If you’re looking for things to do in Sligo this July, here are just some of my suggestions. You can also visit my Things to Do in Sligo Blog post to see some more suggestions: https://magnumlady.com/2025/07/04/things-to-do-in-sligo/
Take the Sligo Town Walking Tour
The Sligo Town Walking tour is back this summer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years, the tour is a great way to discover the stories behind the streets – and it’s free!
The tour includes places of historical, musical, sporting and cultural interest, and one of the best things about it is the flexibility – join when you want and leave when you want.
When: Thursdays to Saturdays at 3pm. 2nd July 2026 and September 26th 2026
Meeting Point: Discover Ireland Tourist Office, top of O’Connell Street, Sligo.
Book a Summer Picnic with Sligo Picnics
If you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a proposal, catching up with friends or just want an excuse to spend an afternoon outdoors, Sligo Picnics creates beautifully styled luxury picnics in some of the county’s most scenic locations. It’s a lovely way to make the most of the long July evenings. Full details: https://sligofoodtrail.ie/plan-your-visit/sligo-picnic/
Explore Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Sligo Abbey for free – on the first Wednesday of the month. Also Parkes Castle in neighbouring Leitrim: https://heritageireland.ie/visit/free-wednesday/
Step Aboard a Spanish Galleon
One of this summer’s most unusual attractions is the arrival of the Galeón Andalucía, the world’s largest replica Spanish galleon. https://www.sligococo.ie/News/SpanishGalleonReplicatoVisitSligo/
The ship will be open to visitors at Sligo Harbour from 1–12 July, with self-guided tours giving you the chance to explore life aboard a traditional sailing vessel. The visit also commemorates Sligo’s links with the Spanish Armada and the wrecks off Streedagh Beach. *The ship is coming in sometime on Wednesday morning, due to weather conditions – follow the ships progress here.
Cruise to Parke’s Castle
Looking for a day out that’s a little different? Every Wednesday throughout July, you can combine a scenic cruise on Lough Gill with a guided visit to one of Sligo’s best-loved heritage sites. https://heritageireland.ie/whats-on/boat-trip-to-parkes-castle-and-tour/
The Rose of Innisfree Tour Boat departs Doorly Park Jetty at 10.30am, crossing Lough Gill to Parke’s Castle, where visitors enjoy a guided tour before sailing back to Sligo. It’s a lovely way to experience both the beauty of the lake and one of the region’s finest restored plantation castles in a single trip.
When: Every Wednesday from 1 July
Departure: Doorly Park Jetty, Sligo, 10.30am
Lunchtime at the Well
If you’re in town on a Friday, Hawks Well Theatre’s Lunchtime at the Well series is well worth checking out. These relaxed lunchtime performances showcase music and entertainment from talented local and visiting artists, making them an easy addition to a day exploring Sligo. https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/lunchtime-at-the-well-3
National Play Day – 4 July
Families should make a note of National Play Day, taking place in Doorly Park on Saturday 4 July from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
This free outdoor event is open to all ages and abilities, with activities including face painting, multi-sport games, storytelling and plenty of opportunities for children to get active, play and have fun.
Cairde Sligo Arts Festival (4–11 July)
One of the biggest dates in Sligo’s cultural calendar, Cairde transforms the town with eight days of music, theatre, dance, visual art, circus, street performances and family events.
Many performances take place in unexpected locations, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the programme if you’re in town during the festival. https://www.cairdefestival.com/
South Sligo Summer School (12–18 July)
Held in Tubbercurry, the South Sligo Summer School has been celebrating traditional Irish music, song and dance for almost 40 years.
Alongside classes and workshops, there are nightly concerts, céilithe and informal music sessions that visitors can enjoy, even if they’re not taking part in the summer school itself. https://www.southsligosummerschool.com/
Ballygawley Music Festival (16–19 July)
One of the North West’s biggest summer music festivals returns to Ballygawley for four nights of live entertainment. Since launching in 2019, the festival has grown year on year, attracting visitors from across Ireland, the UK and beyond.
This year’s line-up features some of Ireland’s biggest country and folk acts, including Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Cliona Hagan, Michael English, Johnny Brady and Allie Sherlock, making it a must for fans of live Irish music. The festival is strictly over 18s and is known for its lively atmosphere and strong community spirit. https://ballygawleymusicfestival.com/
Wipeout Festival Strandhill Sat 18th July 2026.
Wipeout is a one day FREE Festival celebrating Independent music!
Our main Stage is at the National Surf Centre from 1 – 7pm with a Yum BBQ in aid of County Sligo Surf Club + many other events on the day. More details on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590797996312
Sligo Jazz Festival (21–26 July)
For one week each July, Sligo becomes a destination for jazz lovers. The Sligo Jazz Project brings internationally renowned musicians to the county for concerts, workshops, jam sessions and plenty of free performances around town.
https://www.sligojazz.ie/programmesjp.html
Yeats International Summer School (22–31 July)
Literature lovers should have the Yeats International Summer School on their radar. Now in its 67th year, the internationally renowned event brings together academics, writers, poets and readers from around the world to celebrate the life and work of W.B. Yeats.
Alongside lectures and seminars, the programme includes poetry readings, music, cultural events and excursions to some of the landscapes that inspired Yeats, making it accessible even if you’re not attending the full summer school. Individual events are also open to the public, so it’s worth checking the programme if you’re in Sligo during the final week of July. https://www.yeatssociety.com/yeats-summer-school/
Taste of Sligo Food Festival (25–26 July)
Foodies won’t want to miss the Taste of Sligo Food Festival, returning to Queen Maeve Square on 25th and 26th July.
Now in its third year, the festival celebrates the best of Sligo and the North West’s food scene, bringing together artisan producers, street food vendors, local restaurants and some of Ireland’s best-known chefs. Expect live cookery demonstrations, food stalls, family entertainment, children’s cookery activities and live music throughout the weekend.
It’s a great opportunity to sample local produce, discover new flavours and experience why Sligo is becoming one of Ireland’s top foodie destinations. Tickets are €5, with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. https://tasteofsligo.ie/taste-of-sligo-food-festival/
While you’re here, don’t miss:
- A sunset at Strandhill.
- A walk around Rosses Point
- Benbulben Forest Walk
- Mullaghmore Harbour and the coastal drive
- A walk around Gleniff Horseshoe
- A visit to the Donkey Sanctuary (weekends only)
- Visit Aughris Head and the Ladies Brae
- The breathtaking Caves of Keash
- The Sligo Markets https://magnumlady.com/2026/03/06/the-sligo-markets/
- Visit Atlantic Sheepdogs
Most of all, enjoy yourself! I hope this blog post has given you a few ideas of places to visit in our beautiful county. Visit The Heart of Sligo Facebook group for up to date events. I’m not connected with any of the events mentioned, so if would like to leave me a tip, or buy me a cake, I’d be very grateful: https://ko-fi.com/magnumlady
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