Just down from Ballymote train station, the immense shell of Ballymote Castle is a classic, imposing ruin. It was from this early-14th-century redoubt, fronted by formidable drum towers, that O'Donnell marched to disaster at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
12.05 MILES
Sligo's ultimate rock pile sits atop a magical mountain hike. Knocknarea Cairn is popularly believed to be the grave of legendary Queen Maeve (Queen Mab…
Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery
6.3 MILES
With a bird's-eye view of the county from high in the Bricklieve Mountains, it's little wonder this hilltop site was sacred in prehistoric times. But for…
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
11.28 MILES
One of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe, Carrowmore is finally receiving the renown it deserves and is Sligo's must-see attraction. Some 30…
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21.97 MILES
Curving, dune-backed, 3km-long Streedagh Strand occasionally sees parts of the Spanish Armada washing up on its shores from three wrecks offshore: La…
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23.93 MILES
Anyone with an interest in Celtic mythology will be enthralled by this area around the village of Tulsk. Containing 60 ancient national monuments,…
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13.6 MILES
Sprinkled with small islands, the 350-hectare Lough Key Forest Park, 4km east of Boyle, shelters picturesque ruins including a 12th-century abbey on tiny…
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27.51 MILES
At the end of Strokestown's main avenue, triple Gothic arches lead to Strokestown Park House. The original 120-sq-km estate was granted by King Charles II…
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16.62 MILES
Yeats was long believed to be buried next to the doorway of Drumcliff Parish Church, but recent evidence suggests that the bones shipped here from France…
Nearby attractions
2.15 MILES
Eagles soar straight over your head at this volunteer-run research centre as you learn about these birds of prey during demonstrations. There's also a…
3.46 MILES
Set around 6km southeast of Ballymote, these splendid limestone caves high in Keshcorran Hill make for a fun expedition. You can park near the bottom at…
5.7 MILES
A lovingly restored 19th-century cottage sits at the heart of this endearing museum. Humble thatched structures complement this centrepiece, along with…
4. Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery
6.3 MILES
With a bird's-eye view of the county from high in the Bricklieve Mountains, it's little wonder this hilltop site was sacred in prehistoric times. But for…
6.31 MILES
Multimedia exhibits, workshops and performances keep things lively at this music centre. You can add to your music collection or pick up instruments and…
10.45 MILES
Constructed before 2000 BC, this striking portal dolmen is one of Ireland's largest, measuring 4.5m by 3.3m. To reach it from Boyle's town centre, follow…
11.08 MILES
Immortalised by Yeats in 'The Fiddler of Dooney' (1899), this fissured limestone knoll bulges awkwardly upward by the lough's southern shore. There's a…
8. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
11.28 MILES
One of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe, Carrowmore is finally receiving the renown it deserves and is Sligo's must-see attraction. Some 30…