Sligo is a coastal seaport and the county town of County Sligo in Ireland's western Connacht region. With a population of 20,608 in 2022, it is the county's largest urban centre and the 24th largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The town sits on the Wild Atlantic Way with the Atlantic coast to the west and lakelands to the east, positioning it as a gateway to wider County Sligo attractions.
The town is surrounded by notable geographic features including Ben Bulben, a distinctive flat-topped mountain with sheer sides, and Knocknarea, a 327-metre mountain topped with Ireland's second-largest stone cairn, traditionally associated with the legendary warrior Medb. Glencar lake and waterfall lie nearby within woodlands. The area has a strong literary connection to poet W.B. Yeats, whose work references local landmarks such as Glencar. Beyond literature, Sligo has become known as a major surfing destination, and the area offers various water sports and recreational activities year-round, including seaweed baths at Voya.
Sligo supports an active cultural scene with festivals including the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival in July and Sligo Live in October, as well as celebrations of country music, sea shanties, and literature. The town has a developing artisan food scene with local restaurants and wine venues, and has served as a filming location for television productions including the series "Normal People."