Overview
Aughris Head is a striking headland on the Wild Atlantic Way, marking the most south-westerly point of Sligo Bay in County Sligo. The peninsula is framed by two pristine beaches – Aughris Beach and Dunmoran Strand – and backed by rolling pasture, marshland and 30-metre sea cliffs, the highest in the county. From the headland you can see across the bay to Knocknarea and Benbulben, with the distant peaks of Donegal visible on clear days. The site is a short 30-minute drive from Sligo town or 20 minutes from the coastal village of Easky, with a modest car-park beside the historic Beach Bar.
History & Heritage
Aughris has long been a focal point for community, politics and defence. The name derives from the Irish eachros – “horse headland”, hinting at pre-Christian roots. Archaeological surveys have identified a cliff-edge ring fort, suggesting early medieval occupation, alongside later ancient earthworks visible along the coastal path.
The headland played a notable role in Irish political history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it hosted major rallies led by Charles Stewart Parnell. On Garland Sunday, 27 July 1901, an estimated 8,000 people gathered for a nationalist rally, while a separate Irish-language rally addressed by Douglas Hyde also drew thousands.
Locally, the area was traditionally a centre for summer Lughnasa celebrations – including Garland Sunday, Garlic Sunday and Aughris Sunday – featuring dancing, matchmaking and rounds around St Patrick’s Holy Well. Early 20th-century Templeboy Races were also held on Ruball Sionnagh, adding a sporting tradition to the landscape. During World War II, an emergency coastal lookout post was erected on the cliffs; its concrete remnants remain intact and are a key feature of the walking route.
The Coastal Walk
The Aughris Head loop is a 4–4.5 km moderate walk that starts at the Beach Bar car-park, follows red-arrow way-markings and takes roughly an hour at a leisurely pace. The route is sign-posted as a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point, making navigation straightforward.
Key highlights along the trail include:
- Sea-cove and caves – a crystal-clear cove with two small sea caves about 700 metres from the start. Larger sea caves are accessible by kayak.
- Ring fort & ancient cliff-edge fort – offering 360° panoramas of the bay, the Ox Mountains and Benbulben.
- World War II lookout post – perched on the cliffs with sweeping ocean views.
- St Patrick’s Holy Well – a quiet, flower-fringed spot reputed to have been visited by the saint.
- Remains of a deserted village – stone foundations hinting at a once-thriving coastal settlement.
- Wooden bridge to Dunmoran Strand – completing a scenic loop back to the car park.
- Hidden beach & rock formations – a short detour leads to a black-sand cove tucked behind the dunes. Along the cliff edge, walkers often point out a large lichen-covered rock locals call the giant’s footprint, said to mark the passage of Finn McCool.
Note on accessibility: The loop includes uneven ground, steep drop-offs and rough coastal paths. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard pushchairs.
Beaches & Water Sports
Aughris Beach is a long, stony strand dropping into the Atlantic, with a sheltered harbour at Aughris Pier. The pier is a popular spot for catching mackerel and pollack, while the deeper water hosts stand-up paddle-boarding and intermediate surfing.
Dunmoran Strand, protected by high dunes, offers a gentler slope and consistent rollers. It is a favourite for beginner surfers and wind-surfers. Local surf instructors operate from the Beach Bar during the summer months (May to September), offering group and private sessions with board and wetsuit hire. More experienced riders typically head to the exposed break at Aughris Beach, especially during the autumn and winter months when Atlantic swells are strongest.
Wildlife & Nature
The headland’s exposure to the open ocean supports a rich variety of marine and coastal life. Dolphins and grey seals are frequently seen surfacing near the cliffs or hauling out on the rocks at low tide. During the breeding season, the higher crags host colonies of razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes.
Late spring brings a carpet of wildflowers across the dunes and pasture, making the walk a photographer’s delight. The mix of salt-marsh, dune grassland and cliff face creates a compact but diverse ecosystem that changes noticeably with the seasons.
Dining & Staying
The Beach Bar is a 300-year-old thatched pub built directly on the sand. It serves hearty Irish fare, drinks and B&B rooms. The beer garden offers excellent sunset views, and food is typically served from 1 pm to 8 pm during the summer months. Live music sessions are occasionally held on summer evenings.
For lighter snacks, Loveen’s Tasty Treats operates a local stall near the end of the walking loop, serving ice-cream and pastries.
While the headland has no dedicated visitor centre, nearby accommodation makes an overnight stay straightforward:
- Aughris House B&B – a short walk from the Beach Bar, offering simple rooms and a hearty breakfast.
- Cawley’s Guesthouse – situated a few kilometres inland, this family-run B&B can arrange meals at the Beach Bar for guests. Both are popular with surfers and walkers looking for a convenient base.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking: Free entry. Reachable via a narrow single-track road; turn off the N59 at the Aughris junction. Free roadside spaces and a small car-park are available beside the Beach Bar.
- Opening Hours: The headland and coastal path are open 24 hours year-round. The Beach Bar operates from 1 pm to 8 pm in summer (check seasonal times). The surf school runs May to September.
- Tides: Sea-cave exploration is safest at low tide. Always consult a local tide table before setting out, as rising water can cut off access to the coves.
- Safety: Keep to marked paths, watch for slippery rocks near the cliff edge, and respect nesting wildlife. Do not climb the WWII lookout structure.
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome on the beaches and walk, but must be kept on a lead near the cliffs and during the bird-nesting season (March to August).
- Best Time to Visit: September to April offers the most consistent surf swells, while late spring and summer provide wildflower displays, active marine life and milder walking conditions. Check tide times before your visit to maximise your time exploring the sea caves and hidden coves.