Swimming & Water Sports
The sheltered waters of Sligo Bay make Rosses Point ideal for swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the busiest stretches — always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Rosses Point Beach
4.7 (1,477)
See all
See all
About
A Blue Flag sandy beach on Sligo Bay with views of Benbulben and Knocknarea, backed by a lively seaside village of pubs, cafés, and a scenic coastal walking trail.
Things to Do
Explore the Three Beaches
The peninsula has three beaches. The First Beach (400m) is the closest to the village, Blue Flag awarded, and busiest. The Second Beach stretches over 1km and is quieter — popular with kitesurfers on windy days. The Third Beach is the most secluded, running to the mouth of the Drumcliff River, but is unpatrolled.
Rosses Point Coastal Walk
A 4km easy loop starting from the Church of Ireland, following the promenade past the RNLI station, the poignant 'Waiting on Shore' monument, the ruined Elsinore House (where WB Yeats summered), and the Metal Man — a 3.7m cast-iron statue guiding seafarers since 1821. Extend by walking the beaches at low tide.
Deadman's Pier & The Hot Box Sauna
Deadman's Pier is a tidal swimming pool with stone steps leading into the water, sheltered by thick walls. Right beside it, The Hot Box offers wood-fired outdoor saunas with sea views — sweat up to 90°C then plunge into the seawater to cool off.
Boat Trip to Inishmurray Island
Regular boat trips run in fine weather to this uninhabited island, home to the atmospheric ruins of an early Christian monastic settlement. Look out for rare seabirds and seals along the way.
County Sligo Golf Club
One of Ireland's finest championship links courses, perched right on the peninsula. Home to the West of Ireland Championships. Even non-golfers will enjoy the views over Coney Island and Oyster Island from the clubhouse area.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Beach: open year-round, no set hours. Lifeguard service: seasonal (summer months only).
- Admission: Free entry — no admission charge for the beach.
- Parking: Free public parking just back from the beach with step and ramp access to the sand. Fills up quickly on weekends and sunny days — arrive early.
- Food: The Driftwood (BBQ, seafood, early-bird menu, sea views), Austies Pub & Kitchen (200-year-old pub, fish pie, beer garden), The Little Cottage Café (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, takeaway hatch). Sligo Town (10 minutes away) has all major supermarkets and restaurants.
Getting Around
Watch More
See it on the map
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
