Sligo's Birding Sites:
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(12) Enniscrone
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Where
Enniscrone lies about 60 kilometres west of Sligo town
When
Between October and April
Introduction
Enniscrone is a large village in west County Sligo lying on the eastern shore of Killala Bay, which forms the border with County Mayo. A sandspit extends westwards from the village into the estuary of the River Moy.
Birds
Lying on the eastern edge of Killala Bay, Enniscrone is a good place from which to scan this bay. Red-throated & Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Razorbill, Black and Common Guillemot can be found here in winter. Careful searching may reveal the presence of rarer birds, such as Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe or even possibly a Surf Scoter. A few Oystercatcher and Sanderling can be found on the sandy beach, while Turnstone feed on the seaweed-covered rocks near the harbour.
Although not in County Sligo, nearby Kilcummin Head has become recognised in the last few years as being one of the best seawatching sites in Ireland, if not Europe. During August and September, Manx, Sooty & Great Shearwaters, European & Leach’s Storm Petrels, as well as all four European Skuas and Sabine’s Gulls have regularly been seen. The best conditions for seawatching are in the course of north-westerly winds. In September 2004, a Black-browed Albatross was seen from here, an indication of the potential of this site.
Access by Car
Enniscrone is reached by taking the N4 from Sligo town to Ballysadare and the N59 towards Ballina from there. In Dromore West, take the R297 to get to Enniscrone. In the village, take a right turn to reach the harbour from which the bay is best scanned.
To get to Kilcummin Head, continue into Ballina and take the R314 towards Killala and Ballycastle from there. Continue past Killala for another 4 kilometres, taking a right hand turn (not obvious!) just after crossing a stone bridge. Follow this road for around 5 kilometres, taking a right hand at the third intersection after the R 314. Follow this road for another 3 kilometres, parking by the pier. Walk straight along the road for 500 metres, taking the second left turn. On this small road, take the first left to reach Kilcummin Head. Alternatively, this could be driven, but be aware that the road to Kilcummin is in very poor condition.
Access by Public Transport
There is a regular bus service to Enniscrone. On weekdays, there are two bus services to Kilcummin village, but it is best to contact Bus Eireann on the days of service.
Maps and Photos
Enniscrone and Kilcummin Head are covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 24. John the Map provides a good map of Enniscrone village.
Enniscrone lies about 60 kilometres west of Sligo town
When
Between October and April
Introduction
Enniscrone is a large village in west County Sligo lying on the eastern shore of Killala Bay, which forms the border with County Mayo. A sandspit extends westwards from the village into the estuary of the River Moy.
Birds
Lying on the eastern edge of Killala Bay, Enniscrone is a good place from which to scan this bay. Red-throated & Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Razorbill, Black and Common Guillemot can be found here in winter. Careful searching may reveal the presence of rarer birds, such as Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe or even possibly a Surf Scoter. A few Oystercatcher and Sanderling can be found on the sandy beach, while Turnstone feed on the seaweed-covered rocks near the harbour.
Although not in County Sligo, nearby Kilcummin Head has become recognised in the last few years as being one of the best seawatching sites in Ireland, if not Europe. During August and September, Manx, Sooty & Great Shearwaters, European & Leach’s Storm Petrels, as well as all four European Skuas and Sabine’s Gulls have regularly been seen. The best conditions for seawatching are in the course of north-westerly winds. In September 2004, a Black-browed Albatross was seen from here, an indication of the potential of this site.
Access by Car
Enniscrone is reached by taking the N4 from Sligo town to Ballysadare and the N59 towards Ballina from there. In Dromore West, take the R297 to get to Enniscrone. In the village, take a right turn to reach the harbour from which the bay is best scanned.
To get to Kilcummin Head, continue into Ballina and take the R314 towards Killala and Ballycastle from there. Continue past Killala for another 4 kilometres, taking a right hand turn (not obvious!) just after crossing a stone bridge. Follow this road for around 5 kilometres, taking a right hand at the third intersection after the R 314. Follow this road for another 3 kilometres, parking by the pier. Walk straight along the road for 500 metres, taking the second left turn. On this small road, take the first left to reach Kilcummin Head. Alternatively, this could be driven, but be aware that the road to Kilcummin is in very poor condition.
Access by Public Transport
There is a regular bus service to Enniscrone. On weekdays, there are two bus services to Kilcummin village, but it is best to contact Bus Eireann on the days of service.
Maps and Photos
Enniscrone and Kilcummin Head are covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 24. John the Map provides a good map of Enniscrone village.