Days out don’t have to cost a fortune, and Sligo is one of those counties where the best entertainment is often completely free. From mountain walks to waterfalls, beaches to museums, there’s no shortage of free fun things to do in Sligo with kids whatever the weather.
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Free Things to Do in Sligo With the Family
Family Walks in Sligo
Knocknarea. Photographer: Alison Crummy
Get suited and booted and head out for a hike with a picnic. There are several forest trails to choose from, including those in Union Wood near Collooney.
Or try hiking up Knocknarea to bring a stone to Queen Maeve’s Grave. This mountain may be lesser known than Ben Bulben, but it’s still a spectacular sight as you arrive in Sligo, and it’s a very doable climb for active kids.
There are also family-friendly, way-marked trails at Ben Bulben and the Carrowkeel tombs at Castlebaldwin. It’s fun trying to spot landmarks and familiar locations from the summit, and a wonderful way to appreciate this beautiful county.
For older kids or the more adventurous family, consider tackling The Sligo Way a section at a time, perhaps taking on a new stretch each week over the summer as a family challenge.
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Free Walking Tour of Sligo
Sligo Tourism has previously run a free guided walking tour of the town over the summer months, taking in places of historical, musical, sporting and cultural interest and lasting approximately two hours.
You can usually join and leave as it suits your family, which is handy if the kids lose interest halfway through. Tour days, start times and the meeting point can change from year to year, so it’s worth checking directly with Sligo Tourism for current details before you head out.
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Sligo Playgrounds
There are some wonderful playgrounds in Sligo dotted throughout the county. Why not head for one you haven’t tried before? The novelty factor alone will win the kids over.
Tip: Calry, Ballinafad and Grange are all worth a visit if you haven’t been before.
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See the Devil’s Chimney
Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, also known as the Devil’s Chimney, is Ireland’s tallest waterfall at 492 feet (150m). It sits on the Sligo/Leitrim border, near its better-known neighbour, Glencar Waterfall.
The Irish name means “stream against the height”, based on the folklore that when the wind blows from the south, the waterfall is blown upward and back over the cliff it falls from — hence the name Devil’s Chimney.
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Visit the Library
Check out your local library branch and see what classes and events run throughout the year. Your library is a wonderful — and free — family resource.
Many branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, book clubs, chess clubs, and games and activity sessions. There’s also free computer access and books and DVDs to borrow. For a change of scenery, why not try a different branch to your usual one?
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Festivals and Events
Keep an eye on our monthly round-up of what’s on around the country to catch free family events in and around Sligo. From festivals to family fun days, you never know what will pop up near you.
Beaches in Sligo
Beaches aren’t just for summer, and they’re not even just for sunny weather! Sligo has some world-class beaches, particularly for surfers, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
A walk on the shore is a great way to work up an appetite and burn off energy. After rough seas, all sorts of treasures wash up, so bring a bucket to collect pebbles, shells and driftwood for some beach craft projects back home.
For older kids, tie the visit into school geography or science by spotting coastal landforms or seashore flora and fauna.
Enniscrone is one of our favourite Sligo beaches, with 5km of dunes and plenty of space to run about and play football. There are also water sports and family events held there throughout the year.
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Galleries & Museums
Visit a museum or gallery and see what sparks your child’s interest. The Model in Sligo runs a family programme as well as an education programme, and often has free events or children’s worksheets to help little ones engage as they explore.
Exhibitions change regularly, so you can enjoy something new even if you’ve visited before. To keep kids engaged, ask them to find their favourite piece in the gallery — or, if they’re unimpressed, their least favourite and why. That usually gets the conversation going!
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Gleniff Horseshoe
© Failte Ireland
Head out for a nature walk at the Gleniff Horseshoe, a hidden valley with truly stunning scenery. At the base of the Horseshoe route you’ll find a renovated Millsite, with a lovely nature walk and sculpture trail.
This is also where you’ll find Sligo’s ‘Magic Road’, where your car appears to roll back up the hill!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Sligo with kids?
Sligo has plenty to offer without spending a cent, from mountain walks up Knocknarea or Ben Bulben to beach days at Enniscrone, playground visits, library events, and exploring the Gleniff Horseshoe.
Are there free walking tours in Sligo?
Sligo has previously offered a free guided walking tour of the town during the summer months, covering historical, musical and cultural highlights. Details can change year to year, so check with Sligo Tourism before you go.
What is the Devil’s Chimney waterfall?
The Devil’s Chimney, or Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, is Ireland’s tallest waterfall at 492 feet (150m), found on the Sligo/Leitrim border near Glencar Waterfall. Its name comes from folklore about the wind blowing the water back up over the cliff.
Which Sligo beach is best for families?
Enniscrone is a family favourite, with 5km of dunes, plenty of space for games, and water sports and events throughout the year.
Is Knocknarea suitable for kids to climb?
Yes — while less well known than Ben Bulben, Knocknarea is a manageable climb for active kids, with the added fun of visiting Queen Maeve’s Grave at the summit.
More Sligo Family Days Out
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our guides to the Top 10 Things to Do in Sligo With Kids, Sligo Playgrounds, and Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Sligo for more ideas the whole family will love.
Found a free Sligo spot we haven’t mentioned? Save this article and bookmark it for your next free day out with the family.
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