Located directly in Strandhill village (on Shore Rd, Carrowbunnaun townland), 8km west of Sligo town on the Coolera Peninsula. Accessed via the R292 road.
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Location
Access Information
R292 leads to Strandhill village. Shore Road runs along the beachfront. Parking available near the beach and in the village.
Beach Details
Activities
- Surfing (renowned
- multiple surf schools)Walking (beach
- dunes
- Killaspugbrone Loop)KitesurfingSeaweed BathsGolf (Strandhill Golf Club nearby)Watching sunsetsBirdwatching (especially in adjacent SPA)
Facilities
- Public Toilets (Likely available near main access/parking)
- Showers (Likely available
- possibly linked to toilets or surf schools)
- Cafes
- Pubs
- Restaurants
- Ice Cream Parlour (Mammy Johnston's)
- Surf Schools
- Seaweed Baths (Voya)
- Parking
- Playground (at adjacent Strandhill Caravan and Camping Park)
Environment
Extensive marram-covered sand dunes, adjacent to Strandhill village, near Culleenamore Strand and Killaspugbrone Peninsula. Overlooked by Knocknarea Mountain.
Conservation Status
Located within Cummeen Strand Special Protection Area (SPA) (Site Code: 004035).
Views
Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Knocknarea Mountain, Benbulben mountain range, Sligo Bay, and Coney Island. Renowned for sunsets.
Wildlife
Adjacent Cummeen Strand SPA is important for wintering waterfowl, notably Light-bellied Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, and Redshank. General wetland birds.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Proximity to Knocknarea Mountain (site of Queen Maeve's Cairn). Nearby Killaspugbrone site (early Christian church ruins). Cannon monument on the seafront.
Beach Tags
Reviews
Reviews Summary
Reviews are generally very positive (average 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor), praising the stunning views, vibrant atmosphere, excellent surfing, and convenient nearby amenities (cafes, pubs, ice cream). It's highlighted as great for walking ("blowing the cobwebs away") but noted as rocky/pebbly in parts and not ideal for swimming or young children playing due to strong waves. The surrounding village charm is frequently mentioned.
(malone l, Aug 2024, 5/5, TripAdvisor) "Lovely hotel very clean breakfast was perfect. Nice walk to the beach area restaurants. David the mgr and staff very helpful would book again . We visited Glen Fall waterfall. marble arch caves call in advance. Bellburbin forest walk and Queen mave hike knockers tough hike but worth the views."
(Gary B, Aug 2024, 5/5, TripAdvisor) "What a lovely village , make sure you get an ice cream at Mammy Johnson’s and sit by the cannon for a remarkable view. So quaint"
(Mrs L, Jul 2024, 3/5, TripAdvisor) "We stopped here one day to have our lunch, and while it's a beautiful spot, it's not very family friendly. Lovely to sit and watch the waves crashing or the surfers getting up on the waves, but it's a very rocky beach. Not somewhere for the kids to play. If you love to surf or want to, this is the place for you, we did see a few groups from a surf school, so I'm sure anyone can join. Regardless, it's a beautiful spot for a picnic and to take in the surroundings."
(Gill Murphy, May 2024, 5/5, TripAdvisor) "This is not a sandy beach but it is a fabulous beach for surfing. Plenty of cafes and restaurants for you to get refreshments. A lovely place to spend a day."
(rmc1341, Sept 2023, 5/5, TripAdvisor) "Really cool beach area with many Surfers and Surfer schools going on. The area has a bunch stores and restaurants for food and drink. Fun Place!"
(EvaF, Aug 2023, 5/5, TripAdvisor) "Very clean beach nice atmosphere. Variety of small restaurants and coffee shops. Fabulous views. Highly recommended"
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