Weekend Escape to Sligo: Benbulben, Surf and Waterfalls from Dublin

Sligo, on Ireland’s northwest coast in County Sligo, is a two-day escape from Dublin that pairs Atlantic surf, limestone escarpments and waterfall-fed valleys into a compact weekend of raw landscape. This Yes-Trips run departs from Dublin Connolly Station and returns on a private coach, aimed at travelers aged 18 and over and priced for students. With trained Yes-Trips Leaders guiding a group of up to 51, the trip removes logistics so you can focus on hikes, coastlines and late-night ceilidh-style conversation. The region’s signature landmark is Benbulben, a table mountain carved from Dartry Limestone whose cliff edge and stepped terraces look like a ruined amphitheater. Nearby you’ll find Glencar Waterfall pouring over green ledges into a shallow pool and Strandhill’s long sandy beach where Atlantic rollers shape dunes and the surf culture is audible on shore. On the coast at Mullaghmore Head the sea cliffs and occasional sea stacks frame views of the open Atlantic; inland, patchwork bog and sheep-grazed hills give way to small lakes and quiet country roads. What sets this short itinerary apart is scale and variety: in 48 hours you can move from ocean surf to a waterfall-walk to a mountain vantage point without long transfers. Yes-Trips focuses on a budget-minded, communal experience — coach transport from Dublin, on-the-ground leaders who know the routes, and an emphasis on making outdoor time accessible for younger travelers. Expect guided walks of varying lengths, photo stops at classic viewpoints, and free time to test a surf school or a local pub. Practical realities matter. Trails range from flat beach walks to uneven limestone steps on Benbulben; waterproof layers and solid footwear will keep you comfortable. If you travel in shoulder seasons the weather can flip quickly, while summer brings long daylight for extended shoreline exploration. Group size means a social atmosphere; if you prefer solo solitude, plan shorter walks away from the main group during free time. Sligo’s landscape is threaded with cultural history — it’s the county that inspired W.B. Yeats — and the small towns carry a lively music scene and straightforward hospitality. For students and budget-conscious travelers wanting a wild, short-window taste of northwest Ireland, this two-day coach trip from Dublin is a practical, high-value way to stand on a high cliff, watch a waterfall, and sleep with the echo of the Atlantic in your ears. Booking goes through Yes-Trips' FareHarbor page; check the listing for exact departure times, baggage limits, age or ID requirements. Meeting logistics begin at Dublin Connolly Station — arrive early to load bags. Bring a refillable water bottle, a power bank for cameras and a daypack for walks. The trip's pace makes it ideal for first-time visitors to the west coast.