Sligo, what do you think of the place?

CatFromHue

Basically what's Sligo like to live in?

I've been thinking of applying for a job up there but I don't know much about the place nor anyone up there either. I've been up a couple of times for nights out and had a good time but obviously they were one offs with my mates.

I've lived in Limerick and I'm from Dublin if any comparisons can be made between them.

My hobbies would be more outdoors than indoors and so I'd imagine that's a good thing for someone thinking about moving to Sligo.

Any info would be much appreciated

Ham Sambo

Sligo is no better or worse than any other provincial town in Ireland, it has it's fair share of good people and bad people, good areas to live and bad, plenty of gob****es and is nearly over run with drugs.

However I have lived here a long time and if you go looking for trouble you will surely find it, but if it's a peaceful life you are after then that is also available, as for outdoor activities you will be spoilt for choice, you will really have to test the water yourself. sure come on up for a look anyways!! :-)

Yv

I moved here before Christmas with my boyfriend and I'm really liking it so far. We don't live in the town centre, we live about a 10min drive out, but in a beautiful spot in the mountains near Benbulben. Clean air, clean water, great beaches, gorgeous part of the country.

It helps that my boyfriend has family here & spent a good bit of time here growing up, so he knows the town pretty well. Depends on your interests & how motivated you are to get out & meet people, but I've found folks very friendly here so far & am making starting to make good friends now. There does seem to be a bit of the usual Irish town rough element but like Ham Sambo says you'll be grand if you don't go looking for trouble, as it were. It's not something I've noticed much. I think everywhere in the country's run over with drugs by now but I lived in cities for years so I don't notice that much either.

If you can get work (& it sounds like you can) the quality of life here is great. The rent is obviously way cheaper than in the cities and seeing as you're outdoorsy there's heaps of stuff to do. If you're interested in surfing it'd be hard to live in a better place, from what I hear. Also, great cycling - plenty of climbs! Heaps of great pubs, several great cafes, 2 excellent bakeries, etc. It's definitely a small town but it really doesn't feel as parochial as others of a similar size. Easy to get to Dublin too, if that's important, and there's a decent bus service to Galway.

Be warned, though: it does rain a fair bit!

R_overs1

It's great.

Vlove

Of course, there's high unemployment here just like any other country in Ireland but there's pretty good shops u can pop in.

SPM1959

Ham Sambo wrote: »

is nearly over run with drugs.

Not disputing your opinion/experience but I wouldn't go as far to say that.

I'n not living there now but grew up and lived there up to a couple of years ago and would never say it was 'over run'. I am from a housing estate in the town too.

Bebo stunnah

Vlove wrote: »

there's pretty good shops u can pop in.

Don't think you're talking about the right Sligo, there is literally no shops in town worth the robbery that is the price of parking.

Plazaman

Great wee town if you could only roof it.

lubie76

I'm from sligo town and live here now but spent about 10 years away in various other towns both in Ireland and abroad. I wouldn't consider it rough compared to other towns unless you are out late and hanging around streets or in takeaways after pubs clubs close. Ya there is a drugs scene but it doesn't impact on you unless you go looking for it. I think you find your feet pretty quickly in terms of a pubs crowd whether it is a locals only type place or everyone's welcome- not that there is any pubs out of bounds or anything. Just depends what you're looking for.

This might be controversial but my honest opinion is Sligo people wouldn't be as friendly to outsiders as Galway Dublin folk- maybe it's the small town thing compared to city but I know people who aren't from here that said they found it difficult to make friends. There definitely is a big drinking scene and that's how a lot of people socialise. Saying that there is great outdoors scene if only we had the weather. People say tag rugby is a great way to meet new people. I would say spend a bit of time up here before you decided anything permanent.

Mint Sauce

I moved to Sligo about 8 years ago for work, having no connection to the town or county, family or friend wise.

Am well settled here now, have friends that I have met through work, doing courses, and through clubs. Yes it has its bad spots as well as its good spots, but so does everywhere.

Plenty to do and see, train link to Dublin, or just over two hours by road, home to one of the best Soccer teams on the Island, beautiful coast line, shopping wise its not the greatest, but has nearly everthing you should need from both highstreet brands and some independent stores.

CatFromHue

Went up on the weekend and it really is a visually stunning area.

There was a nice vibe in the town too, plus the warm weather always helps.

Travelling up prob didn't tell me anything I didn't know about the place but sure we'll see what happens.

My main worries about moving up there won't be proved right or wrong unless I actually move up there lol.

Kettleson

If you're Irish and/or you understand the mindset of small Irish towns, you should be OK. If you don't, and like many others before, think that Sligo is Hicksville and you could "show the folks around here a thing or two", well you'll be run outta town before you have time to reach for your banjo.

Apart from that, Sligo is one of the best places anyone could hope to live. It's what you make it. And if you settle OK, your onto a winner.