A road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the must-dos when you visit Ireland. We bet you will lose yourself to scenic drives, breathtaking views, castles, cute little cafes, and hikes to remember. Sligo is a small town in the northwest of Ireland however the coastal areas close by would be a major attraction for tourists. There are two major areas of interest that you shouldn’t miss – Strandhill and Mullaghmore. Continue reading our article, where we provide details about planning a weekend road trip to County Sligo, Ireland. In short, it’s amazing!!
Also Read: 10 Awesome Things to do in Dublin, how to spend a sunny day hiking the Cliffs of Moher
Weekend road trip to County Sligo, Ireland: Strandhill
In Strandhill, you will experience a typical Irish coastal village. Expect to be welcomed by panoramic views, cute little cafes, and a hiking trail filled with wildflowers.
- If you were ever interested in learning how to surf, Strandhill is the place for you. There is a surf school right at the beach, where you can enroll as a beginner or as an advanced student. The surf school provides all the equipment like a wet suit, surfing board, etc and all you need to do is show up with your swimsuit. I have put this one down on my list for the summer of 2018.
- There are so many cute cafes where you can have lunch while enjoying the amazing view (weather permitting). Some of the cafes that stood out to us were:
- Shells Cafe for some amazing lunch. The cafe also has a cute little shop where you can buy yourself a cookbook or tiny trinkets.
- Mammy Johnston’s for some super amazing post-hike sugar overdose. The cafe has an amazing collection of ice cream and pastries which we couldn’t get enough of. So good!
- There are a lot of hiking trails that you can choose from while in Strandhill and we would recommend going for one. Hiking is the best way you can get to know Ireland a little better. Out of the option, we decided to go for Killaspugbrone Church Walk. On that windy day, all I remember is how amazing the area looked filled with pretty wildflowers. We went past the runway, went up to the church, and then hiked back for some pastries. It was truly an amazing day.
Also Read: Long weekend in Killarney, a road trip to Connemara National Park
Weekend road trip to County Sligo, Ireland: Mullaghmore
If you are a nature lover and adventure enthusiast, Mullaghmore is the place for you. Expect to be mesmerized by picturesque castles, spectacular sandy beaches, and Wild Atlantic Way views you will never forget.
- Classiebawn Castle overlooking the Mullaghmore village is situated in a very picturesque spot and Benbulben Mountain in its backdrop adds to its charm. Classiebawn Castle is private property and was the summer residence of the late Lord Louis Mountbatten. However, this area around boasts one of the best Irish coast views we have seen so far. Go on a stroll, take some pictures and enjoy the sound of waves splashing on the rocks beneath the castle.
Also Read: exploring Blarney Castle in Cork during winter
- If you love fish & chips or in general seafood, Mullaghmore village is the ideal place for you. Enjoy your lunch at one of these famous restaurants – Eithna’s by the Sea or Harrison’s Bar and Restaurant.
- The sandy Mullaghmore beach is approx. 3km in length. On a “Sunny Irish Day” (pun intended) you can choose to do nothing and enjoy some beach time! It’s perfect for “Sun” bathing. Mullaghmore Beach is also great (and safe) for swimming, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and other water sports if you are interested in them!
Also Read: Road trip in the Scottish Highlands, highlights and amazing things to do in London because combining UK and Ireland trip is always a good idea.
Where to Stay in Sligo
Since we were visiting two different locations in county Sligo, we decided to stay in Sligo town. Sligo is in between Strandhill and Mullaghmore and it made our travel easier. We stayed in this very comfortable B&B called Innisfree Guest House and they provided us a wholesome breakfast!
Sligo town is also a lovely location to walk around after your dinner. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from and really enjoyed the food at Classic Indian Restaurant. One of the best Indian restaurants we have been to in Ireland!