Overview
Dunmoran Beach (also known as Dunmoran Strand) lies on the southern shore of Sligo Bay, about 25 km west of Sligo town. The exposed sandy stretch runs for roughly 0.85 km and is framed by a low line of sand dunes that give the beach its characteristic silhouette. Within the wider strand a 400 m section is officially designated for bathing, providing a safe, monitored zone for swimmers during the summer season. The beach has earned a Green Coast Award, recognising its high water quality, sound management and community involvement.
History & Landscape
Although not formally designated as a protected area, Dunmoran sits adjacent to a proposed National Heritage Area and a Special Protection Area (SPA 004133) centred on nearby Aughris. The dunes that back the beach are part of a dynamic coastal system that has shaped the local ecology for centuries, supporting a range of plant and bird life. Historically the strand has served locals as a place for recreation, fishing and, more recently, surf‑boarding. Its proximity to the Aughris Head viewpoint means that visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramas of Sligo Bay, the iconic Benbulben mountain and the rugged Atlantic horizon.
What to See & Do
- Swimming & Sunbathing – The 400 m bathing area is patrolled by a lifeguard on Saturdays and Sundays from early July to the end of August. The water temperature recorded by satellite on 28 March 2026 was a brisk 8.7 °C, typical of the Atlantic coast.
- Surfing – The beach’s gentle, north‑east facing exposure creates a sheltered break that is especially suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Local surf schools on the Wild Atlantic Way often include Dunmoran in their lesson routes.
- Walking & Running – The dunes and the flat sand make for an effortless stroll or jog. A coastal walk can be extended westward to Aughris Head, where a former World War II coastal lookout, a ring‑fort and a holy well add archaeological intrigue.
- Wildlife Watching – The nearby SPA supports a variety of seabirds, and the intertidal zone occasionally reveals crabs, starfish and small fish in the rock pools.
- Photography – With the backdrop of Benbulben and the ever‑changing Atlantic light, the beach offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially at sunrise when the dunes catch the first golden rays.
Getting There
Dunmoran Beach is accessed via the N59 between Skreen and Shemagh. Follow the signs for “Dunmoran Strand”; a modest free car park sits just a short walk from the sand. Public transport options are limited – the nearest bus stop is at Skreen, about 5 km away, so a car is the most convenient way to reach the strand.
Practical Information
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifeguard coverage | Saturdays & Sundays, July – August (seasonal) |
| Toilets | Available July – August (end of month) |
| Parking | Free on‑site car park adjacent to the strand |
| Dog policy | Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times |
| Water temperature (satellite) | 8.7 °C (28 Mar 2026) |
| Access | Signed off the N59 between Skreen and Shemagh; ample parking space near the entrance |
| Nearby attractions | Aughris Head, Aughris Beach, Benbulben mountain views |
The beach is free to enter and there is no admission charge. While the lifeguard service is limited to weekends in the peak months, the rest of the year the beach remains open and safe for self‑supervised swimming, though visitors should always respect the local Bye‑Laws (available on the Sligo County Council website).
For those planning a surf session, the gentle Atlantic swell provides consistent, manageable waves, and the shallow gradient means the water reaches about one metre depth roughly 20 m from the shoreline – ideal for learning to ride. Surfers should note that the beach is less crowded than the more famous Strandhill spot, offering a quieter environment.
If you wish to combine a beach day with a coastal hike, the trail from Dunmoran to Aughris Head is well marked. Along the way you will pass the historic Aughris pier, the World War II lookout post perched on the headland, and a ring‑fort that hints at the area’s early medieval past. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels, but the narrow access road to Aughris Head is not recommended for large coaches.
Overall, Dunmoran Beach delivers a blend of natural beauty, recreational variety and convenient facilities, making it a standout stop on the Wild Atlantic Way for families, solo travellers and surf enthusiasts alike.