Activities

Guided tours, self-guided walks, exhibitions, and special events at Carrowmore

Guided Tours

Join an approximately 45-minute guided tour led by Office of Public Works staff with archaeology backgrounds. Our guides bring the site to life with stories about Neolithic rituals, tomb construction, and recent discoveries.

Tours run during opening hours — no need to book in advance.

Self-Guided Exploration

Walk the open, grassy paths at your own pace and discover around 30 surviving monuments — passage tombs, stone circles, dolmens, and boulder circles spread across 2.5 km.

Audio guides available on site for a deeper experience.

Visitor Centre

A restored traditional Irish cottage houses an exhibition on Neolithic life, tomb construction, and the history of Carrowmore. Perfect before or after your walk.

Included in your admission.

Samhain Sunrise (October 31)

A special astronomical event: at 7am on October 31st, the sunrise aligns with one of the tomb chambers in the "saddle" of Ballygawley mountain. A unique way to experience the site's ancient connection to the sky.

Arrive early — popular with locals and visitors alike.

What to Expect

  • ✓Stunning views of Knocknarea Mountain, Benbulben, and the Atlantic Ocean
  • ✓Highlights include Circle Seven (partly reconstructed) and the Kissing Stone
  • ✓Listoghil (Tomb 51) — a 34-metre diameter monument
  • ✓Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours

Tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear — paths are grassy and uneven
  • Start at the Visitor Centre to get context before exploring the monuments
  • Weather can change quickly — dress in layers

Plan Your Day

Combine a guided tour with time in the exhibition and a self-guided walk for the full Carrowmore experience. The site is 4–5 km southwest of Sligo town — ideal for a morning or afternoon trip.

See opening hours & admission