Enniscrone In Sligo: Things To Do, Accommodation, Food + Pubs

If you’re debating staying in Enniscrone in Sligo, you’ve landed in the right place.

A beautiful golden sand beach and stunning sunsets are what Enniscrone in Sligo is known for. It’s no surprise that this coastal town on the Wild Atlantic Way is a popular summer resort destination.

The incredible 5km stretch of beach, lively atmosphere with great restaurants and pubs and plenty of things to do in the surrounding area, make it the perfect place to head for a weekend away in Sligo.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from things to do in Enniscrone in Sligo to where to eat, sleep and drink.

Some quick need-to-knows about Enniscrone in Sligo

Although a visit to Enniscrone in Sligo is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Enniscrone sits on the eastern side of Killala Bay on the north west coast of Ireland. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s just 45-minutes’ drive west of Sligo town.

2. A lively little town

Enniscrone is a lively place, attracting a range of visitors from surfers to families and everyone in between. The town has a great atmosphere during the summer, with lively pubs and restaurants and plenty of things to do in and around the area.

3. A fine base for exploring

While the beach in Enniscrone is the star attraction, there are plenty of things to do around the town which make it a good base from which to explore the coast. Within an hour’s drive, you can reach Belleek Woods and Castle, Moyne Abbey, Downpatrick Head and Strandhill, plus much more.

About Enniscrone

Enniscrone is known for its 5km stretch of golden sand running along the coast. In fact, the name, Enniscrone is thought to derive from the Irish meaning “the island on the sandbank in the river”.

From the late 19th century and early 20th century, a number of bathhouses were built on the coast which marked the emergence of the place as a popular seaside resort.

You can still visit one of these original bathhouses offering relaxing seaweed baths today.

The small town only has a population of just over 1,000, although in summer this swells with all the visitors looking to spend time at Enniscrone Beach and in the lively pubs and restaurants in town. 

The coast in Enniscrone is made up of active sand dunes and long coastal grass, which is fragile to environmental damage.

However, the beach still maintains a Blue Flag status with dune restoration works done throughout the year. 

Things to do in Enniscrone in Sligo

As you’ll discover in our guide to the best things to do in Enniscrone, there are a handful of things to do in the town and an endless number of things to do neaby.

Below, you’ll find everything from hikes and walks to the brilliant Enniscrone Beach and some indoor attractions to pitch and putt and lots more.

1. Enniscrone Beach

Everyone wants to hit the beach in Enniscrone! The long 5km stretch of golden sand is what attracts the crowds in summer, but there’s plenty of sand for everyone to enjoy.

A section of the beach is lifeguarded in the warmer months too, so you can enjoy surfing and swimming in a safe environment. 

However, surfing is a popular activity throughout the year, with Enniscrone known as one of the best places for beginners.

2. Enniscrone Pitch and Putt

One of the best family-friendly things to do in Enniscrone is to head to the Pitch and Putt.

Located on the main street in town, it’s known as one of the oldest courses in Ireland.

They’re open every day of the week, so you’ll be able to enjoy a round at any time.

You don’t have to worry about any gear either, as they provide golf clubs, balls, tees and marker cards for your game. 

3. Surfing

Enniscrone has a reputation for being one of the best surfing spots on the west coast.

The consistent but relatively gentle waves at the beach make it perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. 

There are a couple of surf schools in town as well (7th Wave and NW Surf School), where you can take lessons or avail of board and wetsuit hire.

4. Loads more to see and do

If you’re staying in Enniscrone for some time, there’s loads more to see and do in and around town. And you’ll find some of the best things to do in Sligo a short spin away.

From heading to the old bathhouse or taking the kids to Waterpoint Aqua Park, you can easily spend an entire weekend in Enniscrone.

You can find more things to do in Enniscrone and the surrounding area in our guide here.

Accommodation in Enniscrone

Although we go into where to stay in more detail in our guide to the best hotels in Enniscrone, I’ll give you a taste of what’s on offer below.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Diamond Coast Hotel

As one of the best places to stay in Enniscrone, this hotel is perfectly located so you can enjoy the highlights of the area. Diamond Coast Hotel overlooks the championship golf course and is just within a short walk from the beach. 

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Fortview Bed and Brekafast

For something a little different, this bed and breakfast is located on a working farm just outside of town. It’s the perfect place for a couple’s weekend away, with comfortable double rooms and en-suite bathrooms.

Check prices + see more photos here

Restaurants in Enniscrone

Although we’ve covered the best restaurants in Enniscrone a lot in the past, I’ll give you a taste (terrible pub intended…) of what to expect if you’re visiting the town.

Gilroy’s Bar and Ait Eile Restaurant

A favorite for its locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and creamy pints of Guinness, making it ideal for a memorable dining experience and a drink.

The Pilot Bar

Known for its delicious pub grub, including seafood chowder and pizzas, this gastropub offers great food and an inviting atmosphere.

Spicy Affair Indian Restaurant

A top spot for South Asian cuisine with a range of curries, biryanis, and seafood dishes, catering to both spice lovers and those preferring milder flavors.

Pubs in Enniscrone

There’s are some brilliant pubs in Enniscrone, many of which could go toe-to-toe with some of the better-known pubs in Sligo. Here are our favourites.

1. Gilroy’s Bar

The town’s iconic pub, Gilroy’s is one of the best places to head for a pint in Enniscrone. The classic Irish pub is located on the main street in town and is buzzing almost every night of the week. 

2. Hopkins Bar

This old school pub is an underrated gem in Enniscrone. It has a cosy wood fire, very traditional pub vibe and no distracting TV, making it the perfect place to head for a chat with your mates. 

3. The Pilot Bar

This trendy gastropub on main street is another local favourite for a drink and a meal. From popular pub grub to gourmet pizza, they have a reputation for high quality food all served by friendly and welcoming staff.

4. McNulty’s Pub

Described as one of the friendliest pubs in Enniscrone, McNulty’s is known for its great service. Located on main street, it’s a convenient pub to go for a drink and a meal in town whether you’re with some friends or your partner.