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From taking on the ‘thrill of Strandhill' to exploring hidden caves, foraging for wild food, enjoying captivating sunsets and, of course, getting out into the surf, there’s no end to the fun you can have in the Surf Coast region of the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, embracing the good things in life is all about getting to know the locals in bustling coastal towns, sampling the impossibly fresh local fare, enjoying the great outdoors, and making plenty of time for simply having the craic. Our two-day itinerary highlights the best of the best, so pack your bags and let’s go!
You’ll be spoilt for choice in stunning Strandhill, where the undulating dunes and enchanting bayside location will beckon you to spend the day exploring all there is to see and do. From the megalithic tombs at Carrowmore to the Strandhill Heritage Trail, where you can enjoy a guided walk along quiet shores to the foot of Knocknarea Mountain, it’s an area brimming with unique wildlife and heaps of history. Whether you’re picnicking in the dunes or seal-spotting, you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous Surf Coast location.
Start your day by taking in the idyllic surrounds on an invigorating bike tour around the lowlands and coastal roads, exploring some of the most fascinating sites to be found anywhere in Ireland. When you’ve worked up a good sweat, a relaxing Voya seaweed bath will melt away your cares as you mull over your options for lunch; try Shells Café or Draft House for tasty local food and drink. In the evening, enjoy fun traditional Irish music sessions in local pubs like the lively Strand Bar. When it’s time for dinner, eateries like Trá Bán simply can’t be beat.
Hit the road on Day Two for a series of stops that will bring you to some of the most memorable locations on the Surf Coast - with some of the most unique ways to explore them! Forage for seaweed along the scenic Aughris coast; get out into the water in Enniscrone; witness the wonders of nature at Downpatrick Head and delve into history in wonderful Ballina. It’s all waiting for you just down the road.
The fun continues at Downpatrick Head, where the Atlantic caves and blowholes (1.5 hours) will prove to be one of the most spectacular sights on your trip. Adventurous folks can kayak out to Poll na Seantoine (which translates as ‘hole of the ancient fire’), enjoying amazing views of the coastal headlands from its unique vantage point below Downpatrick Head.
Start Day Two with a relaxing drive to Aughris (40 mins), where you can indulge in something different at Sligo Seashore Secrets Discovery Tour. This one-hour trail is led by local seaweed expert Marc Torrades, who’ll teach you how to identify, harvest and sample local specimens - try the seaweed biscuit for a real treat! Afterwards, tuck into some Aughris chowder, Dillisk bread and Carrageen panna cotta at the nearby Fairgreen Café. For thrill-seekers, Seventh Wave Surf School in Enniscrone offers surf, SUP, bodyboarding and kayaking packages all year-round.
As you depart Downpatrick Head, make a beeline for nearby Mary’s Cottage Kitchen, where you’ll be served up some well-earned tea and cake! Afterward, the final leg of your journey will take you to the town of Ballina (33 mins), where you can enjoy a visit to the Jackie Clarke Collection in the local public library. This exhibition holds over 100,000 items relating to some of the most influential figures in Irish history. Go for a stroll in the building’s pretty heritage garden before enjoying dinner at the luxurious Mount Falcon Estate.
Travel west from the beguiling dunes of Strandhill in County Sligo over the border into buzzing County Mayo, where you’ll explore Enniscrone, Downpatrick Head, and laid-back Ballina, to name a few.
Don't miss out, book your Wild Atlantic Way Experience now!
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