Strandhill

Nestled beneath the shadow of the Iron Queen; Strandhill is an area of unrivaled natural beauty and widely undiscovered attractions. While predominantly now known as a top surfing destination in |Europe the area offers so much more. Surfing the Strandhill waves is now one of the top destinations for surfers worldwide as they try to negotiate one of the most magnificent breaking waves in the world ...(and lessons are available for groups or individuals!)

The regional airport for the north-west lies in Strandhill and located close by is the stunning golf course. Strandhill is located on the Strandhill peninsula and in an area which has developed significantly over the last decade Strandhill boasts many attractions for family, the adventure seeker or the romantic getaway.

The area about Sligo is repudiated as being where the first settlers came to Ireland. The Carrowmore tombs, located only five minutes away by car have megalithic burial chambers that actually pre-date the pyramids and are among the oldest structures in the known world. The court cairn which is the grave of Queen Medb on the summitt of Knocknarea overlooks the tombs of Carrowmore and is a magnificently haunting when viewed on a crisp winters day or enchanting when experienced in the warm summer sun. The sight of watching the sun sink into Strandhill bay with Knocknarea as its backdrop is a site worth beholding.

One of the newest and now main attractions in the Strandhill village is the Voya Seaweed baths where it is possible to cleanse and relax the soul in the ocean water which is part of the many features within this magnificent experience.

Strandhill also boasts many magnificent restaurants including the 'Trá Bán', 'The Venue', 'The BellaVista' and Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant. The Strand Bar and restaurant also boasts a fine complex and is possible to get lunch and dinner here 7 days a week. For a drink after your meal you have a selection of top class bars including the bar voted the 'Best local in Ireland', Kellys bar added to this are the Dunes, The Venue, Brees, the Bellavista and of course the Strand Bar – and after your round of golf you also have a fabulous bar and restaurant in the newly re-furbished Golf Club.

For a place to stay in Strandhill – you have luxury 4 star accommodation in the Strandhill Lodge and Suites, which is a newly developed magnificent guesthouse located in between the Venue and Kelly Bars... though not attached to either so as not to cause disturbance to residents. The Strandhill Lodge and Suites offers guests magnificent scenery and a warm welcome to all guests and unrivalled service. Although the premises has no bar or restaurant (it has a charming breakfast room where guests are treated to complimentary continental breakfast) it has a number of both top class bars and restaurants within 1 mins walking distance. With Complimentary WI-Fi access and a comprehensive wine licence it is a great place to stay.

The 'Fommers Guide' recently voted Ireland the top destination for 2011 ahead of Paris and it also mentioned that horse trekking in the North West was among the top attractions. Well within five mins of Strandhill it is possible to do a horse trek along the wonderful coastline of Co Sligo. You can also fish, shoot and even watch a magnificent ornithological display closeby of Eagles Flying.

For the Literary and folklore enthusiast the resting place of WB Yeats beneath Ben Bulben is also closeby and offers revellers a chance to walk the lands where much of his poetry was written and inspired. The legendary battlefield of Cú Cullan, Fionn MacCool and the Tale of the Táin bo Cualigne are all inter-woven into the fabric of this magnificent countryside.

So if its a weekend away or an adventure you're looking for – take a look at Strandhill – the home of Westlife and a destination which is as yet is largely undiscovered. My Advice is to take a look and try something different in 2011.