Aughris Head & Beach - Image 1
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Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand County Sligo

4.5
·13 reviews·, Ireland

Experience the raw beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way at Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand, offering dramatic coastal views and charming beachside dining.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warmest weather for swimming

CrowdMedium
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Aughris Head & Beach - Image 1

Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand County Sligo

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warmest weather for swimming

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the raw beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way at Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand, offering dramatic coastal views and charming beachside dining.

4.5
(13 reviews)

"Feel the brisk Irish breezes with the sounds of rolling waves as you walk along the sand. Stunning views of the wild Atlantic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Aughris Beach has limited parking. Consider Dunmoran Strand for more space, especially on busy days.

👟 Beach Footwear

Aughris Beach can be stony. Wear sturdy shoes for walking, especially if exploring the headland.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aughris Head Coastal Walk

Aughris Head Coastal Walk

Aughris Head

Scenic walk offering stunning views of Aughris and Dunmoran beaches and Sligo Bay.

Dunmoran Strand Dunes

Dunmoran Strand Dunes

Dunmoran Strand

Expansive sandy beach with beautiful dunes, perfect for long walks and family fun.

The Beach Bar at Aughris

The Beach Bar at Aughris

Aughris Beach

Charming bar with excellent food overlooking Aughris Beach, a must-visit for a meal.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way

Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand are key stops on the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect dramatic coastal scenery and brisk Irish breezes. Check the weather forecast as conditions can change rapidly.

Beach Access & Amenities

Aughris Beach has limited parking and can be stony. Dunmoran Strand offers more space, a larger car park, and sand dunes, making it more accessible for families. The Beach Bar at Aughris is a popular spot for food.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmest weather for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays outside holidays
Why
Fewer crowds, more parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tallest waterfall Ireland 👇 📍 Devil’s Chimney, Sligo 🇮🇪 At 150m high, this spectacular waterfall is best after rainy days and is a 30-minute walk from the car park. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a must-see stop in Ireland. #ireland #sligo #wildatlanticway #devilschimneywaterfall #waterfall
@tropic_sails
15.4K likes • 342.8K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Aughris Beach has limited parking. Consider Dunmoran Strand for more space, especially on busy days. Reddit

👟 Beach Footwear

Aughris Beach can be stony. Wear sturdy shoes for walking, especially if exploring the headland. Reddit

reddit.com

Camper van spots?

🌊 Check Tide Times

Tides can affect beach access and walking routes. Plan your visit accordingly. :ocean:

🍽️ Bar Food Delights

The Beach Bar at Aughris is highly recommended for its food with beach views. :forkandknife:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Aughris Beach has limited parking. Consider Dunmoran Strand for more space, especially on busy days. Reddit

👟 Beach Footwear

Aughris Beach can be stony. Wear sturdy shoes for walking, especially if exploring the headland. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Tides can affect beach access and walking routes. Plan your visit accordingly. :ocean:

🍽️ Bar Food Delights

The Beach Bar at Aughris is highly recommended for its food with beach views. :forkandknife:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning coastal views and the refreshing Atlantic breezes at Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand. The Beach Bar at Aughris is a highlight for its food and location. While Aughris Beach can be stony, Dunmoran Strand offers a more family-friendly sandy experience with ample parking.

"Feel the brisk Irish breezes with the sounds of rolling waves as you walk along the sand. Stunning views of the wild Atlantic."

Meghan Healy

"Aughris Head Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point has wonderful views over Aughris and Dunmoran beaches and Sligo Bay. There are a number of walks available locally. The first of which takes you from the Beach Bar at Aughris Beach, past Aughris pier and harbour, and out around Aughris Head."

Jakub Szoska

"It's the perfect beach for kids with shallow clean water. It wasn't too busy even on a hot day."

Barbara M.

What People Like

Stunning Atlantic views
The Beach Bar food
Sandy Dunmoran Strand

What People Dislike

Stony Aughris Beach
Limited Aughris parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Sligo town, take the N59 west towards Ballina. Turn off for the R271 towards Aughris Head. Follow signs for the beaches. The drive offers scenic views along the Wild Atlantic Way. TikTok

Public transport options are limited. It's best to travel by car or consider a taxi service from Sligo town for flexibility. Reddit

The drive to Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand from Sligo town is approximately 20-25 kilometers, taking around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. :car:

While there aren't designated camper van hookup sites directly at the beaches, some travelers have found overnight parking spots in the general area. It's advisable to check local regulations and be mindful of the environment. Reddit

Yes, both Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand are directly on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning coastal drives and viewpoints. :motorway:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access either Aughris Head or Dunmoran Strand. They are public beaches. :ticket:

The beaches are open 24/7, accessible at any time. However, amenities like The Beach Bar have specific operating hours. Reddit

No booking is required for beach access. If you plan to dine at The Beach Bar, it's a good idea to check their opening times and consider a reservation, especially during peak season. :calendar:

General public access is permitted. Please be mindful of the natural environment, adhere to any posted signage, and practice leave-no-trace principles. :recycle:

The Beach Bar usually opens around 12 PM, but it's best to confirm their exact hours directly, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Enjoy walking along the shore, exploring sand dunes, swimming (weather permitting), and taking in the breathtaking coastal views. The Aughris Head walk is particularly recommended. Reddit

Dunmoran Strand is generally better for families with young children due to its larger sandy area and easier access compared to the stonier Aughris Beach. Reddit

Dunmoran Strand has a car park and portable toilets. The beach itself is a large, clean expanse of sand with dunes. :toilet:

Yes, swimming is possible, especially at Dunmoran Strand which has cleaner water. Always exercise caution and be aware of sea conditions. :swimmer:

Yes, the walk around Aughris Head is a lovely, relatively easy stroll offering fantastic views. It's a great way to experience the coastline. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The most popular option is The Beach Bar at Aughris, known for its excellent food and beachside location. Reddit

The Beach Bar offers a menu of delicious food, often featuring local seafood and pub classics, with stunning views over the Atlantic. :fish_cake:

For more extensive dining options, you would need to travel back towards Sligo town or explore other villages along the Wild Atlantic Way. :restaurant:

Absolutely! Both beaches are perfect for picnics. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the areas clean. :sandwich:

Yes, The Beach Bar is generally family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere with great views. It's a good spot to refuel after a beach visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic coastline, crashing waves, expansive sand dunes, and the charming Aughris Headland. The sunsets here can be spectacular. :camerawithflash:

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Overcast days can also create dramatic, moody shots of the Atlantic. :sunriseovermountains:

The walk around Aughris Head provides numerous vantage points. The sand dunes at Dunmoran Strand also offer unique perspectives. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky. :camera:

While Devil's Chimney is in County Sligo, it's a separate location and not directly visible or accessible from Aughris Head or Dunmoran Strand. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dunmoran Strand is your go-to for a family day out. Its large sandy expanse is perfect for building sandcastles and letting kids run free. The dunes offer a fun area to explore. Aughris Beach is also an option, but be mindful of the stony sections. The Beach Bar at Aughris is a great spot for a family meal with a view, though it's best to check their opening hours. Reddit

Key recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, wear sturdy shoes for exploring, and consider bringing beach toys. The shallow waters at Dunmoran can be suitable for paddling on calm days. Remember to check tide times for the best beach experience.

🚗 Road Trippers & Wild Atlantic Way Explorers

Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand are perfect stops on your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. They offer classic Irish coastal scenery with dramatic views. Pull over at Aughris Head for stunning vistas and a walk around the headland. Dunmoran Strand provides a great spot for a picnic or a stretch of the legs on its sandy shores. TikTok

Tips for road trippers: Allow ample time to explore; don't rush. The Beach Bar at Aughris is an excellent place to refuel with a delicious meal. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and always use designated parking areas.

🏄 Surfers & Beach Lovers

While not as famous for surfing as some other Sligo beaches, Dunmoran Strand can offer good waves, especially for intermediate surfers. The expansive beach provides plenty of space. Aughris Beach is generally calmer and more suited for swimming or leisurely walks. Reddit

For beach lovers: Enjoy the feeling of the brisk Atlantic breeze and the sound of the waves. Both beaches offer a chance to connect with nature and experience the raw beauty of the Irish coast. Remember to check local surf reports if you're planning to surf.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way

Aughris Head and Dunmoran Strand are integral parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's scenic coastal driving route. This stretch offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. The route itself is an experience, with numerous discovery points and photo opportunities. Travelers often use these beaches as a stop-off point during their journey along the coast. TikTok

When driving the Wild Atlantic Way, be prepared for winding roads and varying weather conditions. It's recommended to take your time, pull over at designated viewpoints, and soak in the dramatic Irish landscape. The proximity of these beaches to other attractions along the route makes them an ideal addition to any coastal itinerary. The raw beauty of the coastline here is truly captivating.

Beach Experiences: Aughris vs. Dunmoran

While both beaches offer coastal charm, they cater to slightly different preferences. Aughris Beach is smaller and can be stony, but it boasts the popular Beach Bar with excellent food and direct views of the sea. It's a great spot if your priority is a seaside meal with a view. The walk around Aughris Head starts from here, offering a more rugged coastal exploration. Reddit

Dunmoran Strand, located just a short distance away, is a larger, sandy beach backed by impressive dunes. It's often preferred by families due to its easier access and more expansive play area. With a larger car park and portable toilets, it's a more practical choice for a day out with children or for those seeking a classic sandy beach experience. The dunes at Dunmoran provide a unique landscape to explore.

Campervan Travel and Overnight Stays

For those traveling by campervan, the Sligo coast offers a sense of freedom. While official campsites with hookups might be scarce directly at the beaches, many travelers find suitable overnight parking spots in the vicinity. Reddit discussions often highlight the possibility of finding discreet spots, particularly outside of peak season. It's crucial to be respectful of the environment, adhere to local guidelines, and practice responsible camping. Reddit

When planning an overnight stay, consider the amenities available. While some spots might offer basic parking, others might be closer to villages with pubs or cafes, providing a more social atmosphere. Always check for any local restrictions on overnight parking and be prepared to move if asked. The surfy vibe mentioned by some travelers suggests areas that are welcoming to a more nomadic lifestyle.

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