Sligo Tourism wants visitors to “walk in the footsteps of Marianne and Connell” this summer

I mean, fair.

Sligo has, like many other things (we're looking at you, silver chains) benefited from the global attention generated from Normal People. A substantial amount of the show was filmed in Co. Sligo including Streedagh Beach in North Sligo and Tubbercurry in South Sligo, meaning that fans of the hit series are likely to flock to those spots for the foreseeable future. A gloriously beautiful county that has since garnered the attention of the world, you know for a fact that Sligo is currently at the top of every single American's travel bucket list (just don't come until it's safe to do so, yeah guys?). So, while travelling abroad isn't exactly an option for most of us at the moment, why not stay closer to home and go hit up Sligo for a bit this summer? Who knows, maybe you'll suss your own Connell Waldron while you're there. Probably not, though.

"Over the last few months our worlds have shrunk, and we’ve found our lives limited to small spaces, small groups and small experiences," says Neil Faulkner, manager of Sligo Tourism.

"As humans, we’re naturally curious. We want to seek out new experiences. Our key message today is that Sligo Is Open; we are re-starting the tourism season and reminding the domestic tourism market of the great opportunities we provide here in County Sligo.

"We are open for business and we also have great open spaces. Along with a world-class food offering, an exciting range of hospitality, arts and culture amenities we also have breathtaking walking trails and stunning landscapes, the roaring Atlantic ocean, wide open beaches and of course welcoming people, all within a short distance from Dublin.”

Normal People, lovely beaches, and that chipper when Connell shifted Miss Neary are obviously a draw, but what about the rest of the county?

Key destinations that have recently reopened include the Eagles Flying Bird Sanctuary, The Model arts centre, the Yeats Building and Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs.

Needless to say, there's the cafes, restaurants, and pubs too, as well as a signifiant number of new deals on hotel breaks and activities that can be found here. 

Enjoy yourself, yeah?