Silver Strand Is the Most Magical Place in Ireland

The first time I came to Silver Strand in County Mayo I had no idea that it was called Silver Strand.

I called it Aedín’s Beach after my friend who brought me to this stunning part of Ireland.

She took a detour that lead us down narrow, winding roads that were only the width of one car.

We drove by green fields dotted with sheep and rocky hills and mountains.

Eventually I could spot the sea shimmering in the distance.

We saw one beach but Aedín said that it wasn’t the one.

So we drove a bit further and arrived at Sliver Strand.

 

What do I remember?

I remember thinking that I didn’t know sandy beaches like this existed in Ireland.

But there it was before me.

It was the most magical moment of that first trip to Ireland.

In some ways it’s been my most magical moment in Ireland.

Period.

And I’ve longed to return to this enchanting place.

I recall telling Aedín that I would love to “rent a cottage for a month or so and write and photograph and take walks and run through the countryside and on the beach.”

 

So here I am 11 years later gazing out at Silver Strand

Finally making a return trip.

This time to stay.

No. Not for a month but for 4 days.

But I am in a cottage — a private Airbnb room to be exact.

I have written and photographed.

I’ve walked and run along the wee road.

And on the stunning beach called Silver Strand.

 

Is it as magical?

YES!

Maybe more so.

On that first fateful trip I was at Silver Strand for about an hour plus the driving time getting to it then onto Louisburgh — the closest main town.

It was a quick detour.

This time I’ve had 4 incredible days that have brought me all kinds of weather.

And given me the time to truly connect to this land.

I’ve had time to walk the beach a few times, play on the dunes and run and walk along the wee rural road.

Sliver Strand and this area around Killadoon is just as wonderful and mesmerizing as the first time.

Only this time I truly see it for all that it is.

 

It’s a harsh land

The soil is rocky so sheep farming is best.

The weather is tumultuous.

It’s windy and wet.

Yet the sunrises and sunsets are stunning.

It’s not for the faint of heart — even for a few days stay.

I’ve had gusty winds, lashing rain, sideways rain and sunshine — sometimes in one day!

But as bleak and severe as this land and the weather can be, it’s also beautiful.

It’s a place where the mountains meet the sea.

And for me this is the best of both worlds — soaring rugged peaks to stand in awe of and the sound of the waves hitting the sand.

Add to that rolling hills dotted with sheep and it’s a perfect place for someone like me.

 

A remote place

Silver Strand and the settlement of Killadoon and Killeen are remote.

There’s no town or village — so there’s no pub.

You won’t find any shops around.

Louisburgh is the closest town at about 12 miles away so there is a town nearby for picking up supplies.

Westport — a popular County Mayo town — is about 25 miles away.

But out here it’s tranquil.

The sounds you hear are of nature — bleating sheep, Atlantic wind, singing birds, ocean waves.

Silver Strand is a destination you come to when you need to relax and decompress — reconnect with nature.

It’s a place for those seeking some quiet and maybe even a bit of solitude.

And for me — on this 2018 journey — it came at the right time.

 

Will I come back again?

YES!

It’s definitely one of the best places in all of Ireland.

And it’s one that calls to me with it’s serene landscape and it’s magical aura.

Something tells me next time I may very well stay a month…