Bus Hire in Sligo

Sligo is the main town of the north-west and the gateway to some of Ireland's finest Wild Atlantic Way scenery. The town sits between Lough Gill to the east and Sligo Bay to the west, with the distinctive flat-topped plateau of Ben Bulben (527 metres) to the north and Knocknarea mountain (327 metres) to the south-west. WB Yeats was born in Sligo and is buried at Drumcliff churchyard, 8 kilometres north of the town under the shadow of Ben Bulben. The town's strong literary and arts identity draws cultural groups year-round.

The nearest commercial airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), 60 kilometres south-east via the N17 (approximately 50 minutes by coach). Dublin Airport (DUB) is 220 kilometres south-east via the N4/M4 (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes). Sligo's surf beach at Strandhill (8 kilometres west) is one of the best beginner and intermediate surf beaches on the Atlantic coast. The Surf Club at Strandhill and the seaweed baths draw leisure and wellbeing groups throughout the year.

Ben Bulben and Drumcliff: Yeats Country

Ben Bulben (527 metres) is the defining landmark of County Sligo -- a flat-topped limestone mountain with sheer north-facing cliffs visible from most of the county. It is accessible by foot from the Glenade Loop and the Gleniff Horseshoe approach roads (approximately 20 to 25 kilometres north of Sligo town via the N15). Full-size coaches can park at Drumcliff village (8 kilometres north via the N15), where WB Yeats is buried in St Columba's churchyard. The headstone inscription -- "Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by" -- is the most photographed literary grave in Ireland. Knocknarea mountain (327 metres, 8 kilometres south-west of Sligo) carries a large cairn on its summit, traditionally identified as Queen Maeve's tomb; the walk from the car park at Primrose Grange takes approximately 45 minutes. Coaches park at the Primrose Grange car park.

Strandhill Beach and Surf

Strandhill (8 kilometres west of Sligo via the R292) is one of Ireland's top surfing beaches, with consistent Atlantic swells year-round on the west-facing strand. The beach is flanked by a sand dune system and the Coolera Peninsula. The village has several surf schools offering group lessons; Shells Cafe and the Voya Seaweed Baths are the main post-surf facilities. Coaches can park in the main Strandhill car park adjacent to the beach. The beach is unsuitable for swimming due to strong rip currents but ideal for surf lessons and board hire. The sunset views from Strandhill across Sligo Bay towards Knocknarea are particularly popular for photography groups.

Lough Gill and the Lake Isle of Innisfree

Lough Gill (3 kilometres east of Sligo town via the R286) is a freshwater lake in a wooded valley, the setting for WB Yeats's poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree." The lake circuit by road (approximately 18 kilometres) passes the Dooney Rock forest park (a fine picnic point with lakeshore access), Parke's Castle on the Leitrim shore (a 17th-century Plantation castle restored by the Office of Public Works), and the boat slip at Dromahair village. Small boats operate to Innisfree island in summer from the Sligo town pier. The Sligo town centre has the Model arts centre and Niland Gallery, one of the finest collections of Jack B Yeats paintings outside Dublin.

What Bus Hire Costs in Sligo

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Sligo runs around 250 to 470 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 420 to 810 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 640 to 1,220 EUR per day. Sligo is a smaller market than Dublin or Cork, with reasonable availability outside August. The main summer festival (Sligo Live music festival in October) and the Yeats International Summer School in July are the two peak booking periods. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Sligo