I've been to Sligo a few times.
Easiest way to get there is fly to Knock, then bus into Sligo which takes about an hour. Dublin is about 3 and a bit hours away by Bus/Train.
Two pubs by the ground Mooneys and O'Neills both decent sell standard Irish Stuff. Near the Station, Donaghy's Bar won't sell you a pint unless you are eating and the Railway begruded just selling me a pint when i went in last year. Theres other pubs in the Town Centre too, i went in a Sports bar.
Unless you fancy the overnight bus to Dublin about 1am, it is a stopover trip.