Curry: Church Art, Riverbank and a Historic Trail

Church, Schoolhouse and Architectural History

The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Curry was built around 1870. Its cruciform plan defines its architectural form. Stained-glass windows by Joshua Clark and a panelled ceiling in the chancel add distinctive details to the church’s exterior form. Together, the layout, windows and ceiling offer several concrete features that help describe the church’s architecture.

The former Curry National School offers another perspective on the town’s history. Built in 1883, the building has retained its basic form despite extensive alterations and is considered an architectural record of the development of the Irish education system. Today, the former school building is used for storage. The church and school therefore represent different themes: sacred architecture on the one hand, and the history of education on the other. Curry’s stone railway bridge is also listed in the Sligo County Development Plan 2011–2017 register of protected structures. An unused railway line runs east of Curry, parallel to the N17.

Riverside, Playground and Longer Walk

For a break outdoors, colourful picnic benches sit right beside the Owengarve River. An outdoor swimming pool is located next to the picnic area. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours in advance. This helps you distinguish a riverside visit from planning a longer walk.

Curry also has a playground for toddlers and children, with climbing frames, slides and swings. Facilities and availability may change, so check the current situation before your visit. The Curry Nature and Historical Trail begins and ends in Curry and is 21.5 km long. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. The playground and riverside offer different kinds of visits from the trail’s longer route; these differences can help you plan your days around your interests.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of County Sligo

Beyond Curry, the wider destination of County Sligo offers its own cultural and natural attractions. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 surviving monuments there are almost 6,000 years old. At Carrowkeel, visitors can explore tombs that are more than 5,000 years old; the tombs must not be climbed on or damaged. Sligo Abbey adds another chapter to these archaeological sites: the Dominican friary includes extensive surviving medieval remains of the church, sacristy and chapter house. At Sligo Folk Park, reconstructed village streets, cottages and a schoolhouse, along with twelve exhibitions, offer an insight into rural Ireland.

The coast of County Sligo adds another distinct dimension. Streedagh Beach is a three-kilometre sandy beach connecting Streedagh Point with Connor’s Island. The dunes and estuary are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part in activities. The county therefore offers a range of interests: archaeological sites and medieval buildings on one hand, and coastal scenery and water sports on the other.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: Curry, with its church architecture, riverside and local trail, or other cultural and natural attractions in the wider County Sligo. This lets you base your choice on the experiences you want to shape your trip, rather than treating Curry and the regional destinations as the same place.

Discover more destinations: Tiratick, Ballisodare, Cliffony, Easky, Collooney, Carney, Ballygawley, Inishcrone.

View the wider travel guide: County Sligo.