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North West
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The stunning scenery is matched
by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. The
North West provides every variety of recreational activity
from the arduous to the languorous - golfing on perfect fairways
to surfing the Atlantic rollers; horse riding in bracing winds
to lazing in seaweed baths.
The North West's
landscape has been remarkably unaffected by the passage of
time and is a striking mixture of beautiful coastlines, rambling
hills, magnificent mountains and lovely lakes, all of which
are ripe for discovery.
Those with
an interest in literature will be spoiled for choice. The
charming county of Sligo is the birthplace of one of Ireland’s
greatest poets, WB Yeats; while County Monaghan provided a
lifetime of inspiration to esteemed poet Patrick Kavanagh.
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Why
the North West?
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Rest & relaxation
- there is a fabulous choice of top class restaurants
with evening entertainment freely available in a range
of high quality venues. |
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As well as dozens of
Blue Flag beaches, the area boasts splendid facilities
for golfing, angling, equestrian, hiking, biking, cruising
and water sports to name but a few… |
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The North West is home
to a number of magnificent monuments which are older than
the pyramids! The Carrowmore Megalathic Cemetery is a
fascinating illustration of the engineering genius of
our pre-historic ancestors. |
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There is always something
going on in the North West – from the Strandhill
Guitar Festival to the celebration of the legend of the
Enniscrone Black Pig, you’re sure to be entertained! |
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Sligo has many beautiful
lakes, especially Lough Gill and Glencar. This is WB Yeats’
"Land of Hearts Desire", where he and his brother
Jack, found inspiration. Enjoy! |
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| Activities
View
Activities Map
Below is just a selection of activities
to be found in the North West region. For more information click
here
| 1. |
Adventure Sports
There are stacks of sports-based activities in the North West,
so you’ll never be short of something to do. How about
having an adventure with a difference on a quad trails? Maybe
some rally car racing? Or even a spot of deep-sea diving? |
| 2. |
Bird Watching
The Eagles Flying Bird Sanctuary offers a fantastic opportunity
to experience some of the biggest birds of prey in their natural
environment. You can watch different species of eagles hunting
on dummy prey, and there’s a children’s zoo with
farmyard animals and family pets for the kids to enjoy. |
| 3. |
Brown Trout
Perch yourself on a pretty bank beside the Glenamoy, Owenmore
and Owenduff rivers where you can try your luck at catching
one of the brown trout that swim past. |
| 4. |
Cycling
Magnificent Lakeland vistas, glacial valleys, and deep beautiful
glens forged by tumbling rivers make the North West a beautiful
spot to visit. And what better way to explore the coast and
landscapes than with the historic 225km Tour de Humbert cycling
route through the Sligo countryside. |
| 5. |
Inland Cruising
Cruising along the Shannon and Erne Waterways gives you a perfect
opportunity to sample the tranquil beauty of unspoiled Ireland.
And the many lively villages around the rivers and canals make
perfect places to stop off for a well-deserved pint or two.
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| 6. |
Riding
The North West is well stocked with quality equestrian centre
and schools. Whether you want to go trail riding, beach trekking,
or stay on a horse holiday farm you’ll be spoiled for
choice. |
| 7. |
Sailing
Let the kids get their sea legs with a sailing course at the
Mullaghmore Sailing Centre in County Sligo. Sailing courses
for juniors are run throughout the summer months. |
| 8. |
Salmon Fishing
Salmon fishing is the specialty in the Moy Estuary, County Sligo.
Seek out Atlantic salmon in the River Drowes where it flows
into Donegal Bay. |
| 9. |
Surfing
One of the first places in Ireland to be surfed in the 1960s,
Rossnowlagh boasts an incredibly scenic beach and is home to
Ireland’s largest surf club. Check it out in July and
August when the surf is at its best. |
| 10. |
Walking
The Cliffs of Slieve League, County Donegal, are the highest
sea cliffs in Europe with some of Ireland’s finest coastal
walks. There are also various mountain ranges providing plenty
of scope for all grades of walker. |
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Culture View
Culture Map
Below is just a selection of cultural
attractions to be found in the North West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Castleblaney Drama
Festival, County Monaghan
Culture-loving types should head to County Monaghan for eight
days of drama in March. |
| 2. |
Cavan Crystal Craft and Design
Centre, County Cavan
Have a look at some splendid crystal from Cavan Crystal, or
if that doesn’t take your fancy you can choose from other
crafts including tableware, furniture, textiles, pottery and
ceramics, jewelry, wood, linen, iron craft and sculpture. |
| 3. |
Earagail Arts Festival, County
Donegal (www.earagailartsfestival.ie)
Generally taking place in July, the Earagail Arts Festival includes
theatre and comedy, outdoor family events, children’s
events, exhibitions, film and workshops. Over 80 events take
place at over 35 locations in County Donegal. Check the website
for current dates and program. |
| 4. |
Glebe House, Letterkenny, County
Donegal
Admire William Morris wallpaper and textiles, as well as Islamic
and Japanese art at this elegant 19th-century house. The gallery’s
impressive collection also includes works by over 300 20th-Century
artists including Picasso and Kokoshka. |
| 5. |
Hysterical Comedy Festival
Held by An Grianan Theatre, the Hysterical Comedy Festival serves
up the best of national and international comedians and comedy
acts. Check the website for current dates and program. |
| 6. |
Inniskeen, County Monaghan
Nestling among Monaghan's intimate rolling hills, the parish
of Inniskeen has long been a home to poets and remains largely
unchanged from the turn-of-the-century landscape that inspired
Patrick Kavanagh, one of Ireland's foremost literary figures. |
| 7. |
Maudabawn Cultural Centre, County
Cavan
This delightful stone-walled thatched building set in East Cavan
is a charming location for a cultural tourism centre. One of
the earliest Court Tombs in Ireland lies close by at Cohaw. |
| 8. |
Model Arts and Niland Gallery,
County Sligo
Housed in a beautifully renovated model school, which dates
back to 1862, The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is one of the
premier arts centers in Ireland with an extensive program of
visual and performing arts. |
| 9. |
Sligo Contemporary New Music
Festival, County Sligo
Focusing on the music of a specific composer, this festival
takes place over three days with a series of concerts in the
Model Arts and Niland Gallery. |
| 10. |
WB Yeats
Unearth the genius of the late, great WB Yeats, resident poet
of County Sligo. Yeats had a special relationship with this
beautiful county, which is celebrated by the Sligo Yeats Society.
The Society’s program of events includes a Yeats International
Summer and Winter School. |
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Golf View
Golf Map
Below is just a selection of golf
courses to be found in the North West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ballyliffin Golf
Club, County Donegal |
| 2. |
Carrick on Shannon Golf Club,
County Leitrim |
| 3. |
County Cavan Golf Club, County
Cavan |
| 4. |
County Sligo Golf Club, County
Sligo |
| 5. |
Donegal Golf Club, County Donegal
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| 6. |
Dunfanaghy Golf Club, County
Donegal |
| 7. |
Nuremore Hotel Golf & Country
Club, County Monaghan |
| 8. |
Rosapenna Golf Club, County
Donegal |
| 9. |
Strandhill Golf Club, County
Sligo |
| 10. |
The Enniscrone Club, County
Sligo |
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History View
History Map
Below is just a selection of historical
attractions to be found in the North West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Belturbet Station,
Belturbet, County Cavan
This 1885 cut-stone railway station is now home to a visitor
centre. The centre houses a fascinating archive of memorabilia
including original tickets, timetables and special railway artifacts,
and is an ideal spot for railway enthusiasts and children. |
| 2. |
The Lace Gallery, Carrickmacross,
County Monaghan
Carrickmacross Lace is a delicate Irish craft dating back to
1816. The tradition was kept alive by the St Louis sisters for
100 years and is internationally renowned for its beauty and
skill. The sleeves of Princess Diana’s wedding dress were
trimmed with Carrickmacross Lace. |
| 3. |
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery,
County Sligo
This is Ireland’s largest megalithic burial site with
over 60 tombs, the oldest of which predates Newgrange (3200
BC) by a whopping 700 years. The site also includes a restored
cottage and contains an exhibition relating to the history of
the cemetery. |
| 4. |
Donegal Castle, County Donegal
Located in the heart of Donegal town on the banks of the River
Eske, Donegal Castle was built in 1474 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell.
It has now been restored to its former glory and is well worth
a visit. |
| 5. |
Drumcliff Church and Visitor
Centre, County Sligo
The esteemed Irish poet WB Yeats is buried at this beautiful
spot perfectly placed beneath the Benbulben Mountains and on
the site of a sixth-century Columbian monastery. The visitor
centre offers information on Yeats, Columba and the county of
Sligo. |
| 6. |
Grianan Ailigh, County Donegal
This 4,000-year-old ring fort is another of Ireland’s
most important ancient sites. The great stone cashel is thought
to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, God and King of
Ireland, to protect the grave of his son Aedh. |
| 7. |
Parkes Castle, County Leitrim
On the shores of Lough Gill, one of Ireland’s prettiest
lakes, sits the splendid manor house of Parkes Castle. Restored
to its 17th-century magnificence, the castle now has a traditional
blacksmith forge in 17th-century style, as well as a cozy tearoom.
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| 8. |
Patrick Kavanagh Rural &
Literary Resource Centre, Iniskeen, County Monaghan
A must for anyone interested in the poet’s life and work,
this centre houses exhibitions on local history, has a 60-seat
audio-visual theatre, and a special research library. |
| 9. |
Sligo Abbey, County Sligo
Founded by Maurice Fitzgerald, Chief Justice of Ireland, in
1252, this Dominican Friary is known to locals simply as the
Abbey. It has the oldest decorated high altar in an Irish monastic
church, well preserved cloisters, carvings, and gothic and renaissance
tomb sculptures. |
| 10. |
St Killian’s Heritage
Centre, County Cavan
Born in 640 AD in Mullagh, County Cavan, Saint Killian became
a missionary to Wurzburg in Germany and was later martyred there
in 689 AD. This exhibition details his life and times, as well
as the work of Irish missionaries in Germany in the sixth and
seventh centuries. |
| 11. |
The Killycluggin Stone, County
Cavan
One of the most important exhibits on show at the Cavan County
Museum, the Killycluggin Stone is believed to have religious
significance associated with fertility. Discovered on a farm
in 1921, it’s thought to be Bronze Age in origin. |
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Luxury View
Luxury Map
Below is just a selection of luxury
attractions to be found in the North West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Cabra Castle Hotel,
County Cavan
A delightful and authentic castle that dates back to 1760, Cabra
Castle is nestled into 88 acres of gardens and parkland, and
enjoys its own nine-hole golf course. Rooms are elegant and
luxurious, especially the Lord’s chamber and the delightful
courtyard bedrooms. |
| 2. |
Coopershill House, County Sligo
Family home to seven generations of the O’Haras, Coopershill
House dates back to 1774, and is a remarkable house overflowing
with Georgian elegance. Indulge yourself with four-poster beds,
sophisticated candlelit dinners, open log fires and unique personal
attention. |
| 3. |
Cromleach Lodge, County Sligo
Voted Hideaway of the Year 2004 by the Georgina Campbell Jameson
Guide, Cromleach Lodge is definitely a great place to get away
from it all. A modern country house, the lodge has been designed
with the stunning views in mind so wherever you go you’ll
enjoy a feast for the senses. |
| 4. |
Hilton Park, County Monaghan
This beautiful Italian mansion located in magnificent parklands
is justly famous for cuisine that uses the best homegrown produce.
The house can be rented out exclusively for the ultimate in
privacy and seclusion, but bed & breakfast is also available
for the less extravagant. |
| 5. |
Rathmullan House, County Donegal
This gracious Georgian house was built in the 1780s and enjoys
an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly.
The restaurant has won critical acclaim from numerous guides,
and facilities are excellent with boating, croquet, steam room,
massage, and tennis. |
| 6. |
Slieve Russell Hotel, County
Cavan
Just two hours from Dublin city centre, the relaxing four-star
Slieve Russell Hotel is set in 300 acres, including 50 acres
of lakes, and offers both an 18-hole PGA championship golf course
and a nine-hole par three course. |
| 7. |
Saint Ernan’s Country
House, County Donegal
Offering superb hotel accommodation in County Donegal, the four
star St Ernan’s Country House Hotel is an oasis of peace
and tranquility. Soaked in Regency period atmosphere, the house
is surrounded by eight acres of woodland giving it a real feel
of a hideaway despite being only two miles away from Donegal
town. |
| 8. |
St John’s Country House,
County Donegal
Sitting prettily in a remote location on the shores of Lough
Swilly in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, St John’s
is as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its award-winning
cuisine. |
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Scenery View
Scenery Map
Below is just a selection of scenic
attractions to be found in the North West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ardnamona Garens,
County Donegal
A wilderness until the 19th century, Ardnamona Gardens is now
thriving with an exceptional collection of trees, shrubs and
Rhododendrons. In 1991 Ardnamona was declared a National Heritage
Garden. |
| 2. |
Glencar Waterfall, County Leitrim
Situated 11km west of Manorhamilton these impressive falls can
be viewed from a lovely wooded walk.
The waterfall served as inspiration for WB Yeats and is mentioned
in his poem The Stolen Child. Picnic facilities are also provided. |
| 3. |
Glenveagh National Park, County
Donegal
This stunning park encompasses 14,000 hectares of mountain,
raised bog land, lakes and woodlands dissected by the valley
that gives the park its name. The Golden Eagle was reintroduced
to the park in 2000 after 100 years of extinction. There’s
also a castle and magnificent gardens on site. |
| 4. |
Hilton Park Gardens, County
Monaghan
These beautiful gardens have been in the Madden family for over
250 years and extend to 500 acres of woodland, pasture and a
lake that offers rowing, fishing and swimming. |
| 5. |
Killykeen Forest Park, County
Cavan
Around five kilometers from Cavan town, Killykeen Forest Park
is a delightful 600-acre haven for birds and wildlife. It also
contains historical sites including an Iron Age ring fort, and
is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing
and orienteering. |
| 6. |
Lakes and Rivers Inland
Take the opportunity to explore remote lakes and rivers, including
the tranquil Shannon-Erne waterway with some of the most breathtaking
scenery in the country, and an atmosphere of pure tranquility. |
| 7. |
Lakeview Gardens, County Sligo
Set in the picturesque landscape of hills and lakes are the
newly restored, privately owned organic gardens of Lakeview.
Comprising an acre, the gardens are filled with unusual plants,
an orchard and a stable yard. |
| 8. |
Lough Gill, County Sligo
A sublimely beautiful lake located about two miles east of Sligo
Town. Lough Gill is about six-and-a-half-miles long and two-miles
wide. And if you’re interested in fishing, you can try
your hand at catching one of the lake’s many brown trout. |
| 9. |
Sea Cliffs
With the highest sea cliffs in Europe, fantastic mountains and
sweeping landscapes, amazing costal walks are a specialty whether
you want to go it alone, or make a trip with an organized walking
tour. |
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