Cappagh Pier
About Cappagh Pier
Cappagh, at the pier near Kilrush, is a sheltered Blue Flag bathing area on the Shannon Estuary in south-west Clare. Lifeguarded in summer with calm, sheltered water, it is a quiet, family-friendly spot popular with locals, close to the marina and the maritime town of Kilrush. The estuary setting gives gentle conditions and fine views, a relaxed swimming place away from the open Atlantic.
Cappa pier and Scattery Island
Cappagh — often signed as Cappa — is the only Blue Flag bathing spot on the Shannon Estuary, a small rocky beach beside Cappa pier just outside Kilrush. It pairs easily with a trip to Scattery Island: boats to the island's round tower and monastic ruins run from Kilrush Marina nearby.
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 52.6285, -9.4975. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.
Map
Verified car-park pin.
Activity suitability
- Swimming — Safe
- Surfing — No surf
- Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
- Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
Facilities
- Toilets — Yes
- Car park — Free
- Lifeguard — Yes
- Not yet confirmed: Disabled access, Shower, Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland Source.
Water quality
EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.
Where to stay nearby
Search accommodation near Cappagh Pier
Verified local listings for Clare are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.
Nearby golf
From the GolfIreland.ie network. Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies), not driving distance.