The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 16
Streedagh Strand is an impressive 3km long sandy beach located on the north western shore of a sandbar linking Streedagh Point to an area known as Connor’s Island. This is an exposed beach with reef breaks which create ideal surfing conditions all year round.
The Route
This linear coastal route takes the walker along a narrow strip of Atlantic coastline and provides access to various rocks embedded with fossils as well as the famous Spanish Armada shipwreck site.
Did you know?
Three ships belonging to the Spanish Armada were wrecked on Streedagh Beach in 1588. The armada was amassed to attack and if possible wipe out the English navy fleet. However subsequent to the decisive battle of Gravelines, a battle which the Spanish lost, the fleet fled north rounding Scotland and Ireland in the hope of returning to Spain. The ships were attempting to shelter from a ferocious Atlantic storm, however, given the severity of the weather they came aground and were wrecked. The sailors that landed at Streedagh were massacred by English troops garrisoned in Sligo, however, some survived through a mixture of good fortune and assistance from some of the Irish chieftains of the area. Captain De Cuellar’s account of his experience of these events is an extremely significant piece of social history and his epic journey back to his homeland is commemorated to this day as part of the Celtic Fringe Festival, held in Grange each September.
The carboniferous limestone rocks at Streedagh contain many species of fossil coral. Zaphrentis are particularly common here, formed about four hundred million years ago
Staying in Radisson Blue in Sligo and receptionist highly recommended Streedagh Beach. We checked tides and arrived at low tide. Fabulous 3 km long walk in gale force winds and showers. Exhilarating. The beach is excellent and easy to walk on. Waves were spectacular. A little piece of unspoilt paradise. Be sure not to be caught by tide- go at low tide. Met several people also out walking and without exception all waved and called out greetings. Add Streedagh Beach to your must see place while in Sligo.
Exceptional
Possibly the best beach we found on our short stay at Bundoran. And the next bay (beyond Black Rock see map above) is even more special for its solitude.
Definitely my favourite beach in Sligo! Would reccommend walking through the Dunes there too, there is some beautiful views when you climb high on the Sand Dunes. The walk to Connors island is beautiful and the view from the island is amazing.
A clean, quiet and peaceful beach. Cannot say enough good things about it!
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Just a note that Connors island is private farmland with livestock including a bull grazing there, with no public right of way …. I know it’s beautiful but you should not walk on the island ….
In 1963 i was 12…my family and i stayed in a b and at grange. The sound of tbe sea on the large stones at streda strand was like an audience applauding.it was amazing. Ive never forgotten it. We went to graveyard where w.b.yeats is buried. It was september early evening and misty. We heard a chain rattling and got out pretty fast! It was a old man and his bycicle chain had broken….but we were already in the car!! Beautiful place…lovely memories.