Sligo Courthouse

Sligo Courthouse is a judicial building on Teeling Street designed in French Gothic style with an asymmetrical facade of ten bays topped by a four-stage octagonal tower and spire. Inside, a street-level entrance hall opens into two-storey pointed-arch alcoves beneath a hammer beam roof with full-width windows.

The courthouse was built between 1875 and 1880 and served as a justice facility while also hosting Sligo County Council meetings until 1979. Its construction occurred during a period when Ireland was modernizing its court system and establishing stronger administrative centers.

The building showcases French Gothic details like pointed arch windows and decorative ironwork that were typical of important Irish public buildings in the 1800s. These architectural choices reflect how the community valued its justice system and wanted to express that through impressive design.

The building stands out along Teeling Street thanks to its distinctive octagonal tower and is easy to locate from the street. Keep in mind that this is an active courthouse, so some areas may not be open to the public and access can vary.

Remnants of an 18th-century jail are preserved within the courthouse structure, revealing how justice facilities evolved over time. Rather than being demolished, these older spaces were incorporated into the newer building, creating a layered historical record visible to visitors.

GPS coordinates: 54.26980,-8.47190

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44