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Coney Island: Sligo's Tidal Treasure

Discover Coney Island, County Sligo: A tidal island escape with history, folklore, and stunning coastal scenery. Check tide times before you go!

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Coney Island, or Inishmulclohy, is a captivating island in Sligo Bay, accessible by boat or via a tidal causeway marked by ancient stone pillars. Named for its once abundant rabbit population, this island offers a unique blend of history, folklore, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Coney Island, County Sligo

  • Co. Sligo, IE

Local tips

  • Check local tide times before planning your visit. The Cummeen Strand causeway is only accessible at low tide.
  • Wear waterproof shoes or boots if you plan to walk across the Cummeen Strand.
  • Visit Carty's Strand, a secluded beach on the island's rear.
  • Look for the remains of ancient stone circles and hill forts, known as 'fairy forts'.
  • Enjoy a pint at McGowan's Pub, the only pub on the island.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Sligo town, follow the main road towards Strandhill. Approximately 3 miles from Sligo, watch for a signpost on the right indicating Coney Island. Turn onto this narrow road leading to Cummeen Strand. Before crossing, ensure the tide is low and exercise caution. Drive slowly (10-20 km/hr) and stay within 20 meters to the left of the pillars when driving towards the island, as the sand can be soft. Parking is available along the road near the beach. Note that driving across the strand exposes your car to corrosive salt water.

  • Walking

    From Strandhill, follow the road towards Coney Island. Access to Cummeen Strand is signposted. Before crossing, verify that the tide is low. The walk across the strand, guided by 14 stone pillars, takes approximately 45 minutes. Wear waterproof shoes or boots. Parking is available at the Mill road on the mainland.

  • Public Transport

    From Sligo town, take Bus Éireann route S2 towards Strandhill. Alight near the turnoff for Coney Island. From there, follow the road towards Cummeen Strand and proceed on foot during low tide, following the walking directions. A single fare on the S2 bus is approximately €2-3. Alternatively, a water taxi service operates from Rosses Point Pier, a 10-minute drive from Sligo Town. Taxis from Sligo Town to Rosses Point cost approximately €15-€20. The water taxi to Coney Island takes around 5 minutes.

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Discover more about Coney Island, County Sligo

Coney Island, nestled in Sligo Bay, is an intriguing destination steeped in history and folklore. The island, also known as Inishmulclohy (meaning "O'Mulclohy's island" in Irish), lies between Rosses Point and the Coolera Peninsula. Its English name derives from the Irish word 'coney', meaning rabbit, a nod to the numerous rabbits that inhabit the island. At approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.75 miles wide, Coney Island boasts a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, grassy fields, and historical remnants. Visitors can explore Carty's Strand, a secluded beach, and search for 'fairy forts,' the remains of ancient stone circles. Other points of interest include St. Patrick's Well and his wishing chair, steeped in local legend. The island's history dates back centuries, with records showing a population of 124 in 1862. Today, only one family permanently resides on the island, though many others visit during the summer months. Remnants of the past, such as old stone walls, the old schoolhouse, and famine structures, dot the landscape, offering glimpses into the island's rich heritage. Coney Island is accessible by boat from Rosses Point. However, the most popular route is via the Cummeen Strand, a tidal causeway exposed at low tide. This unique crossing, marked by 14 stone pillars erected in the mid-1800s, provides a memorable journey. Be sure to check tide times before attempting the crossing, as the strand is submerged at high tide. There is a theory that Sligo's Coney Island inspired the naming of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. The story suggests that Captain Peter O'Connor, sailing between Sligo and New York, named the island after his home's Coney Island due to the similar rabbit population.

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