How to Visit Enniscrone
Read our travel guide on Enniscrone Town and Beach in Ireland. Includes tips on things to do, how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Situated in County Sligo, Enniscrone is one of the best Irish seaside resorts.
As you would expect, there are several reasons to visit this lovely coastal town.
Enniscrone is positioned on the west coast, making it a popular stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.
As this is a popular tourist town, you can find a few hotels and restaurants here.
Another attraction in Enniscrone is the traditional seaweed baths.
For us, the main reason we wanted to stop in Enniscrone was the 5-kilometer beach.
The town sits on the border of two counties, so it's a great base for exploring Mayo and Sligo.
So here's everything you should know about Enniscrone before you go.
What to See and Do
Ireland's wild and rugged west coast is one of those destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The whole coastline is dotted with amazing beaches and laid-back seaside villages.
Enniscrone is one of the best examples.
While there is not much to see and do in Enniscrone, the town is worth seeing, even if it's just for the beach.
If you decide to stay overnight, there are several stunning places within driving distance from Enniscrone you should visit.
Downpatrick Head, Wild Nephin National Park, and Knocknarea are some of our favorite day trips from Enniscrone.
Enniscrone Beach
Despite the relatively cold weather, we came to Enniscrone for the beach.
This 5-kilometer stretch of sand is one of the most amazing beaches in Ireland.
The fine sand beach situated on the shores of Killala Bay is a tranquil getaway from the stresses of your daily life.
Enniscrone is beautiful all the time, but when the weather is at its best, you can do all the water activities this place offers.
Enniscrone usually retains its Blue Flag Beach status every year.
There is a lifeguard on duty during the bathing season, but only in the section closest to the town.
As the beach stretches for about five kilometers, you should stay in this area to enjoy safe swimming in the sea.
Enniscrone Beach also offers stand-up paddling, sea kayaking, kitesurfing, and even horseback riding.
There are many beautiful places in Ireland. Enniscrone Beach is definitely one of them.
Surfing
Enniscrone is one of the best surfing spots in County Sligo.
There are a few schools in Enniscrone where you can learn surfing if you have extra time.
The combination of gently breaking waves and qualified local instructors is ideal for all ages and abilities.
Depending on the weather and conditions, you can usually book lessons from spring to autumn.
Seaweed Baths
Enniscrone's Seaweed Baths has a long tradition dating back to 1850.
The original Old Baths were closed, which means you can admire the interesting structure near the main promenade just from outside.
That said, you can walk a bit further to Kilcullens Seaweed Baths, which are still open.
Here, you can enjoy one of their special seaweed treatments.
If beach or seaweed treatments are not your thing, you can visit Enniscrone's Waterpoint Aqua Park or a traditional Irish Links golf course.
Opening Hours
Enniscrone Beach has no opening times, so you can visit it at any time you want.
As the Enniscrone Beach faces the west, the sunsets are truly spectacular.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Enniscrone Beach.
If you're traveling around Ireland on a budget, this is great news. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and fresh sea air for free.
How Much Time Do I Need
You can easily spend an hour or two on Enniscrone Beach, no matter the season.
On a hot summer day, you can spend all day here.
It all depends on your Ireland itinerary and preferences.
If you're heading from Mayo to Sligo or even Galway to Donegal, Enniscrone is a convenient stop after a day on the road.
When to Go
You can visit Enniscrone all year round. Every season is different, so your experience will vary greatly depending on when you visit.
If you come for sun and fun, the best time to visit Enniscrone is obviously during the summer.
Days are usually warm, and the abundance of daylight provides many hours to do outdoor activities.
When the weather is at its best, spending time on the beach is an amazing experience.
Just remember that you won't have the beach for yourself.
This is one of Ireland's top beach destinations, and the sand strip attracts crowds, especially on weekends.
You will also need to book your accommodation early to secure your spot.
The weather is quite unpredictable during the spring and autumn.
You can expect fewer crowds, lower prices, and shorter, cooler days.
The weather can be a hit or miss during this period. However, spring is our favorite time to visit Ireland.
It is possible to visit Enniscrone in winter. Be prepared that this is generally the least favorite time to visit Ireland.
Days are cold and short, plus it's often raining. Plus, clouds often cover the sky in coastal areas, so the overall experience can be miserable.
With that said, this can be one of the most magical times to explore Ireland's west coast if you're lucky with the weather.
What to Pack
With changeable Irish weather, you might be wondering what to pack for Enniscrone Beach.
If you want to spend as much time on the beach as possible during the summer, you should come prepared.
Pack your favorite swimsuit, lightweight beach towel, and strong sunscreen. Some people also use water shoes when entering the water.
Whenever we visit a beach, we also always bring our trusty waterproof dry bag to keep our valuables dry and safe.
As Ireland has a mild climate, you will most likely need to pack extra layers to stay nice and warm.
A windbreaker or rain jacket will come in handy when visiting the beach on a windy or rainy day.
Remember that wind and rainproof items are essentials of every Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Enniscrone is located near the Sligo and Mayo border. There are several ways to get to Enniscrone, either by car, bus, or taxi.
Just make sure to read this guide on how to get around Ireland first to know the pros and cons of each option.
We believe that Ireland is a perfect road trip destination, but that's just us.
Car
Enniscrone is only 15 kilometers from Ballina and 50 kilometers from Sligo Town.
The town is accessed via R297 as it sits off an N59, a national road that connects Sligo Town with Galway.
Unlike some remote rural roads, R297 has two lanes, making driving less stressful.
If you want to know more about this topic, read our guide on driving in Ireland.
You should also check out our post on renting a car in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is free parking in Enniscrone. You can find a large parking lot just right next to the beach.
However, the parking fills up quickly during the summer, so you should arrive early to secure your spot.
When the designated parking is full, visitors tend to leave their vehicles on a grassy area along the dunes.
Overnight parking is not allowed.
Public Transport
If you rely on public transport, you can get to Enniscrone by bus. Bus 458 (Bus Eireann) runs between Ballina and Sligo.
The nearest train stations are Ballina and Sligo, but you would have to get a taxi or bus to get to Enniscrone from there.
Where to Stay
With its coastal location, Enniscrone is a great place to stay overnight when driving from Mayo to Sligo or vice versa.
Despite its small size, you can find lovely hotels here. There are also a few bed and breakfasts if you're looking for a bit more personal experience.
The town is very compact, and everything is within walking distance. So feel free to pick a hotel that suits your budget and preferences.
Unlike some other destinations, the Enniscrone retains its small-town vibes, which is ideal for those seeking a quiet and peaceful stay.
If everything is booked out or you decide to stay elsewhere, the town of Ballina is only a short drive from here.
Enniscrone | Diamond Coast Hotel - Positioned only a stone's throw from the beach, this hotel offers everything you will need after a long day of driving. With modern rooms, free parking, and great food, this is the best hotel in Enniscrone.
Enniscrone | Ocean Sands Hotel - This beachfront property has the best location in town, free parking, and cozy rooms with sea views. If you want to stay close to the beach, this hotel should be your first choice.
Ballina | Ice House Hotel - Situated on the river Moy just outside Ballina, this modern hotel offers a great opportunity to unwind and relax. The hotel boasts an amazing location, beautiful rooms, a gorgeous spa, and free parking.
Staying Safe
Enniscrone is a popular tourist town that is generally very safe to visit.
If you arrive by car, don't leave any valuables inside, or at least keep them out of sight.
Even though Enniscrone is a Blue Flag Beach and lifeguards are present during the swimming season, you should still exercise caution when entering the water.
Here, you will find extra tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Enniscrone Worth Visiting?
If you're looking for sand and surf, Sligo's Enniscrone is an excellent choice.
This popular seaside town is home to a gorgeous beach, seaweed baths, comfortable hotels, and laid-back vibes.
The beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, sunbaking, and family outings.
If you enjoy long walks along the beach, Enniscrone is definitely worth visiting, even on a cloudy day.
Simply put, Enniscrone is a great place to visit, especially if you're visiting Ireland for the first time.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
