Hotel Review
Location:
Strandhill Lodge and Suites is located in the small seaside resort of Strandhill, five miles west of Sligo Town, Ireland. The town is a popular place to visit when touring the Wild Atlantic Way and is renowned for being a surfer’s paradise.
Arrival and check-in:
The accommodation is located on a quiet road just a short walk from the beach, with a good sized car park behind the building. Stepping indoors, we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who had our room key cards ready for us so in no time at all we were taking the lift up to our room.
The Room:
Our bedroom was large and comfortable with floor to ceiling windows opening out onto a spacious balcony. I could just imagine how lovely it would be to sit out there in warmer weather taking in the far reaching views over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside.
The room was well equipped, had strong Wi-Fi, plenty of storage space, a Smart TV, Nespresso maker and hairdryer. The modern en-suite had a bath with shower over, quality toiletries and thick white towels. All rooms come with either mountain or sea views and terrace or balcony, with suites having their own mini kitchens.
Dining:
Breakfast is offered each morning in a bright and airy room to one side of the entrance lobby. Guests are able to help themselves to a continental style buffet comprising cereals, porridge, fruit, yoghurts, pastries, cooked meats and cheese. Toast can be prepared as needed which I like best so that it is always nice and hot when you are ready to eat it.
The Facilities:
In addition to the breakfast room the hotel has an attractive guest’s lounge where complimentary hot drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. The lounge has comfy sofas, a large screen TV, DVD’s, books and a computer and printer for guests use.
Out and About:
Strandhill Beach
The beach is a 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk from the hotel with free parking on the seafront. Enjoy a bracing walk along the promenade watching the huge waves crash into the shore. One of the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points is located here with stunning views and a useful information board.
Enjoy views of Knocknarea Mountain, one of Sligo’s most distinctive features which dominates the skyline and is visible for miles around rising to 1973ft (327m).
Voya Seaweed Baths
The Voya Seaweed Baths bath house is located on the promenade and the perfect place to spend a relaxing hour soaking in a hot bath of freshly harvested organic seaweed. After experiencing this age old treatment and allowing the seaweed to work its magic it leaves your skin silky smooth and deeply moisturised. Voya Seaweed Baths
Shells Cafe
A pretty seaside cafe next door to the seaweed baths serving a varied menu of freshly prepared dishes and homemade cakes. It’s very popular so you might have to wait a short time for a table but believe me it’s worth it as both the food and friendly service are top notch. Shells Cafe.
Sligo Oyster Experience
Visits start with an informative guided walk along the shore overlooking the Coney Island oyster hatcheries. This is followed by a tour of a local oyster farm where you can find out all that goes into growing an oyster from a tiny seed to what you see on your plate. The experience concludes with unlimited oyster tastings, local cheese, crackers and grapes washed down with a local Sligo craft beer. Sligo Oyster Experience
Sligo Town
The county town of Sligo is just a 15 minute drive from Strandhill and is an interesting place to visit. Start by taking a walk beside the river which winds its way through the centre with attractive bars and restaurants lining its banks around Hyde Bridge. The centre is compact and easily walkable, don’t miss the statue of the world famous Irish poet and Nobel Laureate W.B. Yeats outside the Ulster Bank. He is said to have drawn inspiration for his works from Sligo Town’s charm.
Located just a few streets away on Abbey Street are the remains of the Dominican convent Sligo Abbey. Constructed in Romanesque style and now run by Heritage Ireland, its extensive ruins mainly of the church and cloister can be explored. Closed at the time of writing due to COVID restrictions so please check the website before visiting. Sligo Abbey
Dining out:
If you fancy a meal out in Sligo then you can’t go wrong by heading to Walker 1781 restaurant located on O’Connell Street in the Abbey Quarter. Drinks are served in the convivial ground floor pub, whilst upstairs there is a buzzing restaurant dedicated to serving fresh produce with a contemporary twist. Good food, friendly service and reasonable prices. Walker 1781
Overall:
Strandhill Lodge & Suites is perfectly positioned for exploring the area with its stunning sea and mountain views. The rooms are of a high standard and with an impressive breakfast spread to set you up for the day the accommodation offers good value for money.
Details: Strandhill Lodge & Suites, Top Road, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland
We were guests of Tourism Ireland and Strandhill Lodge & Suites and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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