Arriving at Carrownisky Strand in County Mayo was a last-minute decision. I had almost driven past the rural road leading to this beautiful stretch of coastline, but something told me to stop. Little did I know it would quickly become one of my favourite spots along the Wild Atlantic Way—for so many reasons.
For those who’ve been following my journey over the past month, you’ll know my mission is to uncover the best dog-friendly experiences, destinations, and eateries in this popular region of Ireland to inspire others travelling with pets. After spending a few days at Carrownisky Strand, I can confidently say it’s a paradise for dog lovers. But it doesn’t end there—my time here ended up being life-changing in ways I never even anticipated.
For those who’ve been following my journey over the past month, you’ll know my mission is to uncover the best dog-friendly experiences, destinations, and eateries in this popular region of Ireland to inspire others travelling with pets. After spending a few days at Carrownisky Strand, I can confidently say it’s a paradise for dog lovers. But it doesn’t end there—my time here ended up being life-changing in ways I never even anticipated.
Discovering Carrownisky Beach, Mayo
Located near Louisburgh in County Mayo, Carrownisky Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic Wild Atlantic Way scenery. With views towards Croagh Patrick and Clare Island on a clear day, it is the kind of place that instantly reminds you why Ireland’s coastline is so special. It is also one of the reasons it is so hard to leave - especially if you are in a campervan.
It is also a fantastic spot for beginner surfers, in fact it is one of Mayo's (and the country's) best surf spots. The long sandy beach, manageable waves, and shallow water create the perfect environment for anyone stepping onto a surfboard for the first time.
And for those travelling with dogs, Carrownisky is a fantastic addition to a Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. The wide-open beach provides plenty of space for dogs to explore, making it a place where both humans and their four-legged companions can enjoy the coastline.
While I had noticed that some other beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way allowed dogs only in the morning or evening during the peak summer season, what surprised me most was the complete freedom dogs enjoy at Carrownisky Beach.
Aside from a few signs reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets, there were no rules keeping dogs off the beach. It was refreshing to see, and the sight of dogs frolicking in the sea, living their best lives, made me smile from ear to ear.
Located near Louisburgh in County Mayo, Carrownisky Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic Wild Atlantic Way scenery. With views towards Croagh Patrick and Clare Island on a clear day, it is the kind of place that instantly reminds you why Ireland’s coastline is so special. It is also one of the reasons it is so hard to leave - especially if you are in a campervan.
It is also a fantastic spot for beginner surfers, in fact it is one of Mayo's (and the country's) best surf spots. The long sandy beach, manageable waves, and shallow water create the perfect environment for anyone stepping onto a surfboard for the first time.
And for those travelling with dogs, Carrownisky is a fantastic addition to a Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. The wide-open beach provides plenty of space for dogs to explore, making it a place where both humans and their four-legged companions can enjoy the coastline.
While I had noticed that some other beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way allowed dogs only in the morning or evening during the peak summer season, what surprised me most was the complete freedom dogs enjoy at Carrownisky Beach.
Aside from a few signs reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets, there were no rules keeping dogs off the beach. It was refreshing to see, and the sight of dogs frolicking in the sea, living their best lives, made me smile from ear to ear.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
I have always been drawn to the ocean. After years of travelling the world, living on the road, and chasing new adventures, you would think I would be fearless by now. But there was one thing that still made me nervous: being underwater in the sea, and there is a reason for this.
A few years ago, while visiting Nepal, I had a terrifying experience when my boat capsized during a white-water rafting trip, giving me a deep respect for the power of moving water. Struggling against the fierce rapids that kept me submerged for what felt like hours, I finally managed to cling to a rock and use the last of my strength to climb to safety. From that day on, I was terrified to put myself in a position where I felt out of control in large bodies of water.
When something inside me said it was time to face that fear head-on, I booked my first-ever surf lesson with Surf Mayo, known for their great reputation. I was thrilled, but also incredibly nervous. While others saw it as a fun activity in a stunning location, I wondered—could I truly relax in the waves and actually enjoy myself? What if I fell? Would I panic if my head went underwater? As it turned out, the reality was very different from the fears I had built up in my mind.
I have always been drawn to the ocean. After years of travelling the world, living on the road, and chasing new adventures, you would think I would be fearless by now. But there was one thing that still made me nervous: being underwater in the sea, and there is a reason for this.
A few years ago, while visiting Nepal, I had a terrifying experience when my boat capsized during a white-water rafting trip, giving me a deep respect for the power of moving water. Struggling against the fierce rapids that kept me submerged for what felt like hours, I finally managed to cling to a rock and use the last of my strength to climb to safety. From that day on, I was terrified to put myself in a position where I felt out of control in large bodies of water.
When something inside me said it was time to face that fear head-on, I booked my first-ever surf lesson with Surf Mayo, known for their great reputation. I was thrilled, but also incredibly nervous. While others saw it as a fun activity in a stunning location, I wondered—could I truly relax in the waves and actually enjoy myself? What if I fell? Would I panic if my head went underwater? As it turned out, the reality was very different from the fears I had built up in my mind.
My First Surfing Experience at Carrownisky Strand
Arriving for my surf lesson, I watched other beginners taking to the waves and felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Seeing that the lessons were taking place in relatively shallow water was reassuring. I knew I wasn’t heading straight into deep Atlantic swells—I was learning in a safe environment with experienced instructors.
After getting fitted with a wetsuit and carrying my board down to the beach, it was time to get started. The first challenge was learning the basics: how to paddle, how to position yourself on the board, and how to pop up quickly when a wave approached. Of course, there were plenty of moments where I ended up back in the water.
That’s just part of surfing. Falling off your board, or “wiping out,” happens a lot for beginners. Instead of feeling scared, I laughed and felt relieved to have it happen early on. It wasn’t as bad as I remembered—in fact, it was totally fine. Each time I fell, I climbed back on the board and gave it another go.
The Moment Everything Changed
Then came the moment every beginner surfer waits for. The timing was right. The wave caught the board. The surfboard propelled forward. I pushed myself up, found my balance, and suddenly I was standing.
For a few seconds, everything just clicked, exactly as my instructor Steve had been describing in the lead-up to this moment. The camaraderie within my group was incredible, with each of us shouting “whoo” as someone stood up and caught a wave—a feeling I couldn’t get enough of.
The nervousness disappeared and was replaced by pure excitement and adrenaline. There is something incredibly rewarding about catching your first wave—not because you suddenly become a surfer, but because you realise you are capable of doing something that only hours earlier felt intimidating. It reminded me of the moment I truly grasped how to ride a motorbike with confidence, finally enjoying it fully without the constant worry.
By the end of the lesson, I had managed to stand up three times. Not bad for my first attempt! I left the beach exhausted, exhilarated, and already wondering if I should buy my own surfboard.
Arriving for my surf lesson, I watched other beginners taking to the waves and felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Seeing that the lessons were taking place in relatively shallow water was reassuring. I knew I wasn’t heading straight into deep Atlantic swells—I was learning in a safe environment with experienced instructors.
After getting fitted with a wetsuit and carrying my board down to the beach, it was time to get started. The first challenge was learning the basics: how to paddle, how to position yourself on the board, and how to pop up quickly when a wave approached. Of course, there were plenty of moments where I ended up back in the water.
That’s just part of surfing. Falling off your board, or “wiping out,” happens a lot for beginners. Instead of feeling scared, I laughed and felt relieved to have it happen early on. It wasn’t as bad as I remembered—in fact, it was totally fine. Each time I fell, I climbed back on the board and gave it another go.
The Moment Everything Changed
Then came the moment every beginner surfer waits for. The timing was right. The wave caught the board. The surfboard propelled forward. I pushed myself up, found my balance, and suddenly I was standing.
For a few seconds, everything just clicked, exactly as my instructor Steve had been describing in the lead-up to this moment. The camaraderie within my group was incredible, with each of us shouting “whoo” as someone stood up and caught a wave—a feeling I couldn’t get enough of.
The nervousness disappeared and was replaced by pure excitement and adrenaline. There is something incredibly rewarding about catching your first wave—not because you suddenly become a surfer, but because you realise you are capable of doing something that only hours earlier felt intimidating. It reminded me of the moment I truly grasped how to ride a motorbike with confidence, finally enjoying it fully without the constant worry.
By the end of the lesson, I had managed to stand up three times. Not bad for my first attempt! I left the beach exhausted, exhilarated, and already wondering if I should buy my own surfboard.
Surfing While Travelling With Your Dog
One of the things I love most about exploring Ireland is finding places where both humans and dogs can enjoy the adventure. Travelling with my Labrador, Gimli, has completely changed the way I experience destinations.
Instead of simply looking for the most famous attractions, I search for places where we can slow down, explore, and experience the outdoors together. Carrownisky Strand is exactly the kind of place that fits this style of travel. While I was learning a new skill in the Atlantic, Gimli could enjoy the beach, the fresh sea air, and the freedom of exploring one of Mayo’s beautiful coastal landscapes. What makes it even better is that the beach is campervan friendly, allowing you to park up and enjoy your surroundings with others travelling this route too.
Why Carrownisky Beach Deserves a Spot on Your Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary
Whether you are an experienced surfer, a complete beginner, or simply looking for a stunning dog-friendly beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, Carrownisky is worth adding to your route.
Reasons to visit:
One of the things I love most about exploring Ireland is finding places where both humans and dogs can enjoy the adventure. Travelling with my Labrador, Gimli, has completely changed the way I experience destinations.
Instead of simply looking for the most famous attractions, I search for places where we can slow down, explore, and experience the outdoors together. Carrownisky Strand is exactly the kind of place that fits this style of travel. While I was learning a new skill in the Atlantic, Gimli could enjoy the beach, the fresh sea air, and the freedom of exploring one of Mayo’s beautiful coastal landscapes. What makes it even better is that the beach is campervan friendly, allowing you to park up and enjoy your surroundings with others travelling this route too.
Why Carrownisky Beach Deserves a Spot on Your Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary
Whether you are an experienced surfer, a complete beginner, or simply looking for a stunning dog-friendly beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, Carrownisky is worth adding to your route.
Reasons to visit:
- Beginner-friendly surf conditions
- Very affordable lessons with excellent intructors
- Wide sandy beach for walking and exploring
- Incredible Wild Atlantic Way scenery
- Dog-friendly environment
- Close to Louisburgh, Westport and Clare Island
- A perfect stop for adventure travellers
Info For Booking a Surf Lesson With Surf Mayo
Prices per 2 hour lesson:
So, what are you waiting for? Maybe 2026 is the year you decide to learn to surf too! If I can do it, anyone can do it!
Prices per 2 hour lesson:
- €25 (7-16 year olds)
- €35 Adults
- Prices include all the gear – surfboard, wetsuit & boots
- Small group sizes allow for tailored coaching (which I found so helpful)
- Completely beginner friendly, no experience needed
- Year round surf lessons (depending on surf conditions)
- Lessons run 7 days a week during peak season (June-Sept)
- Equipment rental is also available
So, what are you waiting for? Maybe 2026 is the year you decide to learn to surf too! If I can do it, anyone can do it!
