Getting to Ireland

There are several airports you can fly into when traveling to Sligo Co., Ireland.

We recommend choosing the option that works best for your departure city and travel plans.

Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Approximately 45–50 minutes from Sligo.
This is the closest airport to Sligo. Please note that most international travelers will have to connect through another European city if choosing to fly into Knock.

Dublin Airport (DUB)
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Sligo.
Ireland's largest international airport, offering the most direct flights from North America.

Shannon Airport (SNN)
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Sligo. While not as many direct flights are offered as is through DUB, there are a few direct flights from North America. SNN gives easy access to the west of Ireland, and is a great alternative if not wanting to fly into Dublin.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Sligo.
Another convenient option, and a fantastic way to check out out Northern Ireland. Please note that Belfast ( as is all of Northern Ireland) is apart of the UK, so you'll cross the border when traveling to Sligo.

Getting Around Ireland

Getting to Sligo is relatively easy, with direct trains from Dublin and bus connections from Dublin Airport, Knock, Shannon, Galway, and Belfast. Once in Sligo Town, many restaurants, pubs, shops, and hotels are within walking distance. However, public transportation becomes more limited outside of town, so a car is recommended if you plan to explore nearby villages, beaches, or other scenic areas.

Rental Cars

There is a wide selection of rental care companies to chose from in Ireland. Some major rental companies include:

**Rates vary depending on the season and availability, so we recommend booking several months in advance

Driving in Ireland

If planning on renting a car, keep in mind that in Ireland you'll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.

While it may feel unfamiliar at first, most visitors adjust quickly. Please note that roundabouts are very common, and traffic moves clockwise. If uncomfortable with driving on the left-hand side of the road, we highly recommend looking into some of alternative means of transportation listed below.

*Most rental cars in Ireland have manual (stick shift) transmissions. If you prefer an automatic, be sure to reserve one well in advance, as availability is limited.

Alternative Transportation to Sligo

If choosing not to rent a car, Sligo is well connected by train and coach from several airports across Ireland.

Train

If arriving in Dublin, the Irish Rail operates a regular service between Dublin Connolly Station and Sligo MacDiarmada Station. Please note that travel by the Irish Rail system is approximately 3 hours if traveling from Dublin to Sligo, and ranges from €20 - €50+

Book tickets at :
https://www.irishrail.ie

To reach Connolly Station from Dublin Airport, you can take the Dublin Express or Aircoach into the city centre.

Bus

Dublin Airport

  • Direct services are available from Dublin Airport to Sligo through Bus Éireann and Expressway.

  • Travel time: Approximately 3–3.5 hours

Ireland West Airport Knock

  • Direct Bus Éireann services connect the airport with Sligo.

  • Travel time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Shannon Airport

  • Travel via Galway, with a connection onward to Sligo.

  • Travel time: Approximately 4–5 hours

Belfast

  • Bus services are available between Belfast and Sligo, typically requiring one connection.

  • Travel time: Approximately 4.5–5.5 hours

Tickets can be booked through:

Taxi & Ride Share

Taxis are readily available throughout Ireland; however, this can become a more expensive option when traveling longer distances, such as from Dublin or Belfast. This may be a more practical option for guests flying into Ireland West Airport Knock, which is located approximately 45 minutes from Sligo.

Uber is available in Ireland but operates differently than in North America. The app connects passengers with licensed taxis rather than private drivers, so pricing is generally similar to standard taxi fares. Additionally, the FreeNow app is a popular app that is utilized in Ireland for ride share services.