It’s a Dogs Life in Enniscrone

Enniscrone was home to the third annual Wild Atlantic Wag festival on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th of September. Organised by Tails & Trails’ Karen O’Connor, dog lovers from around Ireland came to Enniscrones shores to take part in doggy events spanning the whole weekend. From SUPping pups to canine competitions, the weekend was jam packed with dog friendly fun.

On Saturday, the pooches took to the Atlantic along with their owners for a SUP session with Harbour SUP & Sail. Beginning at the pier and taking in a tour of the shoreline, the doggies got to enjoy views of Nephin mountain while their owners paddled and took in the views themselves.

All images were taken by Trevor Henry Photography who also took part in the SUPping event.

Sunday marked the Wild Atlantic Wag 5km, 3km & 1.5km walk / run in aid of the RNLI. From huskies to terriers, Frenchies’ to greyhounds’ doggies of all kinds took part in the races. Some pulled their owners along through the sand with gusto while others needed a little more persuasion. Grown-ups and children alike took part in the walk / run, accompanied by their four-legged friends. Participants received goodie bags filled with doggy treats and the much-coveted Irish Sock Society Wild Atlantic Wag socks.

Next came the sandcastle building competition. The doggies helped too, digging and kicking sand to help their families along. The winners were the Rolsten family who aptly created a floppy eared dog. The winners received medals created from recycled plastics and sand as well as vouchers to the Enniscrone staple – Maple Moose. The Ocean Sands Hotel provided dog friendly accommodation as well as refreshments between events.

Tails wagged nervously for what came next, the dog show. Owners introduced their dogs with their name and breed, walking the perimeter of the show space. The camaraderie between owners was striking, the event was, after all, just good fun. When dogs barked at judges the crowd erupted in laughter. When winners were picked, a round of applause spread across the onlookers and participants. Winners took many shapes and sizes. Large huskies, tiny spaniels, and everything in between.

For those doggies who still had energy – the agility course was next. Dogs weaved through tunnels and leapt over bars guided by their owners. It’s safe to say both owners and pups deserved a rest after the day’s events.

The Wild Atlantic Wag brought dog lovers across the country to Enniscrone for a weekend of dog friendly fun. The Wild Atlantic Wag is already promising to be bigger and better in 2022, with planning already underway.