Directions to the Trailhead

This trail is located in the seaside village of Strandhill located 9km west of Sligo town on the R292. The route starts from the promenade at the sea-front (beside the cannon). Park at the nearby main public car park and walk down to the promenade from there. Alternatively, take the S2 bus across from Sligo Bus Station, which also drops you at the main car park. For timetables click here.

This is a stunning coastal walk through the dune system in the busy seaside village of Strandhill. The trail brings walkers through a variety of coastal habitats including sand dunes, salt marsh and pine woodland. It passes by Killaspugbrone Church, an early Christian site with historic and legendary associations. The route features some magnificent views of Benbulben and Knocknarea and out over Sligo Bay.

The Route
From the promenade at the sea-front, turn right along a path which leads through Strandhill Caravan & Camping Park. Keeping towards the shoreline, sandy trails lead through a kissing gate and the end of the runway at Strandhill Airport. From here the trail veers right towards Killaspugbrone Church and on to a beautiful crescent shaped beach. At the end of the beach a red and white marker stands, indicating where the walker should turn right, through some woodland and on to the estuary at Dorrins Strand. The stone path leads to a road, which makes its way uphill and into the village. From here, keep right and you return to the seafront.

Did You Know?
Killaspugbrone church was founded by Bishop Bronus, a follower of Saint Patrick in the fifth century. According to local folklore, when Saint Patrick visited the site he tripped on rough ground and lost his tooth. The gold relic is now preserved in the National Museum of Ireland (although the ancient relic has long been lost). The present ruins date to the period between 1150 and 1220.