In the northwest corner of Ireland, 115 mi/185 km northwest of Dublin, the relatively small region of Sligo Bay is rugged yet green. It has long, deserted beaches and a spectacular Atlantic coastline.
This is Yeats country—he's buried in the churchyard in Drumcliff. Although you can see the area in a few hours, we suggest a two-day visit to absorb its beauty and ambience. A visit there is infinitely more rewarding if you've first done a little homework (read Yeats' collected poems).
The principal city, Sligo, lies in a scenic stretch near mountains and a lake (http://www.sligotourism.ie). In Sligo, enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit Sligo Abbey. The area is also chock-full of prehistoric sites, including the Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs, one of the oldest ancient burial grounds in Europe and the largest in Ireland.
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