car park.
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#7. Sligo Folk Park
Image courtesy Steve Rogers Photography
Sligo Folk Park is located in the beautiful village of Riverstown. This community-run attraction gives a genuine sense of rural life and Irish heritage at the turn of the late 19th century.
This trip down memory lane brings the cultural history of the whole region to life. Children can discover how their great-grandparents used to live, and grown-ups young at heart can rediscover how life used to be.
#8. Sligo Beaches
You’re spoilt for choice, as Sligo’s beaches are havens for water sports including surfing, body boarding, kayaking and surf kayaking — and they’re lovely and clean too.
- Enniscrone has 5km of sandy beach and is a pleasant seaside town with plenty to see and do as a family.
- Easky is a surfing mecca for experienced surfers only. It’s still great fun to bring the kids to watch, and it might inspire you to try an easier beach nearby, such as Enniscrone, where lessons and board hire are available.
- Strandhill, roughly 10km from Sligo town, is another popular surf spot with wild Atlantic waves — but swimming is not permitted at Strandhill beach due to strong currents.
- Mullaghmore Beach, in North County Sligo, is a stunning sandy beach backed by an extensive dune system, with lovely views of Benbulben. The shallow water makes it a hit with younger kids. Lifeguard cover typically operates over the summer months — check locally for current dates before you go.
- Dunmoran Strand is a sheltered beach break with fairly reliable surf year-round.
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#9. Gillighan’s World
A stone tunnel entrance, with a dolmen and amphitheatre rising out of lush green lawns, marks your way into Gillighan’s World. In these botanical gardens, natural flora and fauna blend with miniature “faerie” villages and enchanted glades.
Streams and secluded seating areas create a magical atmosphere, and a visit to the faerie fort offers spectacular panoramic views.
There’s also a wildlife pond, an aquatic cove, and an informal guided tour around the Pet Village.
#10. The Model Sligo
Image courtesy Ed Lee Photography
The Model, home of the Niland Collection, is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. It’s a bright, open, airy space that’s very welcoming to children.
The Model runs frequent workshops and programmes for all ages, shows family films, and has activity sheets to help younger visitors get the most from their visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach in Sligo for young children?
Mullaghmore Beach is a good choice for younger kids thanks to its shallow water, sandy stretch and dune-backed setting. Strandhill is best avoided for swimming because of strong currents.
Is Sligo good for a family day out with younger and older kids?
Yes — Sligo mixes gentle, low-key stops like the donkey sanctuary and Hazelwood Sculpture Trail with more active options like beach days, hill walks and Waterpoint Aqua Park, so it works well for mixed-age families.
Are these Sligo attractions suitable for a rainy day?
Some are, some aren’t. The Model Sligo and Sligo Folk Park work well indoors, while beaches, Knocknarea and the Gleniff Horseshoe are best enjoyed in good weather.
Do I need to book in advance for places like Eagles Flying or the Sathya Sai Sanctuary?
Opening times and booking requirements can change, so it’s worth checking directly with each attraction before you travel.
Related Articles
Looking for more Sligo inspiration? You might also enjoy:
- Free Fun Things to Do in Sligo with Kids
- Best Places to See Animals, Birds and Beasts in Ireland
- The Best Picnic Places for Families in Sligo and Leitrim
- 20 Things to do on the Wild Atlantic Way with Kids
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Sligo
Save This for Your Next Sligo Trip
Planning a family trip takes a bit of juggling, so why not save or bookmark this page to come back to when you’re mapping out your Sligo itinerary? It’s an easy way to have your shortlist ready to go.
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