Gillighan’s World
Gillighan’s World enchanted Faerie Gardens and Spiritual Sanctuary can be discovered at Knocknashee is one of the Sacred Hills of Ireland near Sligo. Escape into a land of artistry and imagination in a magical place adults adore and children love. A stone tunnel entrance, with dolmen and amphitheatre rising out of lush green lawns commence your escape from the “real world” into a land of artistry and imagination.
It is a magical place adults adore and children love.
Gillighan’s World Activities
They have concentrated their efforts on activities that will provide light entertainment, fun and pleasure, for all age groups, and appeal to your own “Inner Child”. There’s plenty of opportunity for interaction and joyful experiences, offering something for everyone in a peaceful and relaxing setting.
DISCOVERY TRAIL
Wandering through the delightful botanical gardens why not have fun spotting how many of the flora you can identify, finding a little bog orchid hiding under a giant hosta, counting the various species of wildlife that inhabit the faerie gardens, or discover the 13 Celtic trees, the time of year they cover, and the god or godless that the ancients worshiped.
MAP AND MYSTERY QUIZ
An absolute favourite with all our visitors, regardless of age.
Searching the park to solve the clues you’ve been given on arrival is great fun that the whole family can enjoy. By the time you’ve visited all the different areas of the park you’ll be much more knowledgeable about The Field of Dreams. It’s for fun and laughter and the fairies love people who have not forgotten how to play and the kids will love talking to all the charming faerie’s friends they’ll meet on the way.
WATER CAVE
On route you’ll come across the water cave. See if you can pick which are the goldfish, the shebunkins, black moors or golden orfes, and who knows you may find another clue to the QUIZ! If you look carefully you may catch some of their cold water fish swimming in the lake.
PET HAVEN
For all lovers of animals, time in the pet haven is a must. Many of the animals have either been brought to them as they are unwanted, or have suffered abuse, and here in the little sanctuary they can offer them the love and care they so badly need.
All they ask is that you enjoy their presence of the animals and if you have children that you encourage them to be kind and understanding towards the animal inhabitants.
ANGEL LIBRARY
For all those who are really into the faerie kingdom, celtic history or the archeological discoveries of Knocknashee, you’ll find my collection of books and surveys in the sensitively restored Gillighan’s cottage. There’s plenty of information and story books for children too, with beautiful illustrations of the spirits that form the tapestry of the faerie world.
CELTIC RING FORT
No visit would be complete without visiting our Celtic Ring Fort, and performing the “Wishing Ritual” in the Faerie Ring.
CLIMBING KNOCKNASHEE
For those with energy and an adventuresome spirit a climb to the summit of Knocknashee is well worth the effort. Apart from the archeological remains of the Ancient Hilltown, the view is almost biblical from this vantage point leaving you truly understanding that “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.”
Facilities At Gillighan’s World
There aim at Gillighan’s World is to make your visit to the The Field Of Dreams as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. In addition to the beautiful botannical gardens and spiritual faerie land there are are delightful picnic areas nestled around the park. What could be more enriching and nourishing than to feast by the fairy lake, on a plateau at the foot of Knocknashee – The Hill of the Fairies.
No need to worry if you don’t bring a picnic as they have the Rainbow Tea Rooms where you can enjoy a bowl of soup, freshly made sandwich, hot scone, cake or pastry, and there’s plenty of chocolate bars, crisps and sweets to choose from. It’s a simple but homely tea/coffee shop for those who simply want a snack.
No visit would be complete without a small souvenir that will remind you of your experience, or to give to a loved one. The “Crock of Gold” Gift Shop is a Pandora’s Box of goodies to suit every taste and budget. They have a huge selection of fairy products and there is also a children’s novelty section.
The main areas are wheelchair accessible and there is Free car and coach parking facilities. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Opening Times
MAY:- Open Saturdays and Sundays, 12.00 – 6.00pm
JUNE:- Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12.00 – 6.00pm
JULY/AUGUST:- Open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, 11.00 – 6.00pm
Group bookings can be made for any day of your choice during the months of May, June, July, and August.
Birthday Parties at Gillighan’s World
The cater for all age groups, themed events and fancy dress parties. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune for you to make your child’s birthday a very special day.
They have 3 basic options that have been designed to suit everyone’s budget and allows you, the parent, flexibility in how much you choose to prepare yourself, or wish the staff at Gillighan’s World to help and assist in the preparations.
Directions To Gillighans World In Sligo
From Sligo and Sligo Regional Airport: Follow the N4 Dublin road to the end of the dual carriageway. At the second roundabout at the end of the carriageway, turn right onto the N17 Galway road. Travel along the N17, through Ballinacarrow village, until you come to the Connacht Gold Co-operative (12 kms). Turn right at the Co-Op and follow the signs to Gillighan’s World (3 kms). Sat Nav Setting: N 54.12691 W 8.68037
From Knock and Ireland West Airport: Follow the N17 through Charlestown and Tubbercurry. 3 kms past Tubbercurry is the Connacht Gold Co-operative. Take a left at the Co-Op and follow the signs to Gillighan’s World (3 kms). Sat Nav Setting: N 54.12691 W 8.68037
From Ballina and Enniscrone: Follow the N59 until you come to the right turn for Coolaney. Continue straight up past the hungry rock for 5 kms to Coolaney. At the top of Coolaney village take the left fork and then turn right after the railway track. Follow the signs for 6 kms to Gillighan’s World. Sat Nov Setting: N 54.12691 W 8.68037
From Castlebar: Follow the N5 to Charlestown. Turn left in Charlestown onto the N17. Follow the N17 through Charlestown and Tubbercurry. 3 kms past Tubbercurry is the NCF Co-Operative. Take a left at the Co-Op and follow the signs to Gillighan’s World (3 kms). Sat Nov Setting: N 54.12691 W 8.68037
From Boyle: Follow the N4 towards Sligo until you come to a roundabout (approx 25 kms). Turn left onto the N17 Galway road. Travel along the N17, through Ballinacarrow village, until you come to the Connacht Gold Co-operative (12 kms). Turn right at the Co-op and follow the signs for Gillighan’s World (3 kms). Sat Nov Setting: N 54.12691 W 8.68037
