Sligo Food Trail have just released the third in their video series. Entitled “Eat and Chill in Strandhill”, it’s a whirlwind tour of the popular Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point seaside resort. Strandhill’s creative energy is contagious, it draws visitors in, entrancing them with fabulous places to eat and things to do.
Strandhill has an impressive food offering for visitors of all kinds. With plenty of choice from award winning restaurants, gastro pubs and cafés which satisfy the most discerning palate. Strandhill is popular for outdoor activities and the waves have attracted surfers for decades. The Killaspugbrone Walk is a 90-minute loop walk, a great way to enjoy the coastal scenery and work up an appetite while savouring the views of Knocknarea with Queen Maeve’s Grave and Benbulben.
Surfers will feel right at home in Shell’s, the self-styled surf cafe, with its laid-back atmosphere and delicious lunches, brunches and their Little Shop next door lets you bring all the goodies home too. Mammy Johnston’s homemade ice cream is world famous and proudly boasts awards from Italy. They also serve delicious crêpes – ideal for hungry little ones and not so little ones too.
Take a seat at the Captain’s Table and dine in style at multi award winning Trá Bán restaurant overlooking the most incredible ocean view. Try out one of the gastro pubs for size – The Draft House and The Strand Bar & Restaurant are wonderful examples of the genre with fabulous food on offer. The Venue Bar & Restaurant is part of Strandhill history, dating back to the 1880s. Today it’s well known for seafood and is very popular with families.
Strandhill’s Food Experiences
Several of Sligo Food Trail’s popular Food Experiences are based in Strandhill. “Strandhill Adventure, Foodie & Chill” combines an overnight stay in Strandhill Lodge and Suites with surfing, a well-earned brunch at Shell’s Café and a seaweed bath at Voya Seaweed Baths. With an ice cream from Mammy Johnston’s in hand, it’s time for a guided walk with maritime archaeologist Auriel Robinson of Seatrails. This delightful day draws to a close with aperitifs at The Strand Bar and an early bird menu at Trá Bán. To finish there’s music at The Strand and a hands-on tutorial in pulling pints of the black stuff.
Try “Ireland’s Earliest Takeaway: A Sea Trail with Shellfish & Sea Shells”. Experienced archaeologist Auriel Robinson is your guide on this walking trail which culminates in a very traditional lunch at beautiful Culleenamore Strand, which is also a seal sanctuary, so keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready. Culleenamore is said to have the oldest oysterbeds in the country and features shell or kitchen middens dating back to prehistoric times. These middens are the discarded remains of our ancestors’ shellfish feasts, and you can enjoy something very similar. Freshly harvested mussels will be cooked for you on the rocks, by one of Trá Bán Restaurant’s expert chefs. You can quite literally dine as your ancestors did, in exactly the same place.
“Relax, Draft, Craft & Munch” will satisfy your inner foodie and your soul as well. A relaxing seaweed bath is followed by a three course meal at The Draft House; a real treat for fans of great food and great craft beer. During “The Coney Island Experience” you’ll learn to identify, harvest and use edible seaweeds. Led by Dr. Prannie Rhatigan of Seaweed Kitchen, the walk culminates in a delicious al fresco lunch by Trá Bán Restaurant.
The “Saturday Yoga & Brunch Club” kicks off in soul stretching style. An 8am yoga class in Salt & Soul studio (suitable for all levels) is followed by a healthy Yogi Brunch at Shell’s Café. Now that should set anyone up for a great weekend! Finish it up with a visit to Strandhill People’s Market, which runs every Sunday from 11am in the unique venue of Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport with a beautiful variety of bakers, chefs, and artists. Your chance to bring a bit of Sligo Food Trail home with you.
Information on Sligo Food Trail is readily available through the website (www.sligofoodtrail.ie), social media and an attractive printed map/brochure combination which is available in the Fáilte Ireland Tourist Information Offices as well as from members.
The project is funded by CEDRA, Dept. of Agriculture, Sligo County Council, LEO Sligo, Food Trail Members, Fáilte Ireland and Sligo Tourism Ltd.
