Strandhill
Sligo's surf village, with a beach, schools and a scene at the foot of Knocknarea.
Strandhill is a small surf village 10 minutes from Sligo, with a beach open to the Atlantic in front of dunes and below Knocknarea mountain. There are surf schools, cafés and a strong surf scene.
Swimming is discouraged because of the currents; surfing is best at mid to high tide.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A funboard or minimalibu for learning; a shortboard on good days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Strandhill
The water is around 9 °C in winter and 15 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
An open vibe.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Strong rip currents.
Map
Shapers near Strandhill
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Easkey (Sligo)
The Easkey right, next to the castle, long and good quality.
Easkey (Sligo)
A classic left over rock slabs, west of the Easkey river mouth.
Mullaghmore (Sligo)
Ireland's big wave: a giant, heavy left below Mullaghmore Head.
Bundoran (Donegal)
Ireland's most famous reef, right in Bundoran: a quality A-frame.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.