County Sligo – Benbulben and the lordship of Lower Connacht
County Sligo was officially formed in 1585 by Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sidney, but only came into effect in 1603, after the Nine Years' War. Its boundaries reflect the Ó Conchobhair Sligigh confederation of Lower Connacht, made up of old territories such as Cairbre Drumcliabh and Corann, which later became baronies like Carbury and Corran.
The county's roots go back much further: a causewayed enclosure found in 2003 at Maugheraboy is among the earliest signs of Neolithic life in Ireland. Watched over by the distinctive Benbulben mountain, Sligo is today a county of around 70,000 people, known for its landscapes, legends and culture. Do you have a Sligo story? Share it with the community!