Enniscrone is a small seaside town on the north Sligo coast, where the River Moy meets the Atlantic, about 20 minutes from Ballina. It’s best known for its beach, but this is far from a one horse town.
Enniscrone is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Sligo (along with Rosses Point, Strandhill and Mullaghmore) and, understandably it leans into its location.
There are endless things to do in Enniscrone throughout the year, but it’s during the warmer months that this Wild Atlantic town really shines.
The best things to do in Enniscrone
Photos via Harbour SUP on FB
The first section of our guide tackles our favourite things to do in Enniscrone, from food and beaches to some of the most popular places to visit in Sligo.
The second section of the guide tackles things to do near Enniscrone (within a reasonable driving distance, that is!)
1. Enniscrone Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Welcome to Enniscrone Beach. It’s this long 5km stretch of golden sand is what makes Enniscrone one of the best summer destinations in Sligo.
The wide beach is backed by active dunes with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the sand. However, heading down for a stroll along the beach is best in the morning or evening to enjoy it at its quietest.
A section of the beach is lifeguarded in the summer months so you can enjoy surfing or swimming in a safe environment. This is one of the best beaches in Sligo for a reason!
2. The seaweed baths
Photos via Shutterstock
For those in search of the more unique things to do in Enniscrone, a seaweed bath is the perfect place to warm up and wind down.
The seaweed baths were established here in 1912, and, as you might have guessed, involves bathing in hot sea water and seaweed.
Now why it might seem a bit odd, the high concentration of vitamins and iodine found in seaweed helps rejuvenate and relax the body.
The bath house is located on Cliff Road, just south of the pier, if you want to book in a session.
Related read: Check out our guide to the best hotels in Enniscrone (with something to suit most budgets)
3. Surfing
Enniscrone Beach is a great spot for beginner and intermediate surfers to have a crack.
There are two well-known surf schools which operate in the summer months to help you catch your first wave or simply improve your skills.
Both North West Surf School and 7th Wave Surf School have qualified instructors to help all ages and levels.
They also offer board and wetsuit hire, so even if you’re a complete novice, Enniscrone is the perfect place to try out this addictive sport.
If you’re looking for things to do in Enniscrone with a group of friends, it’s hard to bate a day spent surfing.
4. Pints in Hopkins
Photos by The Irish Road Trip
Hopkins Bar is easily one of my favourite pubs in Ireland. I’ve been here twice now and the only issue I have with it is that it’s a good 4 hour drive from where I live!
On warm summer days, the outdoor seats fill quickly and rarely free up. On colder winter evenings, the interior feels more like having a drink in someone’s home than sitting in a rural Irish pub.
There’s a lovely little kitchen area out back where you can kick-back with friends in a very unique setting.
Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Enniscrone
5. Stand up paddleboarding
Photos via Harbour SUP on FB
If you want to try another new activity, Enniscrone is perfect to give stand-up paddleboarding or SUP a go.
Harbour SUP and Sailing Club at Enniscrone Pier provide equipment hire and lessons for anyone keen to get out in the water.
It’s great for any age, with staff happy to help the whole family successfully get on their feet. Or if you’re already an expert, you can just rent a board from them for a couple of hours.
This is another handy option for those of you on the lookout for things to do in Enniscrone with a group of friends.
6. Enniscrone Pitch and Putt
Photos via Enniscrone Pitch and Putt on FB
One of the best family activities in Enniscrone is to head to Pitch and Putt on the main street. It’s one of the oldest courses in Ireland, welcoming visitors for generations.
They’re open every day of the week until dark, so you can easily spend hours having a swing. They provide everything including golf clubs, balls, tees and marker cards, so all you need to do is turn up and play.
7. West Coast Sauna by the pier
Photos via Enniscrone on FB
Now, saunas and cold water weren’t something that I’d have had any interest in, until I was roped into trying West Coast Sauna in Enniscrone last May.
Perched beside the pier, it pairs a wood-fired Finnish sauna with wide Atlantic views across Killala Bay.
It’s a simple, well-run setup that lets you move between deep heat and a cold sea plunge, year round, with no fluff.
8. Waterpoint Aqua Park
If the weather’s not great for the beach outside, you might want to head to Waterpoint Aqua Park instead. Located on Pier Road, this water park and sports centre is loads of fun for the whole family.
They have a main pool, kids pool, 65 metre slide, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Whether you want to relax in the health suite or get active in the pool, it’s the perfect place for those wet weather days outdoors.
This is a handy option for those of you looking for things to do in Enniscrone with kids (especially on those dreaded rainy days!).
Things to do near Enniscrone
One of the beauties of Enniscrone is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best things to do in Mayo, in particular.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Enniscrone (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).
1. Belleek Woods
Photos courtesy Anne-Marie Flynn via Ireland’s Content Pool
Just a short drive to the south of Enniscrone, Belleek Woods is one of the largest urban forests in Europe. The quiet woodland stretches for 6 miles near Ballina, County Mayo with plenty of options for visitors to do.
You can walk, run or cycle on any of the trails, while checking out some of the historical features of the place and unique flora and fauna.
This is one of our favourite things to do near Enniscrone for good reason – the woods are home to beautiful flowers and wildlife including foxes, hares, red squirrels, ducks and robins.
2. Belleek Castle
Photos via Belleek Castle on FB
Tucked inside the Belleek Woods is Belleek Castle – the beautiful ancestral home of the Earl of Arran. This historical castle is stunning with rich décor and antiquities including arms and armour and fossils.
The castle is a popular backdrop for events and weddings, and is also home to Jack Fenn’s Café and Bistro. This award-winning restaurant is situated in the original courtyard and serves up some of the highest quality and locally sourced produce.
Whether you stop in for lunch or just a coffee, it’s an unforgettable culinary experience just 20 minutes away from Enniscrone. There’s plenty of things to do in Ballina when you’re finished.
3. Moyne Abbey
Photos via Shutterstock
Just a 30-minute drive away form Enniscrone, Moyne Abbey is one of the most important ecclesiastical ruins in Ireland. The abbey was founded in 1460 and was one of the main houses of study for young Franciscans.
While now in ruin, the late gothic foundation is still in relatively good condition including a square tower, chapel, and 16th century graffiti. While it’s not an easy place to find with limited signage, it’s an incredible place to visit and is worth the drive just off the R314 north of Ballina.
4. Downpatrick Head
Photos via Shutterstock
A further 20 minutes north from Moyne Abbey, a drive to Downpatrick Head is spectacular and worth your time. The peninsula offers incredible views across to massive sea stacks and islands out in the ocean.
It’s also the site of a former church founded by St Patrick and you’ll find a holy well and stone cross. You might even be able to spot some unique sea birds around the area, including puffins, kittiwakes and cormorants.
5. And then soak up some history at the Ceide Fields
Photo left and bottom right: Michael Mc Laughlin. Top right: Alison Crummy. Via Failte Ireland
Further along the coast, you can soak up the history at the Ceide Fields. A visit here should tickle the fancy of history lovers looking for things to do near Enniscrone.
The bogland reserve is marked by Stone Age dwellings, walls and tombs. It’s remarkably known as the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world dating back 6000 years.
You can explore the incredible area overlooking the coastline and visit the Visitors Centre nearby which details the history of the site.
6. Strandhill
In the other direction, Strandhill is a popular seaside town just west of Sligo town. It’s well-known for its beach which is a great surfing spot on the coast for beginners and more intermediate surfers.
There’s plenty of things to do in Strandhill, from the Knocknarea walk and Coney Island to Strandhill Beach and more.
Places to visit in Enniscrone: What have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places to visit in Enniscrone in the guide above.
If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.