Sligo Abbey, Sligo

Name: Sligo Abbey
Address: Sligo Abbey Visitor Centre Abbey Street, Sligo, F91 K796, Ireland
Telephone: +353 71 914 6406

#2 among attractions in Sligo

Top attraction, Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, Monastery

Gallery (1)

Map

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the bustling town of Sligo, Ireland, lies Sligo Abbey, a monastic site steeped in history and spirituality. This Dominican friary, founded in the mid-13th century, stands as a testament to the region's rich ecclesiastical heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into Ireland's medieval past.

Although ravaged by fire during its history, the Abbey has persevered, with its ruins offering a hauntingly beautiful sight. The structure's surviving elements include a well-preserved cloister, the only one of its kind in Ireland, and an altar tomb, famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures. These remnants provide a tangible connection to the generations of monks who once walked its halls in contemplation and prayer.

Sligo Abbey has also been immortalized in literature, having been mentioned in the works of the renowned poet W.B. Yeats, further cementing its place in Irish cultural identity. The site's atmospheric ruins have captured the imaginations of locals and travelers alike, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the spiritual and historical depths of Ireland.

Alternative names: Established: 1253 (771 years ago)Coordinates: 54°16'15"N, 8°28'13"W

Address

Sligo Abbey Visitor Centre Abbey StreetSligo F91 K796 Ireland

Contact

+353 71 914 6406

Website

Social media

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Sligo

Day trips

Sligo Abbey – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo County Museum, St John the Baptist Cathedral.

~1850 ftW
Sacred and religious sites, Church
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Sligo, Ireland, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception stands as a beacon of faith and history. This impressive church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a pivotal landmark in the city, serving both as a place of worship and a testament...
~1650 ftSW
Concerts and shows, Theater
Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Sligo, Ireland, the Hawk's Well Theatre stands as a beacon of cultural arts and entertainment. This intimate venue, with a seating capacity that brings audiences up close to the performances, has been a central part of Sligo's cultural landscape...
~830 ftNW
Museum
Sligo County Museum, Sligo
5 min walk • Sligo County Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of County Sligo. The museum is housed in a former manse on Stephen Street, Sligo town.
~1560 ftW
Sacred and religious sites, Church
St John the Baptist Cathedral, Sligo
8 min walk • St John the Baptist Cathedral, Sligo or more properly the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin and St John the Baptist, Sligo but also known as Sligo Cathedral is one of two cathedral churches in the diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh in the Church of Ireland.
~1870 ftNE
Museum, Art museum
The Model, Sligo
10 min walk • The Model, home of the Niland Collection, formerly called Model Arts and Niland Gallery, is a contemporary arts centre and gallery space in Sligo, Ireland.
1.3 miSE
Archaeological site
Carns Cairn
35 min walk • Carns Cairn is a cairn and National Monument located in County Sligo, Ireland.
0.6 miN
54°16'45"N • 8°27'56"W
Knocknarea Mountain, Sligo
16 min walk • Universities and schools
~1870 ftNE
Museum, Art gallery
The Model, Sligo
10 min walk • The Model, home of the Niland Collection, formerly called Model Arts and Niland Gallery, is a contemporary arts centre and gallery space in Sligo, Ireland.
0.5 miSE
Neighbourhood
Cranmore, Sligo
13 min walk • Cranmore is a large local authority housing development in Sligo, it is situated on the eastern side of Sligo town. It is the largest housing estate in the west of Ireland with 511 houses, it was built in five phases from the early seventies to 1985.
1 miN
Town
Rathbraughan
27 min walk • Rathbraughan is a townland in County Sligo, Ireland just north of Sligo Town. It gives its name to Rathbraughan Line, the main road through the area, and to Rathbraughan Park, a housing estate on the northern edge of Sligo Town which was built in the 1980s.
0.6 miNE
Universities and schools
Institute of Technology, Sligo
16 min walk • Institute of Technology Sligo was a state-funded third-level educational institution situated in the town of Sligo, Ireland. In April 2022, it was formally dissolved, and its functions became part of Atlantic Technological University. The institute has three faculties and nine departments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Sligo Abbey open?

Sligo Abbey is open:

Monday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Friday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5:15 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5:15 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Sligo Abbey?

Nearby attractions include Ambrosio and Bernado O'Higgins, Sligo (4 min walk), Sligo County Museum, Sligo (5 min walk), St John the Baptist Cathedral, Sligo (8 min walk), Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo (8 min walk).

How to get to Sligo Abbey by public transport?

The nearest stations to Sligo Abbey:

Train

Sligo Mac Diarmada (13 min walk)

Bus

Sligo Bus Station • Lines: 23 (13 min walk)
Sligo Institute of Technology • Lines: 23 (15 min walk)