Streedagh Strand

Top choice


Curving, dune-backed, 3km-long Streedagh Strand occasionally sees parts of the Spanish Armada washing up on its shores from three wrecks offshore: La Juliana, La Lavia and La Santa Maria de Visón; over 1000 soldiers and sailors drowned or were killed when the ships were caught in a storm. It's a site of immense archaeological significance, but there are also many examples of fossilised coral, fascinating geological formations, a wedge tomb and views to the island of Inishmurray.

Some people say the wrecks are visible at low tide, but these are actually the ribs of a 'butter boat'.

The best way to appreciate the local wonders is to tag along with Auriel Robinson on one of her Sea Trails walks. She will fill you in on all the local geology; marine and land-based archaeology; and folklore, legends and stories associated with Streedagh Strand.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Gortarowey Forest Recreation Area

3.75 MILES

The best way to walk around within the shadow of Benbulben is by visiting this area within Benbulben Forest. There are three trails: the looped longer…

2. Lissadell House

4.37 MILES

The imposing ancestral home of the Gore-Booth family is one of Sligo's top sights. Revolutionary nationalist and socialist Constance Goore-Booth (Countess…

3. Classiebawn Castle

5.07 MILES

Although you can't visit this photogenic neo-Gothic turreted pile, views of it against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and sea make for a terrific sight…

4. Creevykeel Court Tomb

5.73 MILES

The neatly stacked piles of rocks here stretch some 50m along and sketch a shape similar to a lobster's claw. They outline what is one of Ireland's finest…

5. Yeats' Grave

5.86 MILES

Yeats was long believed to be buried next to the doorway of Drumcliff Parish Church, but recent evidence suggests that the bones shipped here from France…

6. Mullaghmore Head

6.28 MILES

Big-wave tow-in surfing competitions are regularly held off Mullaghmore Head. The area is becoming known as one of Ireland's premier big-wave surf spots…

7. Lough Glencar Waterfall

8.93 MILES

The poet WB Yeats is among those who've fallen for this 15m tumbling torrent, set in the most beautiful area of Lough Glencar – it features in his poem…

8. Michael Quirke's Studio

9.75 MILES

Don’t miss a chat with woodcarver, raconteur and local legend Michael Quirke as he hand-carves his wooden creations. Opening times can vary, so take a…