Overview
Cummeen Strand lies on the western edge of Drumcliff Bay, forming part of the larger Sligo Bay estuary in County Sligo. From the main Sligo‑to‑Strandhill road the landscape opens into a broad, golden sandplain backed by the dramatic rise of Benbulben and the silhouette of Coney Island. At sunrise the sand glints amber, at sunset it burns orange, and at night the orange glow of Sligo town makes the strand look like a massive ship anchored in the bay. The site is designated both a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) because of its internationally important coastal habitats and birdlife.
History / Background
The name Cummeen comes from the Irish Sliabh an Choimín – “mountain of the little hollow” – a reminder that the area once formed part of a broader upland landscape. In the 19th century the Ormsby family owned the estate that included Cummeen, while their neighbour Strandhill was another Ormsby seat.
A dramatic episode is recorded in the story of William Dorrin, owner of Coney Island in the 1820s. Dorrin drowned in the fast‑rising tide while trying to return to the island in March 1823. To commemorate him and to guide travellers across the tidal flats, fourteen stout cut‑stone pillars were erected across the strand. At low tide they mark a safe 1.5 km route to Coney Island; checking tide tables is essential before setting out.
Cummeen Strand also lives in Irish literature. W. B. Yeats immortalised the “old brown thorn‑trees” that break above the strand in Red Hanrahan’s Song, and his brother Jack B. Yeats celebrated the light on Coney Island in his book Sligo.
Conservation status
Cummeen Strand forms part of the Sligo Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (EU Habitats Directive) and the Sligo Bay Special Protection Area (SPA) (EU Birds Directive). These designations protect the dune systems, mud‑flats and associated wildlife, ensuring that any development or activity respects the ecological sensitivity of the site.
What to See & Do
Stone Pillars & Tidal Walk to Coney Island
Follow the line of the fourteen stone pillars at low tide for a flat, 1.5 km trek across the sandflats to Coney Island. The island offers a quiet picnic spot and the remains of 19th‑century habitation. Small boats also depart from Rosses Point for a short crossing when the tide is in.
Wildlife and Habitat
Cummeen’s mosaic of habitats supports a remarkable assemblage of species:
| Habitat | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Shifting white dunes (Ammophila arenaria) | Rare coastal plants, breeding waders |
| Fixed grey dunes | Juniper (Juniperus communis), several orchid species |
| Mud‑flats & sand‑flats (low tide) | Light‑bellied Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Redshank |
| Tufa‑forming springs | Vertigo angustior (narrow‑mouthed whorl snail) |
| Marine zone | Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey |
During winter large numbers of Brent Geese migrate from the Canadian Arctic, making Cummeen a prime spot for birdwatchers. Seals are frequently seen basking on the sandbanks, and the occasional lamprey can be observed in the tidal channels.
Wildlife watching tips
- Best months: November‑February for Brent Geese; March‑May for orchids and early wildflowers; June‑August for seals.
- Equipment: A pair of binoculars (8‑10×) and a spotting scope are useful for distant birds. A waterproof camera with a zoom lens works well for seals.
- Tide awareness: Use the Irish Marine Institute tide tables; the safe crossing window is roughly one hour before and after low tide.
- Quiet approach: Move slowly and keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing nesting waders and resting seals.
Dune Landscapes & Photography
The shifting dunes, fixed grey dunes and the rhythmic line of stone pillars create striking compositions, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the sand in gold and amber. The view of Coney Island framed by the pillars is a favourite subject for painters and photographers.
Poetic Inspiration
Sit on the sand, read Yeats aloud, and feel the same wind that inspired the poet’s verses. Benbulben looms over the horizon, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scene.
Getting there
- By car: From Sligo town take the N4 westwards, then the R287 to the Strandhill turn‑off. A small lay‑by parking area sits opposite the strand; spaces are limited, especially in summer.
- Public transport: Bus services run from Sligo to Strandhill; the nearest stop is a short walk (≈800 m) from the Cummeen lay‑by. [Please verify current bus routes and schedules].
- Accessibility: The beach itself is sandy and uneven; there are no wheelchair‑friendly paths to the tidal walk.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking: Turn off the Sligo‑to‑Strandhill road onto the Cummeen lay‑by; a small car park is available opposite the strand. No formal facilities are provided, so bring water and a picnic.
- Tide Times: The stone‑pillar walk is only safe at low tide. Check the Irish Marine Institute tide tables and allow at least 30 minutes for the return journey.
- Safety: The sandflats can become quickly covered by incoming tide. Wear sturdy shoes, keep to the pillar line, and never attempt the crossing alone.
- Best Visiting Times: Late autumn to early spring for Brent Geese; spring and summer for wildflowers and orchids; sunrise or sunset for photography.
Nearby attractions
- Coney Island – a short tidal walk away, with picnic spots and historic ruins.
- Strandhill – a lively village with cafés, surf schools and accommodation.
- Benbulben Forest Walk – a loop trail offering panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding countryside.
- Ballygilgan Nature Reserve – another key bird‑watching site on the Sligo coast, home to wintering geese and waders.
- Rosses Point – harbour with boat trips to Coney Island and a café.
Cummeen Strand offers a rare blend of natural beauty, historic intrigue and literary romance – a memorable destination for anyone exploring the wild west of County Sligo.