Sligo
County Sligo is situated on the West Coast of Ireland within the Province of Connaght. It is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties and its breathtaking mountain views, crystal clear lakes and long sandy beaches are famous the world over. The Sligo landscape provided the inspiration for the poetry of William Butler Yeats. His grave at Drumcliffe Churchyard is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Sligo has a rich ancient heritage going back over 6,000 years.
Highlights include Carrowmore megaliltic tombs, Creevykeel Court Cairn, Ballymote Castle and Lissadell House. According to the Sligo Census 75,660 people emigrated from Sligo in the years from 1851 to 1901.
The present population stands at about 60,000, a third of what it was in pre-famine years. As the town of Sligo was a major port, huge numbers of people from neighbouring counties would have emigrated from there.
