Sligo: A pleasant town in NW Ireland with an ancient abbey

This evening, I am reporting on the town of Sligo (pop 19,200) ) which is situated about 131 miles N.W. of Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.


River Garavogue at Sligo
 

Summary information on Sligo

  • The name means 'abounding in shells', Ireland.
  • Sligo is a historic, cultural, commercial, industrial, retail and service centre of regional importance in the West of Ireland.
  • Sligo is served by rail, port and road links.
  • Sligo is also a tourist destination, being situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, with many literary and cultural associations.
  • Sligo is the county town of  County Sligo within the western province of Connacht.

  •  Famous for its ancient abbey on which information is provided below.

    Italian Quarter

                                                                              Pub

                                                          River Garavogue

Sligo Abbey

This is the sole surviving medieval building in Sligo.

Although known as "The Abbey", this building was established 1253 as a Dominican Friary by Maurice Fitzgerald. There is:

  • a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture;
  • well preserved cloisters;
  • the only sculptured 15th century high alter to survive in any Irish monastic church; and
  • delicate lancet windows.

For the visitor, the site is easily accessible from the town centre and car parking is close by.

 

                                                                  Sligo Abbey

                        Cloisters at Sligo Abbey

Video clip of Sligo Abbey




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