Enniscrone Beach
Ireland: Excellent water quality
Enniscrone Beach is located at the town of Enniscrone in west County Sligo, 13km from Ballina and 48km from Sligo town off the R297. This resort beach stretches for 5km of fine sand backed by dunes that support diverse plant and animal life. Cars can…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Enniscrone Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Enniscrone Beach?
Enniscrone Beach is located at the town of Enniscrone in west County Sligo, 13km from Ballina and 48km from Sligo town off the R297. This resort beach stretches for 5km of fine sand backed by dunes that support diverse plant and animal life. Cars can drive onto the beach. During the bathing season, lifeguards patrol a portion of the beach, check the information noticeboard at the entrance for patrol times.
It is part of a wider group of Blue Flag certified beaches across Ireland that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Enniscrone Beach faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Jul | 15°C | 12°C | High |
| Aug | 15°C | 12°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Enniscrone Beach is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 15.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 12.1°C in July.
How crowded does Enniscrone Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Enniscrone Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Enniscrone Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-06 – 15-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Enniscrone Beach
Is Enniscrone Beach safe to swim?Enniscrone Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Enniscrone Beach?Peak water temperature at Enniscrone Beach reaches around 12.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.4°C.
What is the beach like at Enniscrone Beach?Enniscrone Beach is a sandy beach of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Enniscrone Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Enniscrone Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Enniscrone Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Enniscrone Beach
How do I get to Enniscrone Beach by car?Enniscrone Beach is located in Ireland. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Enniscrone Beach?The nearest airport is Sligo Airport (SXL) (SXL), approximately 33.3 km away.
Can I get to Enniscrone Beach by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ireland.
Nearby
Near Enniscrone Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Enniscrone Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Enniscrone Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 238 m
Bus near Enniscrone Beach
- Bus stop Bus stop 414 m
Cafés near Enniscrone Beach
- Traceys Cafe Café 261 m
- Coastal Gourmet Restaurant 342 m
- gelati Ice cream 346 m
- Pizzeria Restaurant 350 m
- Spicy Affair Indian Restaurant 488 m
Parking near Enniscrone Beach
- Parking Parking 166 m
- Parking Parking 195 m
- Parking Parking 243 m
- Parking Parking 247 m
- Parking Parking 335 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✓ Accessible site facilities |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jun – 15 Sep |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 54.2137°N, 9.0982°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Enniscrone Beach FAQ
Is Enniscrone Beach suitable for children?
Enniscrone Beach has a child-friendly score of 6/10. Facilities include lifeguards and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Enniscrone Beach free to access?
Access to Enniscrone Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Enniscrone Beach?
The best time to visit Enniscrone Beach is June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 12.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Enniscrone Beach?
Enniscrone Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Enniscrone Beach?
Enniscrone Beach is located in Ireland. The nearest airport is Sligo Airport (SXL) (SXL), 33.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Enniscrone Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Enniscrone Beach, including 238 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Enniscrone Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 414 m from Enniscrone Beach (Bus stop). Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Enniscrone Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Enniscrone Beach, including Traceys Cafe (261 m), Coastal Gourmet (342 m), gelati (346 m), and Pizzeria (350 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Enniscrone Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 166 m from Enniscrone Beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore IrelandWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Enniscrone Beach
- An Taisce - Blue Flag
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.