Surf n Soul in Sligo

Highlights

  • Thrill in the surf and spray of Strandhill Beach on two surfing experiences.
  • Jump into local life and explore the best pubs, restaurants and bars for great craic.
  • Unwind with soothing yoga experiences and a trip to a beautiful bathhouse.

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What you'll do

Overview

Get the very best of Sligo in just two days, on a two-day experience that will have you doing everything from surfing on Ireland's number one surf beach, relaxing in a state of the art bathhouse, jigging the night away to traditional Irish bands, and so much more.

You’ll be diving headlong into Irish culture, cuisine, and history. Once you arrive at Strandhill, the bustling seaside village that plays host to the vast, pristine stretch of sand where you’ll be trying out the number one hobby in this area, your adventure begins.

First up you’ll be feeling the exhilaration and freedom of surfing in Ireland’s number one surf location, with Seamus, a professional surfer and historian, helping you carve your way through the salt spray and understand the history and story of Sligo.

Once you’ve dried off and warmed up thanks to a delicious brunch, stroll along the promenade and explore the natural beauty in the dramatically shifting sand dunes.

You’ll soothe any aching muscles in a little slice of paradise called Voya, with a unique seaweed bath or a hot stone massage, and feel reinvigorated for a lively evening out and a few Guinness in the world-famous Strand Bar.

Immerse yourself in the legendary Irish nightlife, with an abundance of live music, friendly locals and buzzing bars.

You’ll spend your night in complete comfort and luxury in a local lodge, before soothing the soul and overcoming any potential hangovers with a relaxing yoga session and a healthy breakfast.

More surfing and long hikes to the crumbling ruins of ancient monasteries, nestled in green topped peaks of age-old forests and winding trails follow. You’ll get incredible views all along this stunning path, whilst Seamus ensures you learn the tales behind each bend, each viewpoint.

This is a two-day experience that gets you immersed in Irish culture, and you’ll leave feeling invigorated, satisfyingly weary, and hungry to see whatever else Ireland has to offer.

Surf, Relax and Party

Visit Ireland’s number one surfing beach in the bustling seaside village of Strandhill and meet local surf coach, professional bodyboarder and historian  Seamus McGoldrick, who will fill you in on everything you need to know about surfing and Sligo. After your thrilling surf experience, enjoy a well-deserved brunch in the trendy surf cafe next door, Shells Cafe. Take a stroll along the fine beach promenade, watch the surfers in action and explore the nearby sand dunes. At around 3pm, try a Voya seaweed bath, a traditional Irish therapy that will invigorate you after your surf lesson. Meet local Strandhill surfer and Voya owner Neil Walton and his team of therapists, browse the fabulous range of Voya beauty products in Voya’s state of the art bathhouse, or try a hot stone massage to soothe away aches and pains. Enjoy this afternoon of serious relaxation before slipping off to the world-famous Strand Bar for a sumptuous glass of wine or a local ale or traditional porter. Dine in the highly recommended Stoked Restaurant, which serves excellent small sharing dishes of world food. Then, go to see a traditional Irish music session downstairs in the Strand, or a live gig by the many talented musicians in Sligo who tour the local bars and pubs. We recommend the great nightlife in The Dunes Bar, Strandhill, and spend the night in the luxury Cois Farraige or Strandhill Lodge and Suites.

Yoga, Surf and Epic Hikes

Start your second day in Sligo with a rejuvenating session of yoga in the bespoke Salt and Soul yoga studio, boasting a beautiful beach front location.

Once you’ve stretched, balanced and relaxed, enjoy a healthy breakfast in Shells Cafe, fueling you for a morning of putting all those skills you learned the previous day into practice in the surf.

Once you’ve enjoyed a morning in the waves, unwind by enjoying the famous Killaspugbrone Looped walk from Strandhill beach to visit the ruins of the ancient site of Killaspugbrone monastery – the first Christian site in northwest Ireland – reputedly founded by St Patrick himself during a visit to the area in the 6th century.

You will walk past world-class surf spots and views of the islands of Maguinns and Coney Island, which gave its name to its more famous cousin in New York. Enjoy stunning views of Rosses Point, Blackrock lighthouse and the iconic Benbulben and Knocknarea mountains.

What's included

Included

  • Two surf lessons with a professional surfing instructor as your guide
  • All necessary surfing equipment: surfboard, wetsuit, boots
  • Access to changing room and storage for personal belongings
Your local host

Seamus

Meet Seamus Mc Goldrick, a native of Strandhill and Ireland’s most well known professional bodyboarder. He will fill you in on all you need to know about the Irish surf scene and the heritage and history of County Sligo.

Seamus grew up in County Sligo and started bodyboarding at the age of 10. His passion never left him and after completing a degree in Trinity College Dublin and various travels around the world to sample the surfing culture in other countries, Seamus returned to Strandhill. Here he became a professional surf instructor based before setting up his on surf school in February 2018.

Meet Seamus Mc Goldrick, a native of Strandhill and Ireland’s most well known professional bodyboarder. He will fill you in on all you need to know about the Irish surf scene and the heritage and history of County Sligo.

Seamus grew up in County Sligo and started bodyboarding at the age of 10. His passion never left him and after completing a degree in Trinity College Dublin and various travels around the world to sample the surfing culture in other countries, Seamus returned to Strandhill. Here he became a professional surf instructor based before setting up his on surf school in February 2018.

Location

This experience is set in the lush countryside of County Sligo, in the bustling little town of Strandhill.

This is located moments from Sligo Airport and a mere 15-minute drive from the centre of Sligo itself.

Your specific meeting point will be specified on your booking voucher.

FAQs

What do I need to bring /wear?

For your surf lesson, please bring a towel and swimming gear. Everything else is provided.

For your seaweed bath, you do not need to bring anything – Voya provide everything you'll need.

For your yoga session, bring loose-fitting clothes and Salt and Soul provide everything you need.

For the Killaspugbrone loop, wear suitable walking shoes and warm outdoor clothing and allow 1.5 hours for your looped walk.

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