I was recently invited by Visit Sligo to experience the picnic offering from The Ocean Sands Hotel in Enniscrone, part of the wonderful Sligo Picnic initiative created by Sligo Food Trail and Visit Sligo. The campaign encourages visitors and locals alike to enjoy some of Sligo’s finest food while exploring the county’s spectacular landscapes.
I love the idea of combining great food with a little adventure. Sligo is blessed with incredible scenery, and a picnic gives you the freedom to discover your own perfect spot while enjoying delicious local produce.
The Ocean Sands Hotel is located right beside the beach in Enniscrone, one of the most popular seaside destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way. The hotel is renowned for its hospitality, food, and stunning coastal setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also dog friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend with you.
When I arrived to collect my picnic, Enniscrone was buzzing with activity. There was a swim on near the pier, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the good weather and cheering the swimmers on. Down at the beach, families were enjoying the sunshine, children were building sandcastles, and people were walking along the miles of golden sandy beach.
As lovely as the beach was, I decided to head off exploring and see if I could find somewhere a little quieter to enjoy my picnic. That’s when I discovered Storm Beach. And what a find that was! I thought I’d seen every inch of Sligo, but this place had escaped me.
Nestled along the rugged coastline, Storm Beach is spectacular: Dramatic rocks, crashing waves and endless Atlantic views create a magical setting. I settled down with my picnic and enjoyed lunch accompanied by the sound of the waves breaking against the rocks.
The picnic itself was incredibly generous, it was packed with a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats. In fact, there was so much food that I couldn’t possibly finish it all in one sitting. In my picnic bag was a chicken caesar salad wrap – which was still, a mini granola with local sheep milk Velvet cloud Yoghurt, mixed summer berries and granola, an organic Easkey salads, containing leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onions, carrot, cucumber, feta cheese and mixed with a honey mustard dressing.
There was also a scone with butter, cream, and a strawberry, and a selection of macarons.
I enjoyed some of the food at Storm Beach and decided to continue my Sligo picnic adventure, so I took a detour at Dromore West and headed to Orville Park, this is part of the beautiful Duneil River Walk. The contrast between the wild Atlantic coastline and this peaceful riverside setting couldn’t have been greater.
There was a picnic bench beneath the shade of the trees and unpacked the second half of my feast. The gentle sound of the river flowing nearby and the chorus of birdsong overhead created a relaxing atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful day exploring some of Sligo’s hidden gems.
One of the things I love most about the Sligo Picnic initiative is that it encourages you to slow down and discover places you might otherwise pass by. Whether you choose a sandy beach, a dramatic coastal viewpoint, a forest walk or a peaceful riverside park, you can create your own unique experience while enjoying fantastic local food.
My thanks to Visit Sligo for the invitation. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience another side of County Sligo, and I can highly recommend adding The Ocean Sands Hotel picnic to your next day out in Enniscrone.
 The Ocean Sands Picnic is available everyday – order before 5pm the evening prior, and collect your picnic between 11am-1pm. Gluten Free allergies are catered for, please inform the hotel at the time of booking. Email Manager@theoceansandshotel.ie Or call 096 26 700 to order yours.
Check out the Sligo Food Trail picnics here: https://sligofoodtrail.ie/plan-your-visit/sligo-picnic/
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