Blue Flag 2026

Clare Island, Louisburgh

Co. Mayo, Ireland

Water qualityExcellent EPA

Blue Flag 2026Yes

Green CoastNo

DogsYear-round

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

About Clare Island, Louisburgh

Clare Island's Blue Flag beach sits beside the harbour at the gateway to Clew Bay, a sheltered crescent of sand reached by ferry from Roonagh. There is no lifeguard, so swimming should be taken with care, but the calm, clear water and island setting make it idyllic. Backed by the island's hills and the historic Granuaile (Grace O'Malley) castle and abbey, it is a peaceful place to swim, walk and explore.

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 53.8016, -9.9542. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Surfing — No surf
Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
Lifeguard (summer) — No
Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

Toilets — Yes
Car park — No car park
Lifeguard — No
Not yet confirmed: Disabled access, Shower, Café nearby

Facilities confirmed from Mayo 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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Verified local listings for Mayo are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.