The Beaches of Sligo – Untamed Beauty on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Sligo’s coastline is a rugged treasure trove of golden sands, crashing waves, and ancient landscapes. Each beach along this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way offers its own unique charm, from the surfer’s paradise at Strandhill to the peaceful seclusion of Streedagh.

Strandhill Beach is alive with energy. With its dramatic Atlantic swell, it’s a hotspot for surfers from around the world. The beach itself is backed by sand dunes and overlooked by the brooding presence of Knocknarea Mountain, where Queen Maeve is said to be buried. While swimming isn’t advised due to strong currents, the vibrant promenade, seaside cafés, and breath-taking sunsets make this beach a favourite among locals and travellers alike.

Rosses Point is the quintessential family beach — long, clean, and perfect for a day out. With views across Sligo Bay and Benbulben looming in the background like a watchful guardian, Rosses Point combines natural beauty with a touch of old-world charm. It’s ideal for a paddle, a stroll, or simply soaking in the calm rhythm of the sea.
Guests can relax, recharge and enjoy the views of Knocknarea and Oyster Island at The Hot Box Sauna. Breathe in the fresh, salty, sea air, feel the heat and let the surrounding coastal scenery work its magic.

Streedagh Strand is where history meets solitude. This long, windswept strand is flanked by dunes and often feels completely untouched. It’s famously the resting place of three Spanish Armada ships wrecked during a storm in 1588. At low tide, the skeletons of their hulls still appear, like ghosts from the past rising through the sand.
On calm days, Streedagh becomes a sanctuary for wild swimmers. Tucked behind a sandbar and dunes, its shallow waters warm quickly under the sun, making it one of the more inviting spots along Sligo’s coastline. Swim here with Benbulben rising like a myth behind you, and you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into another time.

Enniscrone Beach is a wide, expansive beach perfect for long walks, sandcastle-building, and even seaweed baths. The flat sands stretch for miles, especially at low tide, and it's a haven for kite surfers, horse riders, and anyone in search of fresh sea air. 
Brave souls head to Poll Gorm at Easkey or Aughris Head, where the ocean meets cliffs and caves in a wild display of Atlantic energy. On a good day, swimmers can ease into the sea from sheltered coves or natural rock pools, feeling the cold bite of saltwater as waves rise and fall around them.

Book your Sligo getaway and enjoy the Sligo Beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way...