Silver Strand Beach In Mayo: One Of The Best Beaches In The Land

The magnificent Silver Strand Beach in Mayo is tucked away a short drive from the town of Louisburgh.

Arguably one of the best beaches in Ireland, Silver Strand has somehow managed to retain ‘hidden gem’ status, despite the immense natural beauty it boasts by the bucketload.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything you need to know about visiting Silver Strand in Louisburgh, from parking and swimming to what to do nearby.

Some quick need-to-knows about Silver Strand Beach in Mayo

Although a visit to Silver Strand in Mayo is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

1. Location

You’ll find Silver Strand to Killary Fjord in Mayo. It is a 20-minute drive from Louisburgh, a 45-minute drive from Westport and a a 50-minute drive from Leenane.

2. Parking

Access to the beach is along a single track which has plenty of lay-bys and is well-surfaced. The car park (here on Maps) has ample parking and public toilets. Do note that, on those sometimes rare sunny days, getting parking here can be tricky.

3. Swimming

As Silver Strand is isolated and there are no lifeguards present, I can’t recommend swimming here. If you do choose to enter the water, only do so when conditions are good and if you are a capable swimmer.

About Silver Strand in Mayo

One of the finest beaches in Mayo, Silver Strand is a remote stretch of sand that remains quiet throughout the year, outside of the summer months.

It’s one of the smaller beaches in the area, measuring just 450 meters at its widest point.

However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its beauty—golden sand meets tropical-esque waters that make you feel like you’re in a far more exotic place.

As you stroll along the sand, you’ll see a handful of islands off in the distance, including Inishbofin and Inishturk (Clare Island is off to the right at the entrance to Clew Bay).

Things to do near Silver Strand

One of the beauties of Silver Strand Beach in Louisburgh is that it’s a stone’s throw from many of the best places to visit in Mayo.

Below, you’ll find places like the incredible Lost Valley and the gorgeous Doolough Valley to Inishturk, Clare Island and more.

1. The Lost Valley

The Lost Valley is protected under the European Habitats Directive due to its natural beauty and heritage.

You can view the entrance to Killary Fjord (the only fjord in Ireland) and then visit the ruins of the famine village where people lived until The Great Hunger, the Irish Famine 1845 – 1852. 

2. Doolough Valley

The Doolough Valley is an area of immense natural beauty that can’t be missed if visiting Silver Strand.

Follow the route from Louisburgh to Leenane and soak up views of a wild and rugged landscape that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

3. Westport

The heritage town of Westport sits at the foot of Croagh Patrick, the destination for many barefoot pilgrims each year.

While the town has historically been more famous for these pilgrimages, it’s also been quietly growing its appeal to tourists, both local and further afield. There are plenty of things to do in Westport while you’re there.

FAQs about visiting Silver Strand in Mayo

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Silver Strand in Mayo to what to see nearby.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.