Originating From & Its People
Geevagh is located in the densely populated county of Sligo in the northwest of Ireland. It’s known as a local hotspot for fishing, hill walking and camping. The village is an easy two hour drive from both Dublin and Galway cities and has a small population of just over 1,000 people—many of whom who trace their roots back generations. The Irish are widely known to be friendly and the majority of locals have a natural warmth which creates a very welcoming experience for visitors from different walks of life.
Accommodation & Other Amenities
Geevagh has a larger selection of accommodation than you’d expect for such a small village. From self-service cabins and apartments with private bathrooms to camping and caravanning spots. Many of the local pubs and restaurants have been around for years, serving up great traditional Irish food with a modern twist. You’ll find the best pubs have fireside pipers playing traditional Irish music and there’s even a local castle—Castleconor—with a renowned history.
A Traditional Irish Experience
Geevagh is one of those places that just pulls you in, there’s a certain atmosphere of relaxation and peace that you don’t find everywhere. The locals are of course an integral part of any experience in the village and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience a Sunday piano session in one of the local pubs. You can hear old favourites such as The Irish Rover and Whiskey in the Jar sung by locals and visitors alike, and the thrill of seeing children playing and singing along is an experience that can’t be forgotten.
Shopping & Culture
Not surprisingly, Geevagh has a vibrant shopping district bustling with local and international stores. A fantastic selection of local arts, crafts and jewelry can be found in the alleyways and back streets, along with a wide range of gifts and souvenirs. The village is also known for its outdoor cinemas, which show classic old movies and new hits. This is one of the best places to soak up some local culture.
Sports & Activities
Geevagh is the perfect place for outdoor activities. The hillwalking might be the most popular activity—you’ll find locals and visitors alike taking a stroll around the area or up to the summit of Knockalla, a mountain peak with some splendid views. There’s also a local golf course, a tennis club, football fields, and a cycling track all within easy access. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even hire a kayak and explore the lakes and rivers around Geevagh.
Nature & Wildlife
One of the best things about Geevagh is its natural beauty. There are some wonderful walking trails and scenic views to enjoy. The area is known for its wide variety of plants and flowers, there are a variety of native species of birds, and you can spot deer and foxes in Lough Talt Nature Reserve. If you take an early morning walk you’ll hear the curlews and larks singing, and soak up the peacefulness of the surroundings.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The nightlife in Geevagh is surprisingly good, with plenty of local pubs with live music and comedy nights. There’s a great selection of pubs with traditional dives such as Cleary’s and Mooney’s serving up local ales and lagers and a variety of local bands playing live music. If you’re looking for something a bit more active then you can try your hand at some of the local Gaelic sports such as hurling.
Services & Emergency Resources
The standard of medical services in Geevagh is quite high. There is a well-equipped medical centre and two good dentists, all within walking distance of the centre of the village. In case of emergency, there are paramedics available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and doctors on call. Geevagh is well served by the Gardaí, the local police force, as well as the fire brigade.
Education & Community
Geevagh has two primary schools—Nagle Drewrey Primary School and Geevagh Primary School—both of which are known for their strong educational reputation. There are also two secondary schools in the area–Oxford Regional and Lincoln Park–both of which have good ratings and on-site extracurricular programs, which can help students looking to diversify their education. The village is home to a vibrant community of artists and musicians, who come together to host concerts and art exhibitions.
Conclusion
Geevagh Ireland is certainly a great place to stay if you’re looking for some peace and tranquility with a healthy dose of local culture to get you immersed in the Irish way of life. The people are friendly and welcoming, the accommodation is great and the natural beauty of the area is hard to miss. From hotshots in the pubs to castle ruins, Geevagh has a something for everyone.
