The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Sligo, Ireland

As you might guess from the name, this popular pocket-friendly hotel is set right next to Sligo’s Garavogue River. Here, reasonable rates don’t mean scrimping on comfort, with all tastefully updated rooms having beds topped with kitten-soft mattresses and bedding – many also offer lovely views of the river. There are riverine snapshots from the on-site Riverside Restaurant, too, as well as the cosy Mill Bar and Lounge, where you can enjoy a pint of the black stuff with regular servings of traditional Irish music.

With its striking glass-fronted architecture designed to look like a docked ship, the Glasshouse certainly stands out in its riverside setting. Its bold contemporary interiors are equally impressive, from its quirky and colourful lobby lounge to warmly decorated guest rooms. Some give way to balconies with river views, and all come with 24-hour room service. The on-site Kitchen Restaurant impresses, too, with locally foraged fare and traditional-with-a-twist cooking. At night, visit the Manhattan-style View Bar, where you can enjoy first-class cocktails with city panoramas.

Usually, you wouldn’t stay in a castle to save money, but rooms at the Castle Dargan Estate are particularly good value. The 18th-century castle is set in 170 acres (70ha) of rolling parkland, much of which includes an 18-hole golf course and driving range. There’s a top spa, too, overlooking the fairways, and dining includes everything from a bottomless brunch and afternoon tea to a daily-changing dinner. Families or groups looking to save a little more can opt for self-catering apartments, too.

With some of the finest Atlantic views in Sligo, you’d expect rooms at the Ocean Sands Hotel to be on the pricier side. But while you do have to shell out a little more for vistas over neighbouring Enniscrone Beach, all guest rooms are bright and comfortable with lovely big beds. Besides, you can get your fill of the sea vistas from the on-site Ocean Bar and Restaurant at breakfast or over evening drinks.

If you’re looking to squeeze more out of your holiday budget, then the Clayton Hotel Sligo could be the place for you. It’s home to the Leisure Centre, complete with a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, a 20m swimming pool and a wellness spa. You’ll find plenty to keep the kids entertained, too, with a mini club, a fun fairy trail and a crazy golf course, along with lots of outdoor activities practically on your doorstep.

The same family has been running Murphy’s Hotel for more than 35 years, and in that time, they’ve certainly perfected the art of traditional Irish hospitality. It sits on the main road that passes through Sligo’s second-largest town, Tobercurry, but with easy access to the pretty countryside surroundings. The hotel’s Irish breakfast will start your morning off right, and when you return from your day out, you can soak up the atmosphere with a pint in its cosy bar.

Set on the popular holiday spot of Mullaghmore peninsula, the Pier Head Hotel is one of the best hotel deals in Sligo, with fantastic views overlooking the harbour and bay beyond. It’s been welcoming visitors for more than a century and has even hosted such VIPs as Leonard Cohen and Prince Charles. Stays include free access to the Leisure Centre, with its heated pool and fitness room overlooking the water. Breakfast is served with bay views, too, while its restaurant has some of the best fish and chips in town.

Right on the Wild Atlantic Way route, overlooking Killala Bay and the Enniscrone Golf Club, the Diamond Coast Hotel is well-positioned for all kinds of holidays. Couples looking for a treat should pick a suite with a king-size bed, a bubble tub and sea views. There are rooms for families of all sizes, too, as well as plenty for the little ones to do. What’s more, you’re just a pleasant stroll away from the golden sands of Enniscrone Beach – one of the best in Sligo.

Surrounded by lush pastures and within eyeshot of Benbulben mountain, Lissadell Lodge is set in the heartland of County Sligo. The family-run guesthouse has just six homely rooms, four of which feature views of the famous flat-topped bluff. You can treat yourself to a seaweed-infused bath before snuggling up with a book in the cosy lounge, warmed by a turf-burning stove. Don’t miss afternoon tea, which you can also enjoy in the lovely landscaped gardens.