Rediscovering Enniscrone

When Discover Enniscrone asked me if I’d like to feature Enniscrone on the blog I jumped at the chance. It’s been a long time since I visited, and it’s such a fabulous place I really need to go back more. Enniscrone is located on the Wild Atlantic Way, around a 40 minute drive from Sligo town, and about a 10 minute drive to Ballina in County Mayo.

I headed off bright and early and thought I’d be the only one on the beach, I was wrong, there were a few walkers and runners and when I got to the pier there were quite a few hardy souls in swimming. I say hardy because there wasn’t a wetsuit in sight! The splashes and laughs provided the soundtrack to my walk along the Enniscrone Coastal Loop . I also enjoyed the company of sheep and a singing robin. The views from the walk are stunning, you’ll see Enniscrone Beach, Nephin Mountain and Killala Bay. I met lots of dog walkers along the way and I have to say the people were so friendly, a couple of people stopped and we had a lovely chat.

That’s the thing about Enniscrone, it’s not just a coastal resort, it’s a community. A place full of friendly faces and warm welcomes. I’m reminded of this quote- ‘There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.’

After my walk I headed to the Waterfront House, as the name suggests it’s right overlooking the ocean. I was warmly welcomed by Jackie and my breakfast was wonderful. I had French toast with crispy bacon and maple syrup, it was delicious. I sat looking out over the Wild Atlantic Way, listening to the crashing waves. When I’d finished Jackie asked me if I’d like to see one of the rooms, I jumped at the chance because I was thinking how relaxing it would be to sleep there with the sound of the waves. The view was just something else! If you are looking for stunning views, amazing food and service, and a warm welcome I’d really recommend the Waterfront House, it’s perfect for couples looking to get away from it all.

For family accommodation check out the Diamond Coast Hotel, they also have a room that sleeps 8. Ocean Sands Hotel are dog friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four legged friend at home. Enniscrone even hosts the Wild Atlantic Wag – an annual dog friendly festival.

When it comes to food there are a great variety of places to eat from gastro pubs to hotels and check out the ice cream parlours. Everything is within walking distance too.

After my breakfast I headed to Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths – Sligo’s oldest seaweed baths. This is like a step back in time, the baths opened in 1912 and they are very quaint, the bath is also the longest one I’ve ever seen! There’s also a steam bath, where you sit in a cubicle to open your pores, I loved this, especially because my head wasn’t in the cubicle. The seaweed bath was so relaxing, and my skin felt so soft afterwards. After the bath I took a cold sea water shower – I have to admit it was a very quick shower – I’m a coward! It was fairly busy and booking is recommended.

If you are a golfer be sure to check out Enniscrone Golf Course, this is among the finest and most challenging of traditional Irish links golf courses and offers 27 holes on 400 acres of magnificent links land, featuring the par 73 Dunes Championship Links Course. The club has won several awards and has had several celebrity clients, including actor Bill Murray.

When you walk down by the pier keep a look out for Mikee Hamilton, Mikee is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He runs Harbour Sup, so if you’ve ever fancied trying to walk on water this is your chance. Sup is stand up paddling, Mikee provides all the equipment you will need and he’ll give you excellent instructions. Hopefully you’ll manage to stand up for longer than I did! Booking is recommended.

I visited Gelati – this is ice cream heaven! I honestly didn’t know what to choose, so I’m going to have to go back again. In the end I had a Biscoff ice cream and a Kinder Bueno milkshake, after I ordered I saw the sundaes but I thought that might be ice cream overload! Both were delicious though.

The Warren Way was my next place to visit, this is just outside Enniscrone on the coast road to Ballina. You can enjoy walk through a forest, on one side is a river and the other side is farmland. At the end of the path is the sea, there is a warning not to wander onto the mudflats there. It’s a short walk but very nice.

Just a short drive from The Warren Way you will find Iceford Stables. They cater for all abilities from beginners to advanced and all ages. If you are an experienced rider you can enjoy a canter along Enniscrone beach, for beginners there are treks on quiet roads or the indoor arena.

Enniscrone is home to The Black Pig, you’ll find the sculpture across from the Diamond Coast Hotel. Legend has it that an old sow was possessed by an evil spirit and the pig killed everyone in its path as it ran from Donegal to Easkey. It swam from Easkey to Enniscrone, where it was slain. The Black Pig Festival is held every July to remember the legend of the sow.

I enjoyed a walk along the beautiful beach, I watched the surfers and the paddle boarders. I’d previously been out surfing with North West Surf School, there is 7th Wave Surf School. It’s really great fun for all ages.

So there you have it, my visit to Enniscrone, I just love the place and I’ll be back again soon. If you are looking for a break this Autumn I’d highly recommend it. There’s also loads to do with the kids, including crazy golf and Waterpoint Aqua Centre.

This is a sponsored post for Discover Enniscrone but all views are my own.