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The Showgrounds | Sligo Rovers football ground guide

The Showgrounds guide

The Showgrounds is a stadium in Sligo, Ireland. It has been home to Sligo Rovers since the club was formed in 1928. The stadium has a capacity of 3,873 seats. The Showgrounds is located in the heart of Sligo Town, just a short walk from the riverside. The stadium is surrounded by a residential area, and there is a large car park on site.

The Showgrounds has undergone a number of redevelopments over the years, most recently in 2001. The main stand was rebuilt, and a new stand was added on the Jinks Avenue side of the stadium. The stadium is now fully seated, and there is a good atmosphere on matchdays.

Sligo Rovers are a popular team in Ireland, and The Showgrounds is often sold out for big matches. The stadium is also a popular venue for concerts and other events.

Here are some of the things you can do at The Showgrounds:

  • Watch a Sligo Rovers match
  • Attend a concert or other event
  • Take a tour of the stadium
  • Visit the club shop
  • Have a drink or a meal in the stadium bar

The Showgrounds is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a live football match or a concert. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Pubs near The Showgrounds, home of Sligo Rovers FC

  • Mooney’s Bar is located directly across the road from the stadium and is a popular spot for pre- and post-match drinks. It has a traditional Irish pub atmosphere and is known for its friendly staff and good selection of beers. Address: Maugheraboy Rd, Knappagh Beg, Sligo, Ireland. Phone: +353 71 917 0220.
  • The Railway Bar & Lincoln’s Sligo is a bit further away from the stadium, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a more upmarket pub with a good food menu. The bar has a lovely outdoor seating area and is a popular spot for people-watching. Address: 18 Lord Edward St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, F91 X4VH, Ireland. Phone: +353 71 915 7754.
  • Swagman Bar is a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s definitely worth seeking out. This small, independent pub has a great atmosphere and a friendly staff. The beer selection is excellent and the food is delicious. Address: 4 Wine St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, Ireland. Phone: +353 71 914 2280.
  • O’Neill’s Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a traditional Irish pub. It’s located on the corner of Wolfe Tone Street and Church Hill, just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium. Address: Church Hill, Sligo, Ireland. Phone: +353 71 917 1648.

Hotels near The Showgrounds in Sligo

  • Sligo Southern Hotel & Leisure Centre. This 4-star hotel has a genteel restaurant, an indoor pool, and a gym. It is located about 1.5 km from The Showgrounds.
  • Sligo City Hotel. This hotel has classic rooms and a casual restaurant. It is located in the heart of Sligo town, about 2 km from The Showgrounds.
  • Riverside Hotel. This hotel has relaxed quarters in an unpretentious riverside location. It is located about 2.5 km from The Showgrounds.
  • The Glasshouse Hotel. This modern hotel has a striking glass-fronted tower and offers city views, fine dining, and 2 bars. It is located about 3 km from The Showgrounds.

Here are some other hotels that are slightly further away from The Showgrounds but still within a reasonable distance:

  • Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo. This 4-star hotel has an indoor pool, a gym, and a spa. It is located about 5 km from The Showgrounds.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo. This 5-star hotel has a spa, a fitness centre, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views. It is located about 6 km from The Showgrounds.
  • The Driftwood. This boutique hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and offers stunning views of the River Garavogue. It is located about 7 km from The Showgrounds.

How to get to The Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers football ground

By car:

  • From Dublin, take the M4 motorway to Sligo. Exit at the N4 roundabout and follow the signs for the town centre. The Showgrounds will be on your right, just after the river.
  • From Donegal, take the N15 to Sligo. Follow the signs for the town centre and the Showgrounds will be on your left, just after the river.
  • From the north, take the N16 to Sligo. Follow the signs for the town centre and the Showgrounds will be on your right, just after the river.

By bus:

  • Bus Éireann operates a number of services to Sligo from Dublin, Galway, and other cities in Ireland. The bus station is located in the town centre, a short walk from The Showgrounds.
  • Sligo Local Link also operates a number of bus services to Sligo from surrounding towns and villages. The bus stops are located throughout the town centre, making it easy to get to The Showgrounds.

By train:

  • Irish Rail operates a train service to Sligo from Dublin and other cities in Ireland. The train station is located in the town centre, a short walk from The Showgrounds.

By taxi:

  • Taxis are readily available in Sligo. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one in advance.

Things to do near The Showgrounds in Sligo

  • Strandhill Beach: This is a beautiful beach with stunning views of Benbulben mountain. You can go for a swim, surf, or just relax on the sand.
  • Knocknarea: This is a hilltop cairn with a legendary association with Queen Maeve. There are great views from the top, and it’s a popular spot for hiking.
  • Sligo Abbey: This is a 12th-century abbey that’s been beautifully restored. It’s a fascinating place to learn about Sligo’s history and culture.
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to over 600 ancient tombs. It’s a fascinating place to learn about Ireland’s ancient history.
  • Dun Aonghasa: This is a 5,000-year-old promontory fort that’s perched on the edge of a cliff. It’s a dramatic spot with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sligo Farmers Market: This is a great place to find fresh, local produce, as well as handmade crafts and souvenirs. It’s open every Sunday morning.
  • The Model Sligo: This is a contemporary art gallery with a rotating exhibition program. It’s also home to a cinema, a library, and a café.
  • Whiskey Barge: This is a floating bar that offers stunning views of the River Garavogue. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink and some live music.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many other things to see and do in the Sligo area, so you’re sure to find something to keep you busy.