Strandhill Travel Guide
City Coastal village in Sligo known for surfing
A surf town on Sligo’s west coast, Strandhill attracts surfers, beachwalkers and seafood lovers - surf schools, long sandy strand, coastal trails with views toward Benbulben, and simple cafés serving fresh shellfish.
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Why Visit Strandhill? #
Strandhill is known for energetic surf, long sandy beaches and dramatic coastal views of Benbulben. Surf schools, beachside cafés and seafood specials make it a lively base for outdoor activity, while traditional music sessions in local pubs round out evenings. Walkers and photographers favor nearby headlands and strandlines for sunsets and Atlantic air.
Top Things to Do in Strandhill
All Attractions ›
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- Strandhill Beach and Surf School - Long sandy beach popular for lessons and lively surf breaks year-round.
- Strandhill Seaweed Baths - Traditional seaweed baths offering therapeutic seaweed treatments and relaxation options.
- Benbulben viewpoint (Knocknarea nearby) - Short drives deliver iconic Benbulben cliffs and Knocknarea's Queen Maeve tomb.
- Sligo Coastal Walks - Less-crowded cliff and shoreline trails with rock pools and coastal flora.
- Mullaghmore Head - Nearby promontory offering dramatic sea views and famous big-wave surfing season.
- Strandhill Local Food Scene - Small cafes and seafood spots serving fresh local catches and artisan breads.
- Sligo town and Yeats Trail - Explore Yeats-associated sites, downtown galleries, and cultural landmarks in Sligo.
- Glencar Waterfall and Lake - Short drive to picturesque waterfall, lakeshore walks, and picnic spots.
Best Time to Visit Strandhill #
Strandhill is a windy Atlantic coast town with mild summers and wet, blustery winters. Come in summer or the shoulder seasons for best surf and more reliable outdoor weather.
Best Time to Visit Strandhill #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1232 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Strandhill
How to Get Around Strandhill #
Strandhill is small and very walkable - the village, beach and many surf schools are all within easy walking distance. Bikes are a good option for short trips, and taxis run from Sligo for connections to larger transport hubs.
There is limited public transport; if you’re arriving from outside the county check bus timetables in advance. Parking can be busy in peak season, so allow time if you’re driving.
Where to Stay in Strandhill #
- Strandhill House - Simple B&B and hostel-style rooms.
- Strandhill guesthouses on Booking.com - Several small family-run B&Bs.
- Strandhill Lodge - Comfortable rooms near the beach.
- Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club - Larger hotel a short drive away.
- The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo (nearby) - Contemporary upscale hotel in Sligo.
- Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club - Full-service hotel with leisure facilities.
Where to Eat in Strandhill #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Strandhill's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Strandhill #
Nightlife in Strandhill is modest but lively for a village: several pubs and bars offer live music on weekends, and a few cafés stay open later during the tourist season. Expect an informal, friendly atmosphere rather than late-night clubbing.
If you want more options, Sligo town is a short trip away with a wider range of bars and venues.
Shopping in Strandhill #
Shopping in Strandhill caters to visitors: surf shops, a handful of boutiques, cafés and small craft outlets. Basics are easy to find, and there are local businesses selling surf gear and outdoor clothing.
For more extensive shopping - supermarkets, department stores or a wider range of services - travel into Sligo.
