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Pack your togs and sunscreen and spend a day at one of Sligo’s wonderful Atlantic beaches. Alan Finn looks at 10 of the best
Sligo is synonymous with a number of things. The landscape has been a source of inspiration for many poets and artists, from the rolling fields to the mountains conquering the skyline.
It is the local beaches, however, which seem to take pride of place when it comes to defining what Sligo is all about – after all, the county itself is named after seashells.
With some good weather still to roll around while many of you still enjoy your summer breaks, the possibility of visiting the beach is still very much on many minds.
If you are considering where to relax and catch some sunshine the next time it decides to break out, be sure to consult our helpful guide below of 10 beaches dotted around the county.
STRANDHILL
This is the scenic focal point of the local village which bears the same name.
Accessible by steps or ramp, visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk along the sandy shore during the day with Sligo’s two iconic mountains, Benbulben and Knocknarea, visible at either end while unrivalled views of the dunes and the village itself can also be taken in.
For those interested in something a little more demanding, a longer coastal walk exists with the destinations being Culleenamore beach and the ancient site of Killaspugbrone.
Strandhill is also a surfing hot spot, being highly regarded by enthusiasts as Ireland’s and indeed even one of Europe’s best surfing locations.
If surfing or a walk along the coast isn’t your thing, majestic views can still be enjoyed while sitting down to a meal in Shells cáfe, outside The Strand Bar or cooling down with an ice-cream from Mammy Johnson’s while the mesmerising sunset is also not to be missed on the right evening.
While there is plenty of fun to be had on Strandhill beach, visitors are also warned that swimming is strictly prohibited due to the strong rip current.
ROSSES POINT
This area has not just one but three beaches to enjoy.
The first beach, the one we all know and recognise from people flocking to it during a heat wave, is the safest and smallest beach with a shoreline of just 400m. It is easily accessible by steps or ramp and is patrolled by a lifeguard during bathing season.
Parking is available nearby, but can also be reached on foot with a beautiful coastal walk connecting the beach and the village. The path can be found right outside the RNLI Sligo Lifeboat Station.
The second beach is accessible by ramp from the main car park. It is arguably the most scenic of the three with plenty to see such as Benbulben mountain, Sligo Bay, Blackrock Lighthouse and Strandhill coast. Knocknarea could also be visible if conditions suit.
The third beach is the most secluded of the three. This beach is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet stroll away from the crowds, but visitors must note that it can only be explored on foot as bikes, quads and cars are all prohibited from driving on the dunes as it is a protected area of natural beauty.
The third beach can only be accessed via the second beach or the nearby Lower Rosses road. Magnificent views of Sligo Bay and Oyster Island can be enjoyed on your way to the coastal walk.
If you fancy stopping and admiring those sights before or after visiting the beaches, all the pubs and restaurants dotted along the promenade offer sensational views.
LISSADELL
A hidden gem of north Sligo. This beach is secluded and somewhat off the beaten track, but is absolutely worth seeking out.
It can found by travelling through Drumcliffe and taking a left turn for Carney. Soon after Carney a left turn heads down to the beach – which isn’t signposted.
When you arrive you will be greeted by a wonderful view of Drumcliffe Bay and the mountain ranges of Sligo.
The beach provides a leisurely walk for all. And for those looking for something a little more exhilarating, it is also a popular spot for kite surfing.
There is ample parking at the beach just off the road.
AUGHRIS
This Templeboy location is one half of a terrific 4km coastal walk in west Sligo. This beach is proof that Sligo’s iconic mountains can be seen from just about any shore in the county and complement their stature, both physical and legendary.
The beach offers a tranquil experience of watching the Atlantic waves and which can be enjoyed from the rocks or the magnificent Beach Bar.
This beach can accessed just outside the front entrance of the bar where visitors can find ample parking as well as a camp site should you plan an overnight or weekend stay. To find the entrance, simply drive along the N59 as far as Templeboy and look for signs leading to the Beach Bar.
DUNMORAN
Dunmoran Strand is the other half of the aforementioned 4km walk. This beach is equally easy to traverse and offers beautiful views from the sheltered shore and the high dunes.
This is also a highly popular location within surfing circles for the incredible waves it receives.
The entrance to this beach can be found by travelling along the N59 and taking a right turn in Skreen where Dunmoran Strand should be well signposted.
A car park is available for visitors, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer.
ENNISCRONE
The beach in Enniscrone boasts one of the longest stretches of sand in the county at 5km. It is a very popular area for a variety of activities including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing lessons.
This beach boasts beautiful, natural scenary such as the undisturbed view of Kilalla Bay as well as the unique man-made structure of the 19th century bath house.
There are also handy amenities just outside the beach for food, accommodation and a playground.
The beach is also renowned as one of Sligo’s safest beaches and part of it is patrolled by a lifeguard during the summer.
The car park can be found by turning right at Tracey’s Cáfe upon entering the village.
CONEY ISLAND
Head for Carty’s Strand, the beach on Coney Island, if you want some peace. First, check the tide times by texting CONEY to 51155 – you don’t want to get caught by the tide while driving over to or back from the island. The beach is on the opposite side of the island to where you arrive by car.
Reaching the island can also be done so by boat. Upon leaving the pier, take a right turn and walk by the bungalows and water mill and before long the beach will be visible.
It is a special, tranquil place which delivers a level of undisturbed peace that can’t be found on any mainland beach.
MULLAGHMORE
Mullaghmore has a beautiful, family friendly beach, with fantastic views of Donegal to the north and, of course, Ben Bulben to the south.
The beach has lifeguards from June to September. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
The village is nearby, with public toilets and great places to eat, and the majestic Classiebawn Castle just a couple of minutes away, adding to the incredible vista.
The beach is easily accessed from the R279, just before entering the village of Mullaghmore, which itself provides plenty of parking and a wonderful pier walk.
STREEDAGH
This north Sligo gem is a beach of significance in more ways than one.
Streedagh is yet another popular surfing location thanks to the nature of the reef breaks, which often create ideal conditions, as well as always being the great destination for a leisurely walk.
This beach is also the site of three Spanish Armada shipwrecks. The ships were broken up on the beach during a storm in 1588 while trying to make it back to Spain. The locals welcomed the stricken Spanish sailors by attacking them and stealing their possessions.
Keep an eye out for interesting rocks at Streedagh – the area is known for its large number of fossils.
To find the beach, simply take the N15 to Grange and keep an eye out for the signpost for the L3203 to Streedagh and keep following the signposts. There’s a car park at the entrance, but be careful – it can flood at high tide.
CULLEENAMORE
This idyllic beach is located outside Strandhill.
A tranquil area, Culleenamore is very much unlike its neighbouring beach as it is known for being quieter and always quite calm as a result of the ocean never swelling around it.
This beach was once the location of horse racing due to the winding shoreline, and the hills overlooking it provided a natural stand for spectators.
Though this spectacle no longer takes place, it does remain a favourite location for dog walkers, and if you are particularly lucky you will see a large colony of seals relaxing during a particularly low tide.
To find the beach, drive out of the the village on the R292 towards Balli-
sodare. After leaving the village and as you descend down a small hill, keep an eye open for your first right hand turn, which will lead to the car park at the beach.
Since this article was published, Kuldea has become ufurnish.
Sligo native Deirdre McGettrick has been carving out a special place for herself in
the business world of London for the past eight years, and recently launched her
own company, Kuldea. Danny Keown spoke to Deirdre about Kuldea, which is the
UK’s first online marketplace dedicated solely to home furniture and furnishings.
Sligo County Council have issued the following statement in relation to allegations of electoral fraud:
“Sligo County Council has carried out an examination of all of the applications submitted for inclusion in the Postal Voters’ list for persons with a physical illness or disability. The documentation presented in respect of each person included is in accordance with requirements of the relevant legislation (Electoral Act 1992 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996).
At the time of application for inclusion in the Postal Voters list all applicants are required to declare that they are unable to go in person to vote at a polling station by reason of a physical disability, and that they are ordinarily resident at the address given. Also, all applications included the required Medical Certificate signed and stamped by a registered Medical Practitioner certifying that the applicant has a stated physical illness or a physical disability and is unable to go in person to a polling station to vote.
It is an offence to knowingly give false information on application, and all applicants are made aware of this at the time of application.
The Council is aware that a formal complaint has been made to the Gardai in relation to a number of those on the postal voters list. We will assist the Gardai with any enquiries, and will furnish any material documents in our possession to them.
In relation the suggestion that the Election be delayed, the Council has sought legal advice in this regard. Polling day for the Local Elections has been fixed by Ministerial Order for Friday 24th May 2019, and Notice of Election has been published by Sligo County Council. There is no provision in law to defer or delay an election, other than in the case of the death of a candidate before the commencement of the Poll. There is legal provision to question the outcome of a Local Election by way of a petition in the Circuit Court within 28 days of the declaration of the result.”
Funeral held for Sligo councillor
THE funeral of Independent Cllr Margaret Gormley, who passed away on Friday last, was held in Bunninadden today, Monday.
Cllr Gormley’s funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, from the local community and throughout the county, as well as her colleagues on Sligo County Council and other public representatives.
A guard of honour was also formed by elected politicians.
The funeral mass was held in the Church of the Sacred Heart with burial afterwards in Cloonameehan cemetery.
In a political career which spanned four decades, Cllr Gormley was first co-opted to Sligo County Council in 1980 following the death of her father Willie.
In 2004, a highlight for her career was when she was made Cathaoirleach of the council.
Since 1985, she has been re-elected in each local election and regularly topped the poll.
Tributes poured in for Cllr Gormley with Cathaoirleach Martin Baker describing her as “a great champion for the underdog”.
He said: “It was with a heavy heart that I heard the news of Margaret’s passing. Margaret was one of the most committed and hard working people I knew, she represented the people of South Sligo with great distinction. She had vast experience which shone through in the Council Chamber, and when she spoke, we listened. She was a great champion for the under-dog or people struggling in any way. One of her many interests was in Gaelic Football, she was one of the first in the county to promote ladies football, and she supported it with great passion and enthusiasm. We won’t see the like of her again.”
Local students joined many others around the world today in holding a demonstration to highlight the need to do something about climate change.
The streets of Sligo saw a massive turnout from many secondary school students who were also joined by staff of their respective schools and other activists.
The march began at Summerhill College and made it’s way to town hall where students from three schools, Eimear Kearins (Ursuline College), Cliona Jordan (Mercy College) and Conor Curley (Summerhill College) addressed their fellow students about the urgent need for change.
See next week’s edition of the Sligo Weekender for full coverage on the demonstration – in shops Thursday, March 20.
THE Daughters of Wisdom have today announced that they will sell Cregg House and its surrounding lands.
The property is currently leased until 2020 to the HSE, who provide services to persons with an intellectual disability.
This arrangement will be unaffected by the sale. The HSE’s programme to relocate residents from Cregg House is well advanced.
The Cregg House Estate spans approximately 62 acres and houses several structures including the facilities main complex, residential chalets, hydro pool, gym, and chapel.
An important part of the legacy of the Daughters of Wisdom is ‘St Cecilia’s School’ which is a centre of excellence in educating people with intellectual disabilities, will not form part of the sale.
The school was established in 1965 and the Daughters of Wisdom are committed to securing the school at this location into the future.
Representatives of the Daughters of Wisdom have over the last number of days been meeting the HSE and other key stakeholders to discuss their plans with them.
Sr Maureen Seddon DW Delegation Leader of the Daughters of Wisdom said:
“We are very proud of all that we accomplished at Cregg House in our ministry and work with persons with an intellectual disability since we first came to Sligo in 1955 at the request of the then Minister for Health. We want to thank all the service users, their families, staff, volunteers and the local and wider communities who have been so involved and supportive over the years. There is a special place in our hearts for Cregg House and our relationship with the people of Sligo and the northwest, so our decision is one that has not been easy. We were always made to feel part of the community and for that we will be eternally grateful.”
Formal plans for the sale will be announced in the coming weeks.
236 new jobs have been announced for Sligo.
U.S. Plastics manufacturer GW Plastics are setting up in the North West as part of a global expansion.
The company will be based in Finisklin Industrial Estate and will provide employment in areas such as engineering and production. They are expected to set up on the premises of Avenue Mould Solutions, whom they purchased two years ago.
GW were founded in Vermont in 1955 and focus on surgical components, diagnostic devices and drug delivery systems.
The project is supported by the Irish Governnment through IDA Ireland.
Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin welcomed the latest jobs boost for Sligo.
“This is yet another positive day for Sligo on the jobs front and it comes on the back of the 1,200 new jobs that had been announced by other IDA and Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2018.
“These new jobs announced for Sligo today by ‘GW Plastics’ are greatly welcomed and will help to drive Sligo on to becoming the powerhouse of the growing North West Region as intended within the Government’s ‘Ireland 2040’ Plan.
“With regards to this announcement by ‘GW Plastics’ today, I want to wish the company well at its new IDA Advanced Technology Building in Finisklin, Sligo and I want to congratulate the local IDA team for their hard work and efforts in delivering these jobs to Sligo.”
Funeral of Pat Ward held in Sligo
PAT Ward, the 30-year-old Sligo man killed in Tyrone, had his funeral in St Anne’s Church in Sligo town today.
The mass was celebrated by Fr Pat Lombard, who said that the community of Cranmore was “shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Pat Ward”.
He described the late Pat Ward as a “loving and caring husband and father, who adored you, Ellie [his wife] and your children”.
Fr Lombard said that Ellie Ward and her family were “going through a nightmare which at this moment seems like it has no end”.
He also expressed his sympathies to Pat Ward’s parents, Tom and Bridget, and mentioned the passing of their son Tom who was murdered in 2007.
“This tragedy has struck again at your door,” he said.
Fr Lombard said that it was fitting for Pat Ward to have his funeral in St Anne’s as he had his communion there and married his wife Ellie there in 2009.
He thanked the PSNI in Northern Ireland, who are investigating the killing of Pat Ward and the Garda Siochanna.
“Violence is never the answer to any of our problems. In reality it only makes a bad situation worse.”
“There are never any winners and not only the families of the victim suffer but those responsible and their families too have to carry a great heartache of pain and regret,” Fr Lombard told the congregation.
A prayer was later read out by Pat Ward’s son Tom.
Floral tributes with the words ‘Uncle’, ‘Son’, ‘Brother’ and ‘Big Bang’ decorated the alter.
Pat Ward’s casket was a tricolour of the Irish flag and he will be buried in Ballymote alongside other members of the Ward family.
Calls have been made for Sligo County Council to consider the re-introduction of a directly-elected mayor.
A motion was put forward by Cllr Tom MacSharry at the Municipal District meeting who questioned why Sligo was not selected with Waterford, Cork and Limerick as part of a plebiscite due to take place in May.
Cllr MacSharry cited a petition of 1,100 sigantures carried out by
Martin Forde, who attended the meeting, a number of years ago in support of a directly elected mayor for Sligo.
“I would like to welcome Martin Forde and his brother Eric to the Council Chamber. Martin is no stranger to the body of politics here in Sligo and I can, without any contradiction, say you are a friend to all parties and none and you have the respect of every member here.”
“History will judge whether a directly elected mayor is a good thing or not but it is good thing that it is being considered at the moment,” he continued.
“Given the fact that Martin went out on his own initiative and got 1,100 signatures requesting that Sligo have a directly elected mayor.
“It is with regret that Sligo hasn’t been included in the plebiscite, we lost our borough council like Waterford and I don’t see any reason why we weren’t included.”
For more on this story, see this week’s Sligo Weekender newspaper – in shops now!
Alternatively, you can purchase an online edition here.
Sligo County Council have been asked to respect burial traditions when opening the new extension of Sligo Cemetery.
A number of concerns were raised at the Munipal District meeting of the council on Monday that the Christian tradition of burying the deceased facing east must
not be overlooked with the current layout suggesting that people will be buried facing north.
Cllr Declan Bree said: “I note that according to the schedule of works the planned works in the new extension to the cemetery in Sligo are expected to commence next month with a completion date by the end of June. I understand that concern has been expressed regarding the plans for the new extension.”
“It is a Christian tradition that people are buried facing East,” he continued.
“Others religions practise this also. However I understand that the plans for the new extension to the cemetery propose that people will be buried facing North.”
Cllr Tom MacSharry also warned that breaking this tradition could lead to unnecessary complications.
“I believe this has happened elsewhere in Ireland where there was a compliance issue, so I hope it didn’t result in legal action against the local authority in that case, so I would ask that you would take the concerns of the church on board to the best of your ability and avoid any unnecessary situation.”
For more on this story, see this week’s Sligo Weekender newspaper – in shops now!
Alternatively, you can purchase an online edition here
