The Notebook

At the Edge of the AtlanticNotebook No 126June 2026

Strandhill, surfing under Knocknarea

Sligo's serious Atlantic beach, with a mountain at its back and a sauna on the sand.

Collected by Deborah. Read her editorial perspective

We often return to Strandhill, especially when the Atlantic expresses real power. With Maeve’s cairn atop Knocknarea directly behind town, this coast hardens surfers beyond calmer waters. The ocean here sets the pace, offering an unfiltered, substantial swell on most days.

You will notice the beach is unsafe for swimming because of powerful currents; lifeguards commonly advise against it. While surfers and paddleboarders enjoy these conditions, casual bathers must observe the warning signs. The growing sauna culture, however, offers a welcome alternative, with wood-fired barrel saunas providing intense dry heat followed by invigorating ocean plunges.

Our advice for experiencing Strandhill involves a surfing lesson before you go out yourself, booking a sauna session for after your time on the waves, and planning your visit for October.

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From the notebook

Editorial itineraries from Ireland.

Collected notes. A few times each season.