COUNTY MAYO - BEACHES


Bertra Blue Flag Beach

For a picturesque beach, Ireland offers very few to beat Old Head, 10 miles west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road (R335). Overlooked by a woodland to the west and Croagh Patrick to the south and east, this Blue Flag beach has beautiful rock-pools that are exposed when the tide is out. The beach is sheltered from the south and west and is therefore well-suited for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty through the summer months, the beach is accessible for wheelchairs, as are the toilets. There is a pier at the western end of the beach, sheltering a small anchorage popular with local sailors and fishermen.

Old Head Blue Flag Beach

For a picturesque beach, Ireland offers very few to beat Old Head, 10 miles west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road (R335). Overlooked by a woodland to the west and Croagh Patrick to the south and east, this Blue Flag beach has beautiful rock-pools that are exposed when the tide is out. The beach is sheltered from the south and west and is therefore well-suited for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty through the summer months, the beach is accessible for wheelchairs, as are the toilets. There is a pier at the western end of the beach, sheltering a small anchorage popular with local sailors and fishermen.

Carrowmore Blue Flag Beach

Under 1 mile from Louisburgh, 16 miles west of Westport, lies Carrowmore beach, overlooked by cliffs where various seabirds nest. There are lifeguards in the summer, as well as toilets, though there are no ramps or other facilities for disabled people. There is a pier at the west end of this Blue Flag beach, while the eastern border is the mouth of the Bunowen River.

Clare Island Blue Flag Beach

A short ferry ride from Roonagh Pier, 6 miles from Louisburgh, leads to Clare Island, where the sandy blue flag beach lies adjacent to the pier. While there is no lifeguard, there is life-saving equipment available, so the beach is suitable for swimming.

Carrowniskey Green Coast Beach

Carrowniskey, noted for its surf and considered one of the best beaches in Mayo for learning to surf, lies about 18 miles west of Westport and 5 miles west and south of Louisburgh. The beach is wide and sandy at low tide; at high tide, the water reaches the rocks. There is a surfing school that offers lessons and rents surfboards and wetsuits. There are lifeguards in the summer. Unusually for beaches in Mayo, foot protection in the water is advised, because of weaver fish.

Mulranny Blue Flag Beach

Across the road from the Park Inn, on the west end of Mulranny village, a causeway and wooden bridge across Trawoughter Bay lead to Mulranny beach, which has picnic facilities and toilets, as well as a lifeguard during the summer months. Inland from the beach is a rare large saltwater marsh, with typical species such as thrift, sea plaintain, saltmarsh grass, rushes and sedges, sea pimpernel with glassword and annual seablite further down towards the sea. The marsh also features various shorebirds, including curlew, widgeon, grey plover, godwits, oyster-catchers, dunlins, sand pipers, terns and gulls. There is also a small parking lot at the beach. To reach it, take the first left after the village and continue less a third of a mile to the entrance, following the signs.

Beaches on Achill Island

The five Blue Flag beaches on Achill island, a 45 minute drive from Westport, add considerably to Achill’s attraction as a day trip from Westport.

Dooega Blue Flag Beach

Just 5 miles from Achill Sound, is Camport Bay. Parking is available, and there is an access ramp, as well as life-saving equipment on the beach, but no lifeguard.

Keem Blue Flag Beach

Just over 6 miles west of Keel village on Achill island and is one of the most famous in Ireland. Keel Blue Flag beach, also known as Trawmore Strand, is approximately 2 and a half miles long. It is well signposted in the village of Keel, on Achill island. There is a lifeguard in the summer; swimming areas are clearly marked, to avoid strong undersea currents in places. The beach is very popular for water sports, and surfing instruction is readily available. The road ends at the parking lot after a spectacular winding drive overlooking the Atlantic. The beautiful horseshoe bay is overlooked by Croaghaun Mountain to the northeast and Moyteoge Head to the southwest. There is a lifeguard in the summer and a fairly steep ramp down from the carpark, but no wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Dugort Blue Flag Beach

Also known as Pollawaddy Strand and Silver Strand, lies in the shadow of Slievemore Mountain, next to Dugort village on Achill island. There is a lifeguard in the summer. Grassy areas behind the beach provide shelter, and there is a parking area with a picnic tables.

Golden Strand Blue Flag Beach

Just under 2 miles east of Dugort village on Achill island. It has a lifeguard in the summer. Behind the pebble-strewn upper limit of the sandy beach, the dunes host a variety of native plants and wildlife. There is a parking lot, but the beach is not wheelchair-accessible.