In Barroe, archaeological and historical perspectives range from a single ringfort to a broader landscape context. The Barroe Ringfort SLO15-002 lies on a ridge; the historic map depiction of enclosure SLO14-026 and the map traces of Barroe House add to this focus. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing Barroe’s local themes from the separate destinations in the wider County Sligo.
Ringfort and landscape
The Barroe Ringfort SLO15-002 lies at the northeastern end of a broad ridge running from northeast to southwest. The slope descends gently towards the north-northwest; the terrain is undulating pastureland. The raised, circular area measures 32 metres in diameter. It is surrounded by a broad, low, flattened bank of earth and stone.
Barroe is also part of a concentration of ringforts and enclosures across several townlands. The townlands that include Barroe are also covered by the extensive glacial landscape area AAP14. Thus, the specific forms of an individual ringfort sit alongside a broader landscape context. Both scales are useful when looking at the place: its construction and its setting within a larger landscape.
Enclosures and historic map traces
Enclosure SLO14-026 adds to the archaeological focus. No remains of it are visible on the ground. It was depicted as an oval enclosure on the 1837 OS six-inch map; it is no longer recorded on the 1940 edition.
Barroe House adds a residential building to the story. It is described as a two-storey house and was originally depicted on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map in 1837. Barroe House had an outbuilding, which was also depicted on the first edition and noted on the third edition of 1909–1912.
Getting here and planning your trip
Barroe lies northeast of Sligo City on the N16 National Primary Route. You can use this as a guide when travelling there; check current road conditions and junctions for your specific journey. Both can change. When looking for accommodation, it may help to decide first whether Barroe itself is your main focus or whether you would like to include separate themes in the wider County Sligo.
More to explore in County Sligo
In the wider destination of County Sligo, separate attractions complement Barroe’s local history with other historical perspectives. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 monuments, almost 6,000 years old, have been preserved there. Carrowkeel includes tombs that are more than 5,000 years old and open to visitors to explore. The tombs must not be climbed on or damaged. Sligo Abbey offers a glimpse of another era: the Dominican friary has extensive surviving medieval remains of its church, sacristy and chapter house.
In County Sligo, Streedagh Beach offers a distinct coastal attraction. The 3 km-long sandy beach connects Streedagh Point with Connor's Island. Sand dunes and an estuary are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part in these activities.
Lissadell House & Gardens is another distinct attraction in County Sligo. It lies on the shores of Sligo Bay in the north of Sligo and was the childhood home of Countess Markievicz. Visitors can enjoy its woodland and walking trails.
Discover more destinations: Derry, Cloghboley, Sligo, Ballaghnatrillick, Derrybeg, Lavagh, Ballygawley, Carney.
View the wider travel guide: County Sligo.
