Mayo is blessed with the longest coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way, and with loads of great rivers, lakes and waterways to explore. The rugged scenery and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean make Mayo North the perfect place for lovers of water sports and staying at the Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club with its perfect position on the Wild Atlantic Way and close proximity to the shores of Lough Conn make it the ideal base to try some water based activities. Have a look below, there are plenty of options for the water sports enthusiasts...
Surf the Wild Atlantic Waves
North Mayo is one of several surfing hot spots along the Wild Atlantic Way with waves that welcome the amateur surfer as well as the experts and acts as a fantastic gateway to several of the area’s most popular surfing locations.
Only a 10 minute drive away, Enniscrone is a town that has in recent years built up a strong reputation as a surfing destination for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Kilcummin Pier is a popular point for experienced surfers, and also within reach is the beautiful surfing village of Easkey, Co. Sligo which has a worldwide reputation.
Easkey has two fantastic reef breaks and in 1979 hosted the Pro/Am Surfing World Championships. The location was also listed as “one of the places a travelling surfer has to visit” in Surfer Magazine, the biggest surfing publication in the world.
Give 'Surf' a go with 7th Wave Surf School in Enniscrone or try Wavesweeper Sea Adventures in Belmullet!
Explore the Waterways by Paddleboard
Stand-up paddle boarding is a fast-growing sport which combines a surfboard and a long one-handed paddle. It’s a traditional Hawaiian sport which promotes balance, strength and general fitness. It’s excellent for surfers and non-surfers alike and a fantastic way to explore the stunning natural landscapes of North Mayo from a different angle.
North Mayo has a number of dedicated stand-up paddle boarding groups and companies that are equipped with everything you need to get into this unique water activity.
Try Harbour SUP, Simply SUP, Wavesweeper Sea Adventures or More To Life Adventures to book your lesson or tour!
Super Scuba and Snorkel Diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling allows you to experience the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and unlock a myriad of treasures that lay below. Dún Briste sea stack in Ballycastle, Benaderren Head, Horse Island, Lacken Pier, Benwee Head, Kilcummin Pier and The Stags of Broadhaven all host a number of superb diving locations with vast geological features such as splits, gullies, ridges and caves that have been carved into the rugged cliffs.
Also on offer is a diverse array of sea and plant life including Devon cup coral at Benwee Head and the most spectacular display of jewel anemones at the Stags of Broadhaven. The area hosts a number of diving classes for all ages.
Make sure to check out the Gráinne Úaile Sub Aqua Club for more information.
Kick-off into Kayaking
One of our favourite water activities in North Mayo is kayaking along the world-renowned river Moy in Ballina with the town’s iconic cathedral as your backdrop. Witness the serene beauty at Killala Bay and look out for the exceptional marine life on the way. There are also a number of fantastic lakes with breathtaking vistas, including Lough Conn and Lough Cullin. Take to the seas on specialist tours and explore the rugged coastline at Ballycastle in a sea kayaking experience to remember. Visit Paddle and pedal to book your kayaking tour.
Wild Sea Swimming
North Mayo and West Sligo are blessed with some incredible and safe sea swimming spots. Try the following – but make sure to take the necessary precautions:
Belmullet Tidal Pool
Ross Strand near Killala
Portacloy Beach
