Description
Mullaghmore Beach is a stunning sandy coastal resort that stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Sligo. Tucked away on the edge of a small fishing village in North County Sligo, this expansive shoreline offers a safe, sheltered bay perfect for families who love the great outdoors. Functioning as a popular holiday centre, it provides a vast, beautiful environment where children can paddle in the Atlantic waters, build sandcastles, and watch surfers tackle the waves.
Access to the shoreline is completely free, making it an incredibly budget-friendly destination for a family day out. There are no entry tickets required to enjoy the sand, though families may want to set aside a small budget for local refreshments or equipment hire in the nearby village. Seasonal water sports and activities can also be booked independently through local providers during the busier summer months.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that blends natural coastal scenery, safe swimming waters, and plenty of space to play, this is the perfect destination. The long, sweeping beach and nearby harbour paths are easily accessible, allowing parents to navigate the coastal terrain without fuss. It provides a fantastic, screen-free escape where kids can explore rock pools, watch traditional fishing boats at the pier, and marvel at the dramatic view of Classiebawn Castle on the headland.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Safe Bathing Waters: The beach is well-sheltered by the peninsula, creating a gentle, curved bay that is ideal for family swimming.
- Active Lifeguard Service: Beach guards are on duty daily from June until September, giving parents extra peace of mind.
- Educational Day Out: A great spot to teach children about marine life, coastal geography, and local Irish myths surrounding the nearby mountains.
What Makes Mullaghmore Beach Unique?
- The Dramatic Backdrop: The shoreline offers unparalleled views of the flat-topped Ben Bulben mountain and the iconic, fairy-tale turrets of Classiebawn Castle rising from the green fields nearby.
- Big Wave Watching: Famous across the globe as a premier big-wave surfing destination, older kids will be fascinated watching professional surfers tackle massive swells off the headland.
- Accessible Sand Ramps: Sligo County Council has provided dedicated wheelchair and buggy access ramps down to the sand, ensuring the beach is welcoming for parents with strollers.
- The Traditional Fishing Harbour: Just a short walk from the sand sits a nineteenth-century stone pier where kids can watch working fishing boats and pleasure craft glide into the anchorage.
- Expansive Dune Systems: The white sandy beach is backed by an extensive network of natural sand dunes, which provide a great natural habitat for children to explore and learn about coastal wildlife.
Inside the Area: What to See
- The Three-Kilometre Sandy Strand: An incredible, wide stretch of pristine white sand that seems to go on as far as the eye can see.
- The Active Boat Pier: A picturesque stone harbour that serves as the launching point for sea angling, charter boats, and island trips.
- The Panoramic Green: A beautifully kept grassy area equipped with public seating that directly overlooks the main beach, perfect for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
- Rock Pools by the Peninsula: Natural rocky pockets along the edge of the bay where children can look for small crabs, sea snails, and coastal plants.
- The Mullaghmore Headland Road: A spectacular perimeter loop that families can stroll along to witness the wild Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs.
9.31 miles
