1. Modern Irish Art
The Model, which houses The Niland Collection, is one of Ireland's most renowned modern art museums. Known for its avant garde exhibits, the museum showcases a collection of works from artists such as John 'Jack' Butler Yeats, Paul Henry, Estella Solomons and Louis Le LeBrocquy, among others. The gallery also hosts an extensive contemporary and classical music program, as well as a selection of international films. With educational workshops for children and adults, the Model is the perfect site for a family outing.
2. Medieval Sligo Monastery
Originally built in 1253 at the request of Maurice Fitzgerald, Baron of Offaly, Sligo Abbey was besieged by fires and wars but eventually rebuilt in the 1850s. The setting for two short stories by William Butler Yeats, the monastery currently displays a wealth of Gothic and Renaissance carvings, a 15th century altar and several impeccably preserved cloisters. The visitor's center contains a copy of the diary of Charlotte Thornley, who lived with her son, Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, in Sligo.
3. Ode To W.B. Yeats
The Yeats Memorial Building, located on Hyde Bridge, houses the Yeats Society. The center showcases an audiovisual exhibition on the life of the poet and over 3,000 reference books. The building is also home to the Hyde Bridge Gallery, which hosts international exhibitions, the Yeats Poetry Circle, which meets weekly from September to May, and the Yeats exhibition, which features a collection of phonographic recordings, as well as the film, Yeats Country.
4. Sligo Through History
Established in 1955, the Sligo County Museum, which was redesigned in 2008 by Sheridan Woods, highlights the history and culture of County Sligo. The building itself was built in 1867 and is connected to a former church, now known as the Sligo Library. The museum has a collection dedicated to Yeats, as well as paintings by John 'Jack' Butler Yeats, George William Russell, and Seán Keating. Local archaeological artifacts are on display along with a collection of World War I memorabilia.
5. Local Wood Works
A quaint shop on Wine Street, Michael Quirke's Studio displays the work of its owner, who moved to Sligo in 1957 and opened a butcher shop at this location. Since 1970, Quirke has been carving and selling wood figures. His artwork is mostly inspired by Irish mythology, as well as local poet W.B. Yeats. A stop at the studio is a chance to chat with the local artist and purchase one of his many affordable pieces.
