SLIGO named after Sligeach (the Shelly River), at the mouth of the Garavogue, is the largest city of the North West of Ireland. There has been a town here since Viking times, though the megalithic remains are evidence of settlements dating back to before 3000BC. The present shape of the city, and its public buildings, are from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Though the foundations of SLIGO ABBEY (grid ref.C5 on the city plan) date from the Dominican Friary of 1253, the present structure is from the early 15th century. The ruin is well maintained and has one of the few remaining mediaeval altars in Ireland. The Roman Catholic CATHEDRAL(C5) was consecrated in 1874 and has magnificent stained glass windows. Beside it stands the C of I ST. JOHN'S which was desiged by Cassels in 1730. The Italian-Renaissance style TOWN HALL(C5) was built in 1865 and the sandstone COURT HOUSE(C5) in 1878. Other buildings of interest include the YEATS BUILDING(C5), the MUSEUM(C5) and the MODEL ARTS & NILAND CENTRE(C6). Sligo also boasts two permanent theatres, the Hawkswell and the Factory.
		Other facilities for visitors include the Sports Complex, the Racecourse, the Swimming Pool, Woodville Farm as well as over 40 restaurants and 60 pubs in the city centre. For information on the Tour of sights associated with the poet W.B.Yeats, click on the button to the right.