Blue Flag 2026

Bunmahon

Co. Waterford, Ireland

Water qualityExcellent EPA

Blue Flag 2026Yes

Green CoastYes

DogsSeasonal

Always verify the car-park location on arrival. Road and access conditions may change.

⚠ Safety first: Bunmahon holds a Blue Flag and is lifeguarded in summer, but it has a strong rip current and is considered one of the more dangerous beaches in the south-east for inexperienced swimmers. Swim only between the flags when the lifeguards are on duty, and stay out of the water otherwise.

About Bunmahon

Bunmahon is a Blue Flag and Green Coast beach on Waterford's dramatic Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark, a sandy strand framed by cliffs, sea stacks and old copper-mining heritage. Lifeguarded in summer, it is a popular surf beach with a surf school, though rip currents mean swimming is safest within the flags. The geology, the cliffs and the Copper Coast scenery make it one of the south-east's most striking beaches. It took both awards for the first time in years in 2026.

The Copper Coast Geopark

Behind the beach run five kilometres of dunes, and the wider Copper Coast is one of Ireland's richest industrial-heritage landscapes: the Tankardstown engine house, restored above the old copper mines, and the Geological Garden with its ogham stones are both a short drive away. Bunmahon is the natural base for exploring the UNESCO Geopark's cliffs, coves and mining ruins.

Get directions to the car park

This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.

📍 Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 52.1386, -7.3706. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Surfing — Intermediate
Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

Toilets — Seasonal
Car park — Free
Disabled access — Yes
Lifeguard — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Shower, Café nearby

Facilities confirmed from Waterford County Council and Fáilte Ireland Source.

Water quality

Water quality information is sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland and is updated annually. During the bathing season real-time water quality updates are available at beaches.ie. Always check beaches.ie and local signage at the beach before swimming, particularly after heavy rainfall. IrishBeaches.ie accepts no liability for water quality conditions at the time of your visit.

EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.

Where to stay nearby

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