#669 European Rank
Strandhill Beach
Strandhill, County Sligo, Ireland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Rossographer (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.09/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
15.5°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€52/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Strandhill, County Sligo · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
8.7°C
Air 12°C
Feb
8.1°C
Air 13°C
Mar
8.2°C
Air 15°C
Apr
9.3°C
Air 18°C
May
11.1°C
Air 21°C
Jun
13.3°C
Air 24°C
Jul
14.9°C
Air 26°C
Peak
Aug
15.5°C
Air 26°C
Sep
14.9°C
Air 24°C
Oct
13.3°C
Air 21°C
Nov
11.6°C
Air 17°C
Dec
10.0°C
Air 14°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 15.5°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Ireland Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Strandhill Beach
All waves, no swimming: Sligo's surf capital beneath Queen Maeve's mountain.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (15.5°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming; high wave / surf hazard — non-swimmable shorebreak
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Located 8km west of Sligo town, accessible via the R292 with dedicated parking and promenade access.
•Protected Status / Environment: Part of the Cummeen Strand / Drumcliff Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC); swimming prohibited due to strong currents.
•Notable Feature: Premier Irish surf hub featuring the purpose-built National Surf Centre with dramatic views of Knocknarea.
Official Tourism Authorities:discoverireland.ie
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Strandhill, County Sligo. Accessible via regional coastal roads (54.272°N, -8.608°E).
•Prohibited; powerful rips; this is a surf beach, not a bathing one.
•Under cairn-topped Knocknarea, with seaweed baths and chip vans along the shorefront.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Strandhill, County Sligo, Ireland.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Strandhill Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Strandhill Beach
What is the water temperature at Strandhill Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Strandhill Beach averages 15.5°C (60°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Strandhill Beach?
Strandhill Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Strandhill, County Sligo, Ireland.
Is Strandhill Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Strandhill Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Strandhill Beach?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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