Sports and Sports Scholarships
Sport and Physical Activity play an important role in campus life at ATU Sligo. Our belief is that sport is for everyone.
We understand the positive impact it can have on an individual’s physical and mental health. That is why we have developed a wide range of facilities and activities to suit everyone.
ACHIEVING ATHLETES
- Develop your talent with the help of our top-class coaches.
- Compete at National or International level – individually or on a team.
- Get the supports needed to excel with our Sports Scholarship Programme
PART-TIME PLAYERS
- Play in a sociable environment – with a slight competitive edge.
- A choice of soccer, dodgeball, badminton, volleyball and lots more.
- A great way to try out something new and meet new people.
HEALTHY HEROES
- If you just want to have some fun and keep active.
- Daily exercise classes ranging from spinning to yoga.
- Use the campus fitness suite, outdoor gym or walking trail.
Our Facilities
We have made significant investment in our sporting facilities over the last number of years. This has resulted in the state of the art facilities we see on campus today. With access available seven days a week, keeping active has never been easier.
INDOOR
At the centre of our facilities is the Knocknarea Arena. This sporting hub is where you will find our multi-purpose sports hall, state-of-the-art fitness suite and specialised exercise studios. Students can also avail of free fitness consultations and personalised exercise programmes with a member of our qualified fitness team.
OUTDOOR
We have an International standard eight-lane tartan-surface running track with throwing and jumping facilities. Our newly developed 3G Astroturf pitch is fully floodlit and FIFA approved. We also have three floodlit grass pitches – A championship standard GAA pitch, FAI certified Soccer pitch and a high-quality training pitch. An outdoor gym is located along the campus walking trail, Sli na Sláinte.
NEAR OUR DOOR
Off-campus, students can avail of various sporting facilities at heavily discounted rates. The Clayton Hotel, just a two-minute walk from ATU Sligo, provides access to a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Or for the more competitive swimmer, Sligo Regional Sports Centre has a 25m indoor heated swimming pool. A five-minute drive from campus is Sligo Tennis Club – home to six outdoor floodlit Omni courts, an indoor tennis court, five badminton courts and four squash courts.
Our Natural Facilities
ATU Sligo’s stunning location along the Wild Atlantic Way lends itself to some breathtaking natural facilities that few, if any, colleges can boast.
SAND AND SEA
Strandhill and Rosses Point beaches are located just a ten-minute drive from ATU Sligo and are part of Sligo Town’s bus route. Here you will find an array of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or the more relaxing SUP boarding. The North West is renowned for having some of the best waves in the world! Both seaside towns are also home to 18-hole links golf courses – challenging courses, distracting beauty!
TREKS AND TRAILS
If walking, hill walking or mountain climbing take your fancy then look no further. Sligo’s rural landscape includes the world-famous Benbulben Mountain, the Queen Maeve trail on Knocknarea, woodland walks such as Hazelwood and Slish Wood, megalithic sites in Carrowkeel, the beautiful wilderness of the Ox Mountains and so much more. Cycling trails vary from easy to difficult providing the perfect setting for a challenging circuit or a recovery ride. Equestrian enthusiasts or beginners can benefit from numerous riding stables close to the ATU Sligo campus – all accompanied by beach or countryside treks.
RIVERS AND LAKES
The Garavogue River and Lough Gill provide complete opposites for our keen kayakers – rapid or relaxing, the choice is yours. For those looking to get away from it all, angling options are plentiful. Sea, river or lake – we just hope your catch is as prolific!
Sports Scholarships
The ATU Sligo Sports Scholarship Programme assists talented student athletes reach their sporting potential. If you are a keen sportsperson competing at an elite level, we want to hear from you.
Up to 70 sports scholarships are awarded each academic year. Alongside financial support, our sports scholars get free use of the ATU Sligo sports facilities, academic support, and ATU Sligo branded sports scholarship gear. This ensures our student athletes can achieve their sporting goals whilst maintaining academic excellence.
For more information or to apply please visit our Sports Scholarship Programme webpage
Clubs and Societies
Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people with similar interests, try out something new or pursue your passion. College life is more than just study. It is also about experiences and friendships. We encourage students to join at least one club or society – and with over 70 to choose from, we have something for everyone! To find out more about our Clubs and Societies visit our dedicated ATU Sligo Clubs and Societies webpage