WB Yeats is quoted as saying “The place that has influenced my life most is Sligo” and what better way to sell Yeats county than off the back of his words. “Arise and Go Now” is a campaign established by public and private interests to attract new visitors this summer.

The campaign is all tied together by the phrase “Arise and Go Now” building on W B Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree poem”.

Sligo’s new campaign focuses on the fact that it is just 2.5 hours from Dublin, has seven beaches, 30 megalithic tombs, lake cruises and seaweed baths. Their sporting facilities include surfing, sailing, kite surfing, golf and trekking.

Besides all of this is the rich cultural heritage of Sligo including Yeats himself, three theatre companies and a rich traditional music heritage.

For more information visit www.sligotourism.ie.

Here’s some excellent events taking place in Sligo this summer:

1-8 July - Cairde Arts Festiva l- Sligo's annual arts festival celebrating diversity.

Sligo comes alive with an excellent range of music, theatre, dance, children's and family events, visual art, and more.  Some of this year's highlights include Yungchen Lhamo in concert with Liam O'Maonlai, Madu, Delicious O'Grady and Park Fest- a day-long celebration of music, performance, food, arts ,and crafts.

23-29 July - Sligo’s Festival of Jazz and World MusicSeven action-packed days of jazz and world music throughout Sligo city.

11- 12 August - Sligo 400 Summer Festival

Sligo Summer Festival is an outdoor carnival of music, sports, and culture as part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Borough of Sligo. Bressi, The Sawdoctors and top artists will headline the music element of an exciting multi-strand event.