We visited Shells Café on a Sunday for breakfast. The full Irish was nice overall, the sausage was lovely, though the beans weren’t great. The poached eggs eggs tasted quite strongly of vinegar. We also had to call the staff several times, as different parts of our order had been forgotten.
We understand it was a busy Sunday morning, but the service felt a bit disorganised and below what we expected. The café is lovely but not very clean, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the staff were friendly, and a walk along the coastline after breakfast is highly recommended, the views are beautiful and make up for the wait.
Karim Abdallah
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09 November 2025
6.0
Lovely little place, right on the seafront; good variety, a little expensive but food quality and service were great and it wouldn't stop a return trip.
Jenny
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02 November 2025
8.0
Lovely spot for coffee and food. Mushroom and egg was delicious. Good children's menu too.
Cormac O'Connor
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30 October 2025
10.0
Just got some takeaway coffee's and really enjoyed them 😋 Beautiful views
Joe Hayes
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29 October 2025
8.0
The staff is super friendly and very attentive. The food is always freshly prepared, and there are special dishes every day.
Tarts, cakes, breads, and croissants are made exclusively in the in-house bakery.
There is also a great shop with many local products, groceries, gifts, decorations, jewelry, and accessories for all ages.
Since 2022, the large terrace has been completely covered, so you can enjoy a hot chocolate, tea, or coffee outside while listening to the Atlantic surf.
Auf Landgang
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19 October 2025
8.0
Love it. A must visit if in strand hill. Food always excellent and staff are sound.
John Boyle
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13 October 2025
10.0
Shells is always our favorite spot in the Strand. We haven't been for a while since we moved to the SouthEast and they've done it up since last, but still the same great feel. Bustling on a Thursday afternoon, jammed lunchtime, which is a credit to any place these days. This was a ' for old time's sakes ' visit and still felt just as good as the memories.
Jeremy Nel
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10 October 2025
8.0
I’ve eaten here a few times over the years & hope to be returning a few more times. Smallish café in a prime location in Strandhill. The food is reliably delicious & the smoothies are exceptional. As far as I know you can’t book. Understandably, it always seems to be crowded, & the friendly staff rush around efficiently. (One quibble: plastic straws in 2025?!)
Noel O
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02 October 2025
10.0
We came visited Strandhill twice on our vacation in the Sligo area… we also went to Shells twice and enjoyed a terrific lunch each time. Whether it’s a fried calamari salad or another lunch special, you can’t go wrong. This place also has lovely baked goods and excellent coffee. Don’t hesitate, there is a reason why this place is hopping!
Nuthatch 33
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25 May 2025
10.0
Stopped in Strandhill on the way to Sligo - I had been given it as a recommendation and it did not disappoint. We sat outdoors and had to order/pay inside which was effortless. Great menu selection, i had the Korean Chicken salad and my husband had the Roast Chicken sandwich and we both shared a portion of chips.
Food arrived really quickly, and honestly the quality of the food was unreal. My husband awarded his sandwich the "best he's ever had". The chicken salad was gorgeous too and the chips were massive, but beautifully crispy on the outside and fluffy inside - absolutely amazing.
We left with full bellies and happy faces and we will definitely be back!