Culleenamore

At the southern end of Strandhill’s main beach, the sand dunes give way to a wide tidal estuary, stretching all the way back to Ballysadare.

Inside this estuary are the sweeping sandbanks of Culleenamore. If it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, somewhere to jog or walk the dog under the watchful eye of Knocknarea, then this is your spot. Unlike Strandhill Beach, Culleenamore does not receive any ocean swell, so it is always calm. The tidal movement on this beach is remarkable, with sandbanks fully exposed at low tides and completely submerged only hours later. On low tides, it is possible to see one of Ireland’s largest seal colonies relaxing on the central sandbanks.

Horseracing at Culleenamore dates back to the early 1800s and it is possible the tradition originated much earlier. As well as being one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland for such an event, the surrounding sand hills formed a natural grandstand for spectators who could see a race perfectly from start to finish.

Culleenamore is a known natural oyster bed that produces fine oysters. In fact, cultivation of oysters at Culleenamore is indeed very old. In the 18th and 19th century, the highly delectable Culleenamore oysters were a famous and sought after taste in London, Paris and even New York – more in our history section.