Culture in Sligo is a lively, attractive combination of contemporary and traditional theatres and art centres. The Model is an important contemporary arts centre of national standing with a significant collection of Jack B Yeats’s work. It has an excellent programme of music, arts and theatre events throughout the year. There’s also a vibrant theatre tradition found in the Hawk’s Well Theatre, one of the oldest regional theatres in the country, and the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company based at The Factory performance space.

Sligo Art Gallery is located in the Yeats Building at Hyde Bridge. It houses exhibitions of artists from the area Sligo Art Gallery houses art exhibitions of Sligo area artists as well as oils, watercolours and drawings by Jack B. Yeats and paintings by Anne Yeats. This is also the home of the Yeats Society and W.B. Yeats exhibition.

Sligo also has a wonderful tradition of artisan crafts, particularly in the area of pottery and ceramics. A locally crafted piece by the Made in Sligo network is always a treasure to bring home. Many of these craft workers welcome visitors to their workshops as well as selling through shops. Another gem to check out in Sligo town is The Cat and the Moon.

Farmers Markets and Country Markets are a great way to meet artisan producers of both crafts and foods. Every Saturday Sligo Farmers Market takes place at IT Sligo, Rathcormac Craft and Food Market in Rathcormac just north of Sligo and Beltra Country Market near Ballisadare. On Sundays Strandhill People's Market opens its doors in the unique setting of an airport hanger at Sligo Airport, Strandhill.