Information about Strandhill

Strandhill is the largest coastal village and townland in County Sligo, Ireland. Strandhill is situated at the western base of Knocknarea on the Cúil Irra peninsula, 5 miles west of Sligo town, and is Atlantic facing. Although the main part of the village lies within the townland of Strandhill, it also extends into the townlands of Killaspugbrone and Carrowbunnaun. The area is well known for surfing.

Image: Strandhill

What to see / Things to do

Surfing - Strandhill is a vast beach break capable of holding huge waves in the right conditions. Surfing is usually best when the tide is on the push in from mid to high tide. At low tide only a big swell will provide a decent wave, whilst at high tide the waves tend to rebound off the promenade, reducing the power and form closer to shore. This rebound effect at high tide can also make for unusual currents or rips with large erratic barrelling waves that slam against the rocks.

Killaspugbrone Church - this small church dates back to the 12th century, perhaps earlier. Legend has it that Saint Patrick lost a tooth near the site and the church was erected in the area in his honor. Around the church is an old overgrown cemetery used by the residents of near-by Coney Island up until the 1960's. A fence borders the church but intrepid adventurers have bypassed it and walked around inside. This is not recommended as the church is very old and not exactly structurally sound.

Dolly's Cottage - a 200-year-old traditional thatched cottage open to the public.

The Warriors Run - a 15k race held annually since 1985, takes participants from the beach front in Strandhill around and then up the nearby Knocknarea mountain, to the cairn at the top, and back again.