Hi everyone. I hope all is well with you and yours and I hope you’re ready for a trip to my absolute favorite place in the whole of Ireland, the magnificent County Sligo. I really look upon this place as my spiritual home so this week I’m particularly excited to share some of the many highlights this beautiful county has to offer although it’s tough to narrow it down!
Of course the Sligo landscape has been enjoying the international spotlight recently with the success of the hugely popular TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People.
One of my favorite beaches, Streedagh, was the location for one of the scenes between Marianne & Connell.
The Connell Chain has taken on a life of its own as this season’s must-have accessory as worn by the character played by Irish actor Paul Mescal. We’ve just launched our very own version here at The Irish Store!
Of course fans of The Irish Store will know that we were way ahead of the game when it comes to showcasing this beautiful place! County Sligo is our location of choice when it comes to our annual Autumn/Winter photo shoot. Here’s our behind the scenes video from last years shoot.
I think you’ll agree that when it comes to dramatic backdrops, there’s an embarrassment of riches! Here’s just a few of my favorite places in this awe- inspiring place. Enjoy!
County Sligo Highlights
1. Benbulben
Ireland’s “Table Mountain” is part of the Dartry Mountain Range in the heart of Yeats Country. It stands at 1,726 ft. To scale it’s heights is strictly for the very experienced hiker, especially if approaching from the north side. A gentler way to experience the majesty of Benbulben is to take the Gortarowey looped walk – one of my favorites. It takes about an hour and a half and the distance is around 5km. What I love about this walk is that it just keeps on giving. The walk begins in secluded lush wooodlands and then opens out and you find yourself at the foot of the mighty Benbulben. The perfect backdrop to show off our best -selling Luxurious Wool & Cashmere Irish Cape
2. Trawalua Beach, Cliffoney
Along with Streedagh Beach, Trawalua Beach at Cliffoney rank as my top 2 favorite beaches in County Sligo. Trawalua is more of a hidden gem than Streedagh, especially now with Streedagh’s new found fame! You can only reach the beach by foot, via a football field outside the village of Cliffoney. The golden sandy beach which opens out before you stretches for 4 glorious kilometres.
3. Mullaghmore
Mullaghmore is a small village and harbor nestling on the impressive Mullaghmore Peninsula. It boasts another great beach which is the perfect place for a walk or swim and like most places in Sligo, the mighty Benbulben provides a stunning backdrop. The peninsula also provides the fairytale setting for Classiebawn Castle.
We chose this stunning location to showcase our customer favorite Aran Boyfriend Cardigan for her and the Traditional Aran Sweater for him.
4. Eagles Rock
Ok so strictly speaking Eagles Rock is just over the border in County Leitrim but only just! You can really see how the Ice Age left its mark on this part of the landscape. These rock formations boast Ireland’s highest tower formation at 330 meters above sea level.
Our number one best seller-The Aran Hooded Zipper Coat never looked better!!
5. John Langs Pub
I know we usually end our virtual tours in a garden but this week I’m making an exception for the much missed Langs Pub in the village of Grange. It didn’t make the shortlist for our top Irish Pub list so I just have to give it a special mention while we’re in Sligo. The perfect stop after a bracing beach walk or invigorating mountain hike. At the back there’s a very popular and lively gastro pub but the star for me is the perfectly preserved front bar and grocery. Did somebody say Guinness? Soon I hope!!
Once again, thank you all so much for joining me on the tour. See you next time!
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
2 comments
Hello, Thank you for having an Irish store. I’m from Central America and I have a church friends that are Irish he is 97 years old and his son. Both have taught me about their culture and it is wonderful. His son has a gorgeous chest large like a warrior so I got him one of the sweaters and I think he will look more gorgeous with his beautiful chest.
Hi Ana,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and thanks even more for choosing The Irish Store!
Kind regards,
Lulu.