Best Beaches in Sligo to Visit this Autumn
Golden sands and peaceful walks await those who venture out to one of Sligo’s many incredible beaches. The Wild Atlantic Way is renowned for its sprawling views and stunning backdrops, where days out at the beach are well spent. Autumn might seem like an odd time to visit the beach, but with fewer families around and the heat not cooking you to within an inch of your life, it’s actually a great time to explore a little bit more.
Doesn’t sound so bad after all does it? Read on as we’ll be taking a look at 5 of the best beaches in Sligo to visit this autumn.
Culleenamore Beach
Culleenamore Beach is a great decision if you fancy a short excursion. Although it is located directly behind the well-known Strandhill Beach, Culleenamore is significantly calmer due to the lack of ocean swell that Strandhill receives.
Culleenamore became one of the most famous beaches in Sligo in the early 17th century because of horseracing. The reason is quite simple; the sand hills that encase the beach are naturally perfect for spectators to stand and watch from, ensuring no one missed out.
We recommend popping into Strandhill village before you go to grab a brew for that Autumn feeling, as well as picking up any snacks you fancy whilst you’re out. You may not see any horseracing whilst you’re there, but it’s interesting to imagine what it would have been like.
Trá Bhui
Trá Bhui beach is located near Templeboy, a 30-minute drive from our location in central Sligo. For those who don’t know, Trá Bhui is Irish for ‘Yellow Strand’, and it is a beach with an incredible view reaching as far as County Donegal.
Although the beach does not allow any swimming or bathing, it does allow watersports so you may see some thrill-seekers kite surfing or sea kayaking whilst you are there. It is a great place to stretch your legs, and if you have a pooch in tow, it’s one of the top beaches in Sligo for using a ball thrower for your dog.
Next to the car park are some picnic benches for you to have your lunch on, making for a great spot for a quick break before you head back out on your merry adventure. Be mindful that there are no lifeguards present, and there are no facilities, so make sure to bring your own food and drinks.
Dunmoran Strand
One of the best beaches in Sligo to visit is Dunmoran Strand. Starting out strong, It has been awarded a Green Coast Award for community efforts, maintaining high environmental standards, and the sheer quality of the water.
Located 21 miles west of Sligo, it’ll take you about 30 minutes to reach by car from Riverside Hotel Sligo. Hours will pass rapidly during your visit as you soak in the views. From Dunmoran, visitors are treated to views mesmerising views of Benbulben across the bay and far beyond.
Whilst there are no cafés or facilities, it’s a great spot for a packed lunch and a flask of your favourite hot drink. There is a hiking trail which takes you along Dunmoran Beach, and all the way over to Aughris Beach, which is roughly 1.5-miles. Let’s take a digital walk over there now, shall we?
Aughris Beach
Aughris Beach is uniquely set apart from the other beaches in Sligo. As a designated Discovery Point, it is renowned for its awe-inspiring views over Sligo Bay and Aughris. Plus, there is a thatched pub next to the beach, bonus.
The beach acts as a beginning point for several trails. These trails will lead you to fascinating sites of interest, including World War II era lookout posts, an archaeological ring fort, and even a well of great significance for Christians, as it is believed to have been visited by St. Patrick.
If you fancy a change in pace, the beach offers many scenic viewpoints for you to bird watch from. Fishing is also a great option, as you have practically unlimited choice on where you want to set up.
Ballysadare Bay
Housing various sandbanks, Ballysadare Bay is regarded as one of the best beaches in Sligo for wildlife spotting. Birdwatching is especially great, as gulls and other birds use the mudflats and sandbanks that are revealed during low tide as feeding grounds.
From the bay, you’ll be able to see over to Knocknarea, the mighty hill that's home to the cairn of Irish legend Queen Maeve. During your strolls, don’t be surprised if you see white water canoeists around, as the Ballysadare rapids that begin in Ballysadare town brings canoeists straight to the sea.
Riverside Hotel Sligo is only a short 13-minute drive to Ballysadare, and we recommend picking up your supplies in Sligo. There are no facilities on the beach, so be sure to stock up if you plan to make a day of it.
Brush off the sand
The Wild Atlantic Way is abundant in beaches, 63 to be precise. With seven of the 63 beaches in Sligo, you’ll want to take your time discovering what’s on offer and soaking up the scenes.
Riverside Hotel Sligo is located in central Sligo next to the Garavogue River. Offering 5-star quality at 3-star prices, we are perfectly poised for you to reach all these beaches and more during your Sligo excursion. When you return from your adventures, kick back in the Mill Bar & Restaurant and indulge in a hearty meal, prepared by our expert team of chefs. Afterwards, retire to the comfort of one of our bedrooms and fall into deep, rejuvenating sleep.
Sound good? Book your stay today, and step into a land that’s waiting to be explored by you.