A Guide Enniscrone Beach In Sligo (Parking, Swimming + Handy Info)

If you’re looking for things to do in Enniscrone, you can’t go wrong with a coffee and a saunter along Enniscrone Beach.

This incredible stretch of golden sand is one of the safest (caution is always needed when entering the water, though!) and cleanest beaches on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Located in, unsurprisingly enough, Enniscrone, the beach here draws the summer crowds who come for swimming, surfing and to relax on the sand.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from swimming on Enniscrone Beach to where to grab some parking nearby.

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Enniscrone Beach in Sligo

Although a visit to Enniscrone Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

1. Location

Enniscrone Beach stretches for 5km along the north west coast of Ireland in County Sligo. It’s on the eastern side of Killala Bay, just in front of the coastal town of Enniscrone, which is a 45-minute drive west of Sligo Town.

2. Parking (and potential mayhem!)

There’s a large parking area right next to Enniscrone Beach, which is handy. however, be warned that during the summer months, and especially on the warmer weekends, it gets very busy. You should either aim to arrive very early or be willing to find parking elsewhere and walk.

3. Swimming

There are lifeguards present at Enniscrone Beach during the summer months only, from the morning until evening, 7 days a week. They only watch over the most popular part of the beach in front of town, so stick to this area if you want to head out swimming.

About Enniscrone Beach

Enniscrone Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sligo and it’s one of the best-known blue flag beaches on the west coast of Ireland. The incredible golden beach and active sand dunes stretch for 5km along the coast and are rich with marine flora and fauna.

The beach is popular during the summer months for a range of activities, particularly surfing, horseback riding and swimming. It’s generally considered a safe beach, although lifeguards are present in summer to patrol the water.

Its proximity to the lively seaside town of the same name, makes it a popular holiday destination. There are plenty of great restaurants in Enniscrone along with lots of pubs and shops.

There are also several hotels in Enniscrone for those of you that fancy spending a weekend on the coast or those day tripping from Sligo.

Surfing on Enniscrone Beach

Enniscrone is one of the most popular places to go surfing in Ireland, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers. The safe and enjoyable waves in the bay make it perfect for those trying to catch their first waves.

There are a couple of surf schools which offer lessons and board hire for anyone wanting to give it a crack. Depending on the swell, the beach can see some pretty nice breaks, although it rarely gets too wild for beginners.

Enniscrone Surf Schools

If you’re a complete beginner and you want to try surfing in Enniscrone, you’re in luck – there are several surf schools operating at the beach.

North West Surf School

Established in 2006, North West Surf School has qualified instructors to help surf novices get on their feet. They offer surf lessons for beginners, as well as board and wetsuit hire, and summer camps for kids 8 years and above.

They can also organise group lessons for parties, tours, scouts and stags or hens. They’re open all year round with lessons available depending on the conditions.

7th Wave Surf School

7th Wave has over a decade of experience teaching a range of ages and abilities how to surf. They are approved with the Irish Surfing Association and have fully qualified and passionate instructors who keen to help both beginners and intermediate surfers improve their skills.

They offer lessons, surf camps, and board and wetsuit hire, as well as group lessons for clubs, schools and other parties.

Things to do near Enniscrone Beach

One of the beauties of Enniscrone Beach is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best places to visit in Sligo.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the beach (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Food in Enniscrone Town

Enniscrone has loads of great places to get a feed and a pint. An all-time favourite is Gilroy’s Bar and Ait Eile Restaurant. This traditional Irish pub and popular restaurant is an Enniscrone icon with fantastic fresh seafood on offer. Discover more places to eat in our Enniscrone food guide.

2. Explore Enniscrone and the area around it

If you’re looking to relax indoors, you can head to the famous Seaweed Baths which have been on the coast since 1912. Or, if you’ve got the whole family in tow, you can try the Pitch and Putt or Waterpoint Aqua Park for some more fun. Discover more in our guide to the best things to do in Enniscrone.

3. Venture to Mayo

Enniscrone Beach is a handy spin from some of the most popular places to visit in Mayo, like with Belleek Woods and Belleek Castle (20-minute drive), Moyne Abbey (30-minute drive) and Downpatrick Head (50-minute drive).

3. Spend the night in town

It’s definitely worth spending a night in this pretty town. If you’re keen to book a weekend away, Enniscrone has plenty of accommodation to choose from including hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes. Discover some great places to stay in Enniscrone accommodation guide.

FAQs about visiting Enniscrone Beach in Sligo

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Enniscrone Beach to what to see nearby.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How long is the beach in Enniscrone?

It stretches for around 5km, which makes it the perfect place for a nice, leisurely ramble.

Is Enniscrone Beach Safe?

Yes, but only when you practice water safety. Keep in mind that there are lifeguards present during the summer months only.

How far is Enniscrone from Sligo Town?

It’s around 52km away, which should take you about 40 minutes to drive.