Located some 8km outside Sligo town, Strandhill is a small village that culminates in a cul-de-sac. It has a few wonderful bars and I feel I must mention The Strand Bar as we had so many enjoyable evenings and afternoons here. We think it does the best pizzas on the planet and has a wonderful atmosphere and is most welcoming to tourists, natives and children. They make everyone feel at home and the food and atmosphere is excellent.
The main focal point is the beachfront, where people can even enjoy it even from the comfort of their cars in bad weather. Right beside you is Shells Seafront Café which hands down does the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had and also sells gourmet gifts and other goods. The breakfasts are a real treat.
Another of our favourites is Mammy Johnstons, originally established in the 1930’s, serve up amazing crepes, homemade ice-creams and great coffee. Finally there is Voya Seaweed Baths which are experiencing great success and scooping lots of awards for their products and treatments.
On Sundays from 11am-4pm, you will find a local market not too far from the seafront beside the local airport called the Strandhill People’s Market. It’s a fantastic mix of eclectic crafts, food stalls and other goodies. Just go there hungry!
However, my favourite activities have to be sitting in the dunes watching the truly fantastic sunsets which never disappoint and make you wish you never had to leave and also climbing Knocknarea on one of the many walks in the area. You can find out more on the Go Strandhill site.
If surfing is your thing, there are a selection of surf schools to choose from with Strandhill Surf School located right on the coast. You can also choose to go paddle boarding and sea-kayaking. The paddle boarding was wonderful. The day I decided to try it the sea was unusually calm so I had an advantage from the off. Believe me it’s easier than it looks but I plan on doing it again. The sense of peace and tranquillity just lying on the board in the sun was incredible and I can see how people get hooked. It was followed by a ‘warming’ up session in The Strand which lasted a few hours….!
Since discovering this gem in Sligo, we have spent many weeks and weekends in this little piece of heaven and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. So if you are in the location or are seeking somewhere with the craic, scenery, peace and hope of adventure, Strandhill will surely tick all your boxes.
