Culleenamore Strand, Sandy beach at Ballysadare Bay, County Sligo, Ireland
Culleenamore Strand is a sandy beach on Ballysadare Bay in County Sligo, stretching along the southern side of Strandhill's half-peninsula. The water here is shallow and calm, with natural sandbanks where harbor seals rest and oyster beds beneath the surface.
Horse races took place on this beach from the early 1800s until 1954, with natural sand hills serving as viewing stands for crowds. This use linked sport and community to the coastal location for over a century.
The oyster beds have shaped local life for centuries, with harvesting remaining part of the community's connection to the sea. This work defined the rhythm of the coastal villages nearby and continues to matter to families here.
The beach lies about 9 to 10 kilometers west of Sligo town and is easily reached by car or bus. The shallow water and broad sand are good for walking, wading, and wildlife watching, especially at low tide.
Ancient shell layers found along the shore contain oyster remains and show human settlement reaching back centuries. These traces reveal that people used this place for food long before horse racing became a tradition here.
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