Jog with your dog, bound with your hound or SUP with your pup! Wild Atlantic Wag - Enniscrone’s dog friendly festival

Jog with your dog, bound with your hound or SUP with your pup

Wild Atlantic Wag - Enniscrone’s dog friendly festival

Pic: Trevor Henry

The Wild Atlantic Wag is a festival like no other - it’s a weekend of dog centred fun and activities in the Sligo seaside village of Enniscrone on Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th September 2021. The festival centres around a beach canicross race on Sunday and includes SUP with your pup, a fun dog show, dog themed murder mystery tour, dog themed sandcastle competition and lots more. The event is run in aid of the RNLI in Sligo. 

Event organiser Karen O’Connor is a dog trainer and behaviour consultant, with a passion for canine fitness. “The inspiration behind the Wild Atlantic Wag festival was to get dogs, and their people, active and having fun”, Karen explains, “There are so many activities you can do with your dog and Enniscrone is just the ideal location for most of them. The whole point of the weekend is for dogs and their owners to be outside having fun and also to promote responsible dog ownership”. 

Canicross is a recognised sport consisting of cross country running with a dog attached to you using a hip belt, bungee lead and appropriate harness for the dog. The Wild Atlantic Wag version is on the long, sandy beach at Enniscrone starting at 10am. Some of the country's top canicrossers, who will be representing Ireland at the world championships in April will be taking part. 

Pic: Trevor Henry

There are three distances - 5km, 3km and 1.5km for juniors (under 12). This event is chip timed so prior registration is essential. All entrants will get a goody bag including a bespoke medal, dog treat and specially designed WAG socks. Canicross equipment is recommended but isn’t essential. Some equipment will be available to borrow on the day. Otherwise, you can take part with a handheld lead and collar but no prong collars, choke chains or retractable leads are allowed. 

The run will be followed by a pet themed sand art competition and fun Dog Show and K9 Olympics. Events include dog-and-owner races such as an egg and spoon race with a twist - the lead must be held in the same hand as the spoon, and categories such as Best Sausage Catcher for the dogs.

The fun dog show starts at 1pm in The Hollow behind the beach. The classes are a little out of the ordinary with categories including, ‘Waggiest Tail’, ‘Best Mixed Breed’, ‘Best Trick’, ‘Fancy Dress’ and ‘Looks Most Like Their Owner’. 

On Saturday, SUP with your pup is the order of the day where dogs and their owners try stand up paddleboarding at Enniscrone Pier with Harbour SUP. Buoyancy aids are essential for both - a limited number of dog life jackets will be available on the day. Sessions must be pre-booked; the first is at 2pm and a second will take place if there is sufficient demand.

Everyone is invited to take part in a murder mystery walk around the village at any point over the weekend. A notorious puppy farmer has been found murdered in Enniscrone, after the pedigree puppies he sold turned out to be mutts. Find the clues around the village to work out who committed the dastardly act and what they used Just get a map and follow the clues to solve the mystery and a tasty ice cream treat at Maple Moose. 

According to Discover Enniscrone, dog friendly accommodation is available in Enniscrone at the Ocean Sands Hotel and several other establishments. Their website www.discoverenniscrone.com    will help in planning a visit to Enniscrone. Full details of the Wild Atlantic Wag festival are available on Facebook (@tailsandtrailsireland). Early booking is recommended.

Discover Enniscrone – safe, sandy and so much to do New “Seaside Summer” video

Discover Enniscrone – safe, sandy and so much to do

New “Seaside Summer” video

Discover Enniscrone’s new video, “Seaside Summer”, launched during the week, highlights the wonderful variety of water-based activities in the popular Wild Atlantic Way resort. The star attraction is of course the 5 kilometre, safe sandy beach, proudly waving its Blue Flag. Enniscrone stands out from the crowd as everything is available right on the spot – just park up the car and see how many beach pursuits you can fit into the day. Families, friends or couples will find just what they need for a fun-filled day on the beach taking full advantage of those wide open spaces.

Here are ten of the best activities to try your hand at:

Surfs up

Bring your own board or take your pick of excellent surf schools who will supply everything you need – boards, wetsuits and tuition. The waves are long, constant and pretty perfect really. Surf camps run all summer for mini-surfers. See if you can keep up with the kids.

www.nwsurfschool.com

www.surfsligo.com

Bring your bodyboard

If struggling to stand up on a full size surf board isn’t for you, then bodyboarding is just the ticket. Minimum skill required and maximum fun guaranteed. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will.

What’s SUP mate?

Stand Up Paddle boarding, or SUPping, is fun, fun, fun and there’s a good chance you’ll stay dry in the process. It’s easy to learn and so rewarding as you gain a whole new perspective on land and sea. SUPs are available for hire from several companies who will also give tuition or bring you on awatery adventure tour.

www.harboursupsail.com

www.surfsligo.com

Happy paddlers

Sit on kayaks are safe, easy to manoeuvre and a fantastic way to explore as you paddle along. Hire kayaks to take a guided magical mystery tour. Glide over the water and get the thrill of surfing those waves.

www.paddleandpedal.ie

www.surfsligo.com

Gone fishing

Cast from The Pier or book a spot on The Leah, Donal Kennedy’s sea angling boat and head for deeper waters. Either way, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as catching your own supper – and there’s nothing as delicious as eating it! You might even spot a pod of dolphins showing off their aerial acrobatics.

www.dkennedyangling.net

Take a leap of faith

Are you brave enough to try pier jumping? It’s been a rite of passage for generations of holidaymakers in Enniscrone and it’s lost none of its appeal over the years. For an adrenalin-rush like no other, give it a go this summer.

A dip in the beautiful briny

The safe golden sands of Enniscrone have some of the most inviting waters in the country for swimmers. From tots to octogenarians, every generation is represented here, enjoying a dip or doing some serious strokes. Just stay between the lifeguard flags.

Fly your kite

The high-octane sport of kite-surfing has seen a surge of popularity over the past few years. You do need to bring your own kite-surfer, as rental isn’t currently available.

Canter on the sands

If your dream is cantering through the shallow waters with your horse’s mane streaming in the wind

– Enniscrone is where dreams come true. Iceford Stables run beach treks which are the stuff of memories.

www.icefordstables.com

Golf … crazy or not

Enniscrone has golf at both ends of the spectrum – there’s crazy golf for the little ones and the world-famous links course for the golfer looking for a real challenge. We’ve cheated a little – you will have to drive to Enniscrone Golf Course, but the links course does come all the way down to thebeach. The crazy golf is right by the car park so it couldn’t be more convenient.

www.enniscronegolf.com

www.facebook.com/EnniscronePlayground

That’s not all Enniscrone has to offer – there’s, a playground, and award winning ice cream for a well-earned treat. How about yoga on the beach followed by a luxurious soak at Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths at The Pier, the finest Edwardian baths you’ll find anywhere.

www.kilcullenseaweedbaths.net

www.westcoastwellness.ie

Enniscrone really is all that’s best in a traditional holiday resort.

Enniscrone's marketing campaign is funded by the Department of Community and RuralDevelopment, Sligo County Council and Enniscrone & District Community Council.

#DiscoverEnniscrone www.discoverenniscrone.com

See the new video on Facebook www.facebook.com/discoverenniscrone

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign. Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space

media release

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign
Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space
“Discover Enniscrone and make it yours” is the title of the dynamic new marketing campaign launched by international soccer, Gaelic football and Aussie Rules star Sarah Rowe, in the Ocean Sands Hotel on Friday 21 August 2020 for the Discover Enniscrone marketing group. Including a series of videos, photography shoots, a brochure and updated website, the campaign highlights this idyllic Wild Atlantic Way holiday destination. The nostalgic holiday memories of many extended families can become reality for many more today as COVID19 constrains travel abroad. Enniscrone is most definitely open for business and well equipped for the visitor’s every need. 

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Rowe revealed her strong attachment to the seaside town, saying, “Enniscrone is a paradise for me. It’s a place where people can immediately feel relaxed and leave their cares behind, surrounded by its natural beauty and the glorious beach. I have so many fond memories of holidays and days out there. It will always be a special place to me. I wish Discover Enniscrone every success in their marketing campaign and attracting new people to experience this for themselves.”

With its flagship sandy beach stretching for 5km, space is not an issue in the scenic seaside Sligo town. Add in a championship golf links, historic seaweed baths, surfing, supping, horse riding on the beach, cycling and all sorts of children’s activities, and it’s easy to see why Enniscrone is so beloved of family holiday groups. There really is just so much to do for every age and stage from toddlers right up to grannies and grandads. The range of accommodation is comprehensive, suiting every pocket with hotels, guesthouses, b&bs and campsite. An excellent food offering including award-winning restaurants like Gilroys and The Pilot Bar, and as befits a seaside town, the world’s best gelato from Gelati, completes the package. 

The Discover Enniscrone committee chairperson Mary Clarke of the Diamond Coast Hotel commented, “We are very proud of our village here in Enniscrone and to have witnessed the growth of the village and its amenities over the years has been wonderful.  Along with the natural resources here in the village we have also become a hub for water-based activities, supping, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, etc. and the addition of the costal walk has truly enhanced Enniscrone and provides activities for all age groups”.

Sarah Rowe (centre) with (l-r): Eva Costello (Fáilte Ireland), Mary Clark (Discover Enniscrone), Cllr. Dara Mulvey and Mikee Hamilton (Harbour SUP & Sail). Photo Credit: Steve Rogers

Traditionally Enniscrone has attracted holidaymakers from Northern Ireland as well as all across the rest of Ireland. Many are loyal to Enniscrone, recalling childhood and teenage memories of the seaside, and bringing their own families back to enjoy the simple things that make holidays perfect. A pristine, sandy beach safe for bathing and perfect for sandcastles never goes out of fashion with children of any age. Clear water and consistent waves make it a paradise for watersports and adventure enthusiasts. Enniscrone is a place to reconnect with family and friends – and also to connect with yourself. It’s an idyllic holiday choice for young and old, friends, families or groups. 

The first of Discover Enniscrone’s videos has just gone live on www.discoverenniscrone.com. It highlights three generations of a family, spoilt for choice in Enniscrone as they choose activities to fill their day. Surfing, sandcastles, beach walks, golf (including crazy golf) and Kilcullen’s Edwardian seaweed baths all feature along with some delicious food and drink. There’s no exaggeration needed – Enniscrone really is that perfect for inter-generational holidaymakers. Everything is close at hand in Enniscrone too; just park up the car and leave all your cares behind. 

Enniscrone's new marketing campaign is funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Islands and Sligo County Council
#DiscoverEnniscrone

http://www.discoverenniscrone.com
https://www.facebook.com/discoverenniscrone/
https://twitter.com/Dis_Enniscrone
https://www.instagram.com/enniscronesligo/