Sligo is one of those lesser-known, hidden gem destinations in Ireland. It has a perfect mixture of rugged coastal terrain with views across the Atlantic Ocean and complete luxury in your perfect Sligo hotel, Ocean Sands complete with all-natural seaweed baths.
Day 1:
Wake up to a delicious breakfast in the restaurant of Ocean Sands Hotel, to help set you up for the day. We offer a variety of breakfast choices, from a healthy bowl of fruit and yoghurt to a hearty full Irish breakfast, whatever takes your fancy.
After a filling breakfast, it’s time to explore the natural beauty that is Sligo. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Caves of Keash, about an hour’s drive from your Sligo hotel, on the side of the Keshcorran Mountain. Blink and you’ll miss the 16 different caves which you can freely explore after a short walk up the trail from the car park. The caves have a rich and varied history with everything from Ice Age animal bones to human ones found inside. It wouldn’t be an Irish site if there weren’t many tales and folklore to go along with the actual facts!
Sligo also has many Megalithic and Neolithic tombs and cemeteries scattered throughout the county, the closest to the Caves of Keash is Carrowkeel where you can crawl through the passageway and admire the view from inside the tombs on a clear day.
Head back to your Sligo accommodation for a rest before you enjoy a delicious meal in Onyx Restaurant. We pride ourselves in serving the highest quality and standard food that our chef approves before it leaves the kitchen. We offer a variety of local delicacies like our delicious seafood chowder and tried and trusted favourites like fish & chips.
Day 2:
After another delicious breakfast in Ocean Sands Hotel, take a trip into Sligo town for the morning to explore. There is something special about our quaint but cute town dotted with pubs, shops, and cafes. Check out some of the sites including the Sligo Abbey, Sligo Cathedral and the beautiful River Garavogue which runs through the centre of town. In the summer months, there are walking tours if you want to learn more about the history of Sligo and its roots.
Head back to the seaside after your morning of exploring for an exciting afternoon of horse riding on the beach. If you’ve ever had the romantic notion of riding a gallant steed through the spray of the ocean, this is where dreams come true. We recommend Iceford Stables
After a morning of learning and exercising on horseback, treat yourself to an indulgent seaweed bath in Kilcullen baths, less than two minutes’ walk from your Sligo hotel. Seaweed baths are one of the oldest and most trusted means of relaxation know to man and all of the ‘ingredients’ for your bath are taken directly from the ocean. Hot seaweed baths provide relaxation and relief to people of all ages, especially those with rheumatism and arthritis. They allow tense and painful muscles and joints to fully relax, relieving tension and completely relaxing the body and mind. After your seaweed bath, stay connected to nature with a walk on Enniscrone beach.
To finish off a fantastic couple of days in Sligo, enjoy a drink and live music in our hotel bar. We serve a fantastic range of beers, wines, and spirits and all with a real Irish welcome. We often have local musicians performing traditional and international music which is enjoyed by our guests and neighbours equally. No better way to end your time in the ‘Land of Heart’s Desire’ than with a delicious Irish Whiskey and some craic agus ceol.
Katie McGarr is a lifestyle writer for Ocean Sands, one of the leading seaside hotels in Sligo, Ireland providing remarkable Irish cuisine and breathtaking coastal views. She passionately writes on various topics but in her free time, she loves spending summer hiking and camping with her friends.
