Wanderlust on a time budget can make ‘soaking it all in’ a bit tricky and sometimes stressful.
But with a little focus, determination and Google maps, anywhere can be absorbed entirely within 24 hours.
As our first location we chose beautiful and historic Co. Sligo along the west coast of Ireland.
9am: After snoozing our alarm more than twice, we decided it was time to shake a leg and hopped out of bed in our beautiful, converted stableyard Airbnb.
10am: We drove into town from the North of Sligo with our bellies growling big-time. It was grub time and there was only one place to go – Sweet Beat plant-based cafe on Bridge Street where we enjoyed delish salads and iced coffees.
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11.30am: After chilling and taking our sweet time reading the papers over delish, freshly prepared vegan food (for a change), we decided it was time to arise, and go now… and go to Inisfree.
Not literally, ‘cos we couldn’t get out to it – but we did drive out to Lough Gill for a gander. And it was only gorge.
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Definitely worth a visit.
1pm: After that, there was only one thing to do – and that was go to Drumcliffe Cemetery to see W.B. Yeats’ grave.
Cast a cold Eye
On Life, on Death.
Horseman, pass by!
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2pm: We were in dire need of a nibble after working off our breakfast walking and driving around the countryside, and with more than a few recommendations from friends about visiting Kate’s Kitchen on Castle Street – we knew great things were in store.
Flatbreads will never be the same.
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2.30pm: Munching away on our tasty treats from Kate’s we wandered down Sligo’s main street, O’Connell Street.
We moseyed in and out of the shops and lost track of time for a while.
We grabbed a coffee from Knox and hit up The Liber Bookshop to buy a few books with help from the friendly staff.
Sligo just has this wonderful, friendly atmosphere that really made us want to stay forever. There must be something in the water.
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4pm: A quick trip back to our Airbnb to change and pack our bags.
5pm: It’s officially cocktail o’clock which means only one place to go – Lillie’s.
This vintage-fell bar has more gins than you could ever count, beautifully crafted cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.
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6.30pm: Time flies when you’re drinking cocktails, eh? But we weren’t done just yet.
One place left on our drinking bucket list – and it goes by the name of Retro Lane.
7.30pm: Three whiskey sours later and we were deludedly hungry and were hankering after some Asian street food.
After hearing whispers of a brand new restaurant opening in the town, we headed along to Jalan Jalan on Castle Street with huge appetites but not much moolah left, tbh.
Luckily, their menu was super sound to our wallets and we ended up spending just €15 each for dinner.
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Sure, if it’s good enough for Westlife’s Shane Filan, it’s good enough for us.
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9.30pm: In a deep food coma at this stage there was only one thing left to do – make our designated driver take us to Strandhill to watch the sunset.
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And set it did.
11.30pm: We headed to sleep later than we’d wanted to but the sunset was well worth it.
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9am: Up and at ’em after one of the best night’s sleep of our lives.
We hit the road back to Dublin feeling totally relaxed, revitalised and refreshed.
Sligo – we shall see again soon.
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