Expressway Route 23 Dublin – Sligo

The journey from Dublin to Sligo offers a wonderful contrast of Ireland's natural and cultural heritage and it's an adventure brought to folk in the comfort of Expressway's fab coach service, the 23.

Starting in Dublin, you'll be surrounded by a mix of old and new architecture, including historic Georgian townhouses and modern high-rise buildings. Dublin is known for its rich cultural heritage, with landmarks such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, offering a glimpse into Ireland's past.

As the bus travels northwest from Dublin, it passes through the rolling hills and countryside of County Meath, where you'll see sheep and cattle grazing on the green pastures. You may also come across ancient monuments like Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, which are reminders of Ireland's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Continuing further west, the bus reaches County Longford and County Leitrim, which are characterized by their lush green landscapes and rolling hills. Here, you'll see fields of grass and crops, as well as forests and lakes.

Eventually, the journey reaches the west coast of Ireland, where the scenery changes dramatically to include rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. The coast of County Sligo is particularly stunning, with its dramatic Atlantic cliffs and seascapes. This area is renowned for its wild beauty and is home to a number of stunning beaches and bays, including Strandhill and Rosses Point.

Sligo is a charming town located on the northwest coast of Ireland. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the Sligo Abbey and the Yeats Memorial Building, both of which are dedicated to the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats. The town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Dartry Mountains and the Ox Mountains, which offer a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to surfing and fishing.

This is a journey that can be enjoyed with exploration at Dublin or Sligo at both ends and maybe with a stop-off en route or possibly over a couple of days.

There’s plenty to see and visit in Dublin before boarding the Expressway coach, maybe as part of a day-out in the City or over a few days before the trip to Sligo. Trinity College is one such ‘must visit’ place and is an historic university that is home to the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's most treasured artefacts. Dublin Castle is also great and is a medieval castle that has been a symbol of Irish history and culture for centuries. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, is an iconic landmark, whilst the Guinness Storehouse is a famous brewery offering tours and tastings. The National Museum of Ireland is also highly recommended and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and its people, with exhibits covering everything from archaeology to natural history.

Onto the coach and a stop off first in Mullingar is great, where folk can enjoy highlights which include the St. Paul's Church, which dates back to the 19th century, and the Mullingar Arts Centre, which regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions. Then it’s back on the bus and a trip to Carrick-on-Shannon, a lively town located on the River Shannon and is a popular destination for boating and water sports. Highlights include the Carrick-on-Shannon Leisure Centre, which offers a range of activities, and the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club, which boasts a challenging course.

Castlebaldwin is also worth getting off the coach to visit and a look at Castlebaldwin Bridge which is located on the River Duff and is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. Castlebaldwin Heritage Centre is enjoyable and showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area, including its connections to the famous poet W.B. Yeats. Make sure you take a look at St. John's Church which dates back to the 19th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic-style architecture. If you are a bit more adventurous, then a walk through Castlebaldwin Wood is really memorable - a beautiful forested area is a popular destination for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. So too, for a lovely walk, Lough Arrow is a 5 mile walk away and is a tranquil lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking.

Back on-board, the coach and Sligo is the final destination - a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the Sligo Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Model Arts and Niland Gallery, which is dedicated to contemporary art and exhibitions.