- Keem Bay, Achill Island: Located between steep cliffs on Achill Island, Keem Bay is a Blue Flag beach with golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, often considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. Its sheltered cove makes it a wild swimming paradise. Dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and views of Croaghaun, Ireland’s highest sea cliffs. Off the R319 Achill Island loop road, a scenic drive from Keel. Limited parking near the beach; steep road descent. Sheltered, calm waters suit all levels, with shallow areas for beginners and deeper sections for confident swimmers. Ideal for snorkeling. Parking, seasonal toilets, and lifeguards in summer. Limited facilities; bring supplies. Excellent water quality (Mayo County Council, 2020). Minimal currents in the cove, but check tides. Drive the Atlantic Drive for stunning views or hike Croaghaun post-swim.
- Old Head Beach, Louisburgh: A Blue Flag beach near Louisburgh, Old Head is a sandy stretch with clear waters and a backdrop of Clew Bay’s islands. Its sheltered position makes it ideal for wild swimming, with views of Croagh Patrick. Golden sand, calm bay, and distant views of Croagh Patrick and Clare Island. Off the R335 from Louisburgh (5km). Ample parking and easy beach access. Gentle waves and shallow waters suit beginners and families, with deeper areas for stronger swimmers. Great for relaxed dips. Parking, toilets, picnic area, and lifeguards in summer. Louisburgh has cafes and pubs. High water quality, but check for occasional currents. Swim within designated areas. Combine with a climb up Croagh Patrick or a ferry to Clare Island.
- Silver Strand, Dugort, Achill Island: A secluded, white-sand Blue Flag beach on Achill Island, Silver Strand is tucked beneath Slievemore Mountain, offering a tranquil setting with clear Atlantic waters. Pristine sand, rugged cliffs, and views of Slievemore and the Atlantic. Off the R319 from Dugort, Achill. Limited parking; a short walk to the beach. Sheltered waters suit all levels, with shallow areas for beginners. Cold but clear, ideal for snorkeling or short dips. Minimal; bring supplies. No lifeguards. Nearby Dugort has basic amenities. Excellent water quality, but check tides and weather, as the beach is exposed. Swim with a buddy. Explore Slievemore’s deserted village or enjoy Achill’s seafood scene.
- Bertra Strand, Murrisk: A sandy beach near Murrisk, Bertra Strand is a sheltered spot in Clew Bay with fine sand and clear waters, backed by dunes and views of Croagh Patrick. It’s a quieter alternative to busier Mayo beaches. Sandy dunes, calm bay, and iconic Croagh Patrick backdrop. Off the R335 from Westport (8km). Parking near the beach with easy access. Calm, shallow waters are beginner-friendly, with deeper areas for confident swimmers. Great for families. Parking, toilets, and lifeguards in summer. Westport has dining options. High water quality, with minimal currents due to the bay’s shelter. Pair with a Croagh Patrick hike or a visit to Westport’s vibrant town.
- Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh: Another Blue Flag beach near Louisburgh, Carrowmore is a wide, sandy beach with clear waters and views of Clare Island. Its open expanse is perfect for wild swimming and long coastal walks. Broad sandy beach, Atlantic waves, and views of Clew Bay’s islands. Off the R335 from Louisburgh. Ample parking near the beach. Gentle waves suit all levels, with shallow areas for beginners. Stronger swimmers can venture further out. Parking, toilets, and lifeguards in summer. Louisburgh offers cafes and pubs. Excellent water quality, but watch for rip currents in windy conditions. Enjoy a post-swim meal in Louisburgh or take a ferry to Inishturk.
- Lough Conn (Pontoon): Lough Conn, a large freshwater lake near Ballina, is a serene inland spot for wild swimming, with clear waters and gentle shores. The Pontoon area offers easy access and a peaceful setting. Tranquil lake with wooded shores and views of Nephin Mountain. Off the R310 or N59 near Pontoon (15km from Ballina). Parking at Pontoon Bridge or nearby shores. Warm, calm waters suit all levels, with shallow areas for beginners. Ideal for relaxed swims or longer dips. Limited; parking available. Pontoon has a pub (Healy’s). No lifeguards. Good water quality, but check for algae blooms in summer (Mayo County Council advisories). Swim near the shore. Combine with fishing or a visit to nearby Foxford’s woollen mills. Mayo’s Atlantic coast can have strong currents, rough seas, and cold waters (10–15°C). Lough Conn is calmer but may have algae in summer. Check tide times (e.g., Tides Near Me app), weather, and water quality reports (Mayo County Council). Swim with a buddy, use a tow float, and avoid isolated swims without local knowledge. Bring water shoes for rocky entries (e.g., Silver Strand), a wetsuit for warmth in Atlantic waters, and a changing robe. Snorkeling gear is useful for Keem and Silver Strand.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect Mayo’s ecosystems, especially at dune-backed beaches like Old Head and Carrowmore. Avoid littering and stick to paths to preserve wildlife. Amenities vary, Keem, Old Head, and Carrowmore have good facilities, while Silver Strand and Lough Conn are more remote. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Towns like Louisburgh, Westport, and Ballina offer dining options.
- Old Head, Bertra, Carrowmore, and Lough Conn are beginner-friendly due to calm, shallow waters. Keem and Silver Strand suit confident swimmers due to exposure and colder temperatures.
- Blue Flag Beaches: Keem, Old Head, Carrowmore, Bertra, and Silver Strand hold Blue Flag status, ensuring excellent water quality and safety standards.
County Mayo:
Ireland’s county Mayo offers dramatic scenery and ancient heritage, with the Cliffs of Moher’s rugged beauty and Croagh Patrick’s pilgrimage trail providing stunning vistas. The town of Westport features Georgian architecture and access to Clew Bay’s islands, while the Ceide Fields showcase a prehistoric farming landscape. Other attractions include the celebrity beaches of Achill Island. Mayo is Ireland’s third largest county by size (5,398 square km) and 18th largest by population (137,970). Population peaked at 388,887 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 109,525 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Mayo is Ireland’s tenth most visited tourist county with around 218,000 international visitors per year.
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Wild swimming
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