Strandhill combines a popular surf beach with paths through the coastal landscape and an early Christian site at the end of the headland. This mix makes the place appealing to visitors with different interests: you can try surfing and other water-based activities, or explore the paths to Culleenamore and Killaspugbrone. There is one important limit to bear in mind when planning: swimming at Strandhill Beach is prohibited.
Strandhill Beach is also one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s Discovery Points in County Sligo. From here, there are panoramic views of Knocknarea and Benbulben.
Surfing and water-based activities
Several surf schools at the beach cater to beginners and experienced surfers. Strandhill Surf School offers surf lessons for children and adults, as well as stand-up paddleboarding; it provides all the equipment for its surfing and stand-up paddleboarding activities. The National Surf Centre Strandhill houses three surf schools, County Sligo Surf Club and a specialist surf shop. The centre also has changing rooms, showers and lockers overlooking the water.
Swimming at Strandhill Beach is prohibited because of extremely dangerous rip currents. This restriction is important when planning beach activities, regardless of which other water sports you are considering.
Coastal paths, dunes and Killaspugbrone
Walking paths lead from Strandhill Beach through the natural landscape to Culleenamore Beach and Killaspugbrone. Other paths run through dunes covered with marram grass. The Killaspugbrone Loop starts and ends at Strandhill Promenade. Along the way, it passes the early Christian site of Killaspugbrone Church and leads through coastal habitats including sand dunes, salt marsh and pine forest.
Killaspugbrone consists of the ruins of an old church with an adjoining graveyard. The site lies at the very end of the headland, beyond Strandhill Airport. The loop therefore connects the coastal landscape with a specific historic site, while the paths to Culleenamore offer another direction for walks.
The tides also shape what can be seen along the coast: at low tide, one of Ireland’s largest seal colonies can be seen on the central sandbanks at Culleenamore. The state of the tide is therefore key to this wildlife experience.
More activities and practical information
Sligo Kayak Tours offers guided kayak tours on the coastal waters of Strandhill. Check the operator’s current availability before booking. Golf is another activity: Strandhill Golf Club was founded in 1931, and golf has been played on the current 18-hole course since 1973. VOYA Seaweed Baths offers private rooms, each with a Victorian cast-iron bathtub and a steam unit.
There are cafés and restaurants near Strandhill Beach. Opening hours and individual businesses may change, so check what is available during your visit in advance.
Getting there and accommodation
Bus Éireann’s S2 bus route connects Strandhill with Rosses Point via ATU Sligo. If you plan to use this service, check the current timetable before travelling. Strandhill Caravan and Camping Park is right beside the beach and covers eight hectares. Before your trip, check whether the park is currently operating and what booking conditions apply.
Discover more destinations: Cloonacool, Templeboy, Derrybeg, Ballygawley, Ballymote, Barroe, Curry, Collooney.
For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.
