Sligo Awaits

 Plan Your Perfect Getaway to Sligo

Discover everything Sligo has to offer by exploring the Ideas Engine at sligo.ie. Let it inspire your ideal holiday itinerary—filled with adventure, culture, and coastal charm.

Surfing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, experiencing eagles flying or watching some of the world’s smartest sheepdogs at work – there is so much to see and do in Sligo that we have compiled a list of what we consider to be some of the star attractions. These are just a sample of the amazing options that await you on your visit. Our friendly reception staff will be happy to provide you with further information on these and a host of other opportunities to enjoy your time in Sligo.

 Upcoming Festivals and Events Sept - Dec 2025

• Saltwater Festival – September 6th (Online Promo TBA)
  A celebration of coastal living, adventure, and sustainability. This multi-day event typically includes guided sea swims, outdoor activities, wellness talks, food experiences, and live music - SALT WATER Festival
• Wild & Wellfest – September 5th–7th
  A health and wellbeing festival focused on physical and mental wellness, taking place in scenic outdoor and indoor locations around Sligo. Events include yoga, workshops, talks, and nature walks - Wild & Well Festival 2025
• Minor Disturbance Spilt Milk– September 6^th
  Known for its genre-bending music and alternative arts programming, Spilt Milk returns for a mini edition in Sligo town - Spilt Milk | music and art | Sligo (@spiltmilkfest) • Instagram photos and videos
• Cannonball Ireland – September 13th
  A high-octane motoring event where hundreds of supercars roar into Sligo as part of a national tour. Expect a carnival atmosphere at Queen Maeve Square with music, entertainment, and family-friendly fun - Cannonball Rally Ireland - Queen Maeve Square /
• Culture Night – September 19th
  Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is a free, annual, all-island that showcases the richness and diversity of Irish culture through special events and workshops, connecting people to the arts locally and nationally and encouraging ongoing cultural engagement - Sligo Arts Service / Home - Queen Maeve Square
• Taste of Sligo Food Festival – September 19th–21st
  A culinary weekend showcasing Sligo’s finest food and drink. The programme typically includes food trails, tasting menus, producer markets, and chef-led workshops in venues across town - Taste of Sligo Food Festival - Taste of Sligo
• Spanish Armada Commemoration – September 18th–21st
  Marking the historic 1588 shipwrecks off the Sligo coast, this cultural and historical weekend features talks, tours, music, and reenactments. The event often coincides with the Taste of Sligo festival - Festival - Remembering the Armada 2025 - Spanish Armada Ireland
• Sligo Baroque Music Festival – September 26th–28th
  A prestigious classical music event attracting renowned international and Irish performers. The festival focuses on baroque repertoire and is hosted in intimate and historic venues in Sligo town - Sligo Baroque Music Festival

Festivals and Events in Sligo – October 2025

• Change Your Mind Festival – One day in October (TBC)
  Ireland’s first mental health awareness festival with free talks, workshops, wellness activities, and live performances aimed at promoting mental wellbeing Change Your Mind Festival | Facebook
• Ireland’s Folk, Roots & Indie Festival – Throughout October
  A month-long celebration of folk, roots, and indie music with over 100 events county-wide. Includes concerts, pub sessions, family-friendly activities, a French market, and fiddle championships.
• ATU Haunting – October 27th 
• The ATU Haunting in Sligo is a one night Halloween event held in ATU Sligo’s dark indoor corridors, featuring over 130 zombies and horror creatures including a gentler early slot for kids under 10, designed to provide a spooky thrill across 12 “scare zones” for all ages - ATU Haunting | North Sligo Athletic Club
• Ballintogher Traditional Music Festival – Late October to Early November
  An annual traditional Irish music festival held in Ballintogher, honouring local flute player John Egan with sessions, concerts, and community events - Home - Ballintogher Festival
• Sligo Live Festival – October 23rd to November 2nd
  One of Ireland’s leading folk, roots, and indie music festivals featuring headline concerts, street performances, pub sessions, and emerging artist showcases throughout Sligo town - Events - Sligo Live

Festivals and Events in Sligo – November 2025

• Sligo Science Festival – November TBC
  An interactive science festival celebrating its 25th year with shows, talks, and workshops for all ages focused on the theme of "Regeneration." - ATU Sligo Science Festival
• Sundance Salsa Festival – November TBC
  A vibrant dance festival featuring salsa, bachata, kizomba, and more, with workshops, social dancing, and parties across multiple venues - SUNDANCE SALSA FEST SLIGO | Facebook
• Christmas Lights Switch-On – TBC
  The official festive season kickoff at Queen Maeve’s Square, featuring live music, samba bands, choirs, face painting, and a visit from Santa - Home - Sligo BID
• Sligo Winter Craft & Gift Fair – TBC
  An indoor craft fair at Clayton Hotel Sligo with over 40 stalls showcasing handmade Irish crafts, gifts, food, and cakes - SLIGO Winter Craft & Gift Fair 2025 - FREE ENTRY, Clayton Hotel Sligo (Sligo, Ireland), 23 November 2025 | AllEvents
• Santa Quayside Sligo – TBC
  A magical Santa experience at Quayside Shopping Centre offering festive family activities.

Festivals and Events in Sligo – December 2025

• Ballysodare Christmas Market – December TBC
  Community market with festive stalls, live music, and food at Ballysodare Community Centre - Ballisodare Falls Festival | Facebook
• Ballymote Christmas Food & Craft Market – December TBC
  Handmade crafts, local produce, baked goods, and art at the Coach House Hotel - Ballymote Christmas Artisan food and craft market | Facebook
• Cliffoney Christmas Lights & Craft Fair – December TBC
  Carol singing, crafts, Santa visit at Cliffoney Hall
• Achonry/Knocknashee Christmas Market – December TBC
  Local crafts, food, festive choir and grotto at Knocknashee Hub
• Easkey Christmas Market – December TBC
  Over 35 stalls of handcrafted gifts at Easkey Community Centre - Easkey Christmas Market - Visit North Mayo
• Ice Skating in Queen Maeve Square Sligo On Ice – 18th November to 18th  January - Home | Sligo On Ice 2025 / Home - Queen Maeve Square
  Outdoor real-ice rink for all ages in the town centre
• Sligo Folk Park Santa Town – December TBC
  Festive family event with Santa, elves, and gifts in Riverstown Sligo.ie
• New Christmas Market @ Blend Café – Dec TBC
  Jewelry, candles, gifts in O’Connell Street area
• Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim – Dec 25th
  Annual festive fundraiser swim at Flynn’s Pier for North West Hospice
• Christmas Day Splash – Dec 25th
  Rosses Point yacht club plunge raising funds for cancer support
• Curry GAA Tractor Run – Dec 26th
  Charity tractor rally in aid of North West STOP
• St Stephen’s Day 5km Walk/Run – Dec 26th
  Community run/walk in Tubbercurry raising funds for SHOUT