I’ve never been open to trying many new things. But one day, a friend told me that cold water—freezing cold—could be good for me. Apparently, it can lessen my muscle aches, get my blood pumping, and boost my immune system overall.
And since I’ve always wanted to be healthier anyway, I gave it a shot. Big mistake. I went with some buddies to a beach in Ireland. And from a small boat, we jumped straight into the icy waters! Never in my whole life have I regretted a decision so much.
The cold got us shivering for hours after! Still, we ended up laughing about it for so long that we went to plenty of other sea swimming spots in Ireland that year. Have a dose of good vibes and check out our favourite ones below.
Where can I enjoy open water swimming in Ireland?
There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy open water swimming in Ireland! Notable beaches for a lovely getaway are Pollock Holes, Dog’s Bay, Enniscrone Beach, Kinnagoe Bay, and Carlingford Pier.
Pollock Holes
Media credit: jenmcguire
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/clare/the-pollock-holes
Address: W End, Kilkee Upper, Co. Clare
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Want a peaceful swimming experience without constantly worrying about battling big waves? Pollock Holes’ rock pools stay still since they’re sheltered from the open ocean.
On top of that, we love that it has scenic cliffs and a picturesque Atlantic backdrop that make it wonderful for amateur or pro photographers. And on a clear day? We bet you’ll love that the water looks crystal clear with a magnificent blue-green colour.
And since it’s pretty shallow and calm, we feel this spot is safe for beginners and families. If you don’t want to do cold dips, note that it can get pretty warm in here (around 20 degrees Celsius) during the latter part of summer.
Pro tips:
Want to see cool marine life? Keep your eyes open at Pollock Holes for small fish and anemones. If you’re lucky, you might even see some seals too!
Make sure to go here at low tide. This is when the pools are fullest and safest for swimming. Otherwise, the rock pools can disappear during high tide!
Dog’s Bay
Media credit: aguaholics_anonymous
Website: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/dog-s-bay-beach/88690
Address: Errisbeg West, Roundstone, Co. Galway
Contact Details: +353 91 509 510
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
If you’re dreaming of that white beach getaway, then Dog’s Bay could be the sea swimming spot in Ireland for you. Instead of rocks, we find it incredible that its sand is made of crushed seashells—so soft and pristine!
And if you want a true eye candy, we say visit during sunny days, because the water turns tropical blue! Plus, this beach is shaped like a horseshoe, making it very interesting to capture on cam.
Moreover, we reckon you’ll appreciate how peaceful this spot is. Since it’s surrounded by Connemara hills and dunes, the beach could feel remote, though we think it’s not that hard to get to.
Handy hacks:
Looking for a 2-in-1 experience? Dog’s Bay is right next to Gurteen Bay, and you can easily walk over a narrow strip of land to get there. Make the most of it!
Why not bring snorkel gear? You can spot loads of cool underwater life, so we feel it’s best to be prepared.
Enniscrone Beach
Media credit: sarahbattle_
Website: http://www.enniscronebeach.com/
Address: 1 Bridge St, Carrowhubbuck South, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
Contact Details: +353 71 911 1457
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Craving a chill, surfers’ haven? Enniscrone Beach offers plenty of space for surfing, as well as a quick dip or a very long swim. You can enjoy the clear water too!
We like that you won’t feel that cold, either. Because of the bay’s shape and the Gulf Stream, the waters here are naturally warmer than those in beaches facing the west.
Cool idea:
After sea swimming at Enniscrone Beach, why not have a popular seaweed bath next? We say book a spot at Kilcullen’s Bath House!
It offers this practice that started from providing relief from rheumatism and arthritis. But even if you’re not suffering from these, we bet you can still enjoy its therapeutic vibe.
Kinnagoe Bay
Media credit: theirishstore
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/kinnagoe-bay
Address: Weaving Rd Co. Donegal Ireland, Mossy Glen, Co. Donegal
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Love road trips? For us, Kinnagoe Bay wouldn’t be at the bottom of your list! We reckon even just driving around it can make you feel so alive with its vibrant green cliffs and forested backdrop.
And if you want to try fishing here, you absolutely could! We advise going with someone with experience, though, so you won’t have to start from scratch or try so hard.
Not only that, but we believe history buffs would love this. A Spanish Armada shipwreck (La Trinidad Valencera) lies right offshore. For us, this showcases a lot of depth to this place.
Safety first:
The road at Kinnagoe Bay is steep and narrow. It’s best to be extra careful and take it slow. That’s why it’s not advisable to drive a big car around here.
You can also park in a small space near the bottom, but keep in mind that you’ll need to walk a bit to the beach.
Carlingford Pier
Media credit: stephen_mcfeeley94
Address: Liberties Of Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Carlingford Pier is another delightful choice for cold water dippers and meditative sea swimmers in Ireland. We especially adore the Cooley Mountains behind and the Mournes across the Northern Ireland waters.
After swimming, you can also explore the charming cobbled streets for a hot cup of Joe or a cool alcoholic drink. Alternatively, we love that the ice cream at Sweet Sundaes nearby is popular for its sundaes and crepes.
Expert advice:
We advise wearing quality water shoes to Carlingford Pier since the seabed can be pretty mucky, seaweedy, and slippery no matter the season.
During warmer months, moon jellyfish can drift around the waters. Don’t worry—these are usually harmless creatures (they can give you mild stings at best). Still, it’s wise to be cautious.
Bettystown Beach
Media credit: corina_fitzphotos
Address: Beach View, Coast Rd, Mornington, Bettystown, Co. Meath
Bathing Water Season:
- June 1 to September 15
Bettystown Beach is a favourite for both beginners and seasoned swimmers. It’s popular for families and friends because you can easily test the waters until you find the most comfortable depth.
It also offers a long stretch of golden sand where you can fly kites and go fishing. And if you’re looking for a romantic date idea, you and your significant other could walk to Mornington Beach’s River Boyne and look at the ships sail at sunset.
Friendly reminders:
For beginners and kids, it’s smart to wear a bright or vibrant swim cap or swimsuit at Bettystown Beach to ensure they can be easily seen in the water.
Reduce the risks of cold water shock in the chilly Irish Sea by entering the water slowly to adjust well to the temperature.
Sandycove Beach
Media credit: love_dunlaoghaire
Website: https://www.visitdublin.com/sandycove-beach
Address: Sandycove, Co. Dublin
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Sandycove Beach is a trendy spot for sea swimming enthusiasts in Ireland seeking a gentle swim. You can also find the Forty Foot (a historical bathing area) adjacent to it—we’re in awe that people have been frequenting it for more than 250 years!
Other highlights for us are the lovely views of Dublin Bay and the nearby Martello Tower, where you can see the James Joyce Tower and Museum. Overall, we reckon this adds a lot of depth to your beach getaway.
For the foodies:
For a Sandycove Beach post-swim delight, we say go to Cavistons, a family-run dining spot, where you can grab fresh seafood ingredients to take home.
Don’t forget to bring cash to avoid any hassle too! Sometimes, the nearby kiosks don’t accept cards.
Curracloe Beach
Media credit: grace.allen.1
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/curracloe-beach
Address: The Raven, Curracloe, Co. Wexford
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Curracloe Beach is a massive pale-sand spot with grassy dunes and pebbles that we think are easy on the eyes. Great for relaxing picnics and dog walks too, in our opinion.
And since this spot is facing east, we love that it can give stunning sights at dawn. And during calm mornings, you can capture the golden light over the Irish Sea!
We also appreciate that this beach is pretty safe, considering it has consistently received a Blue Flag status. This means this spot is clean and safe for all ages and swimming skill levels.
Smart moves:
We recommend bringing your own tea or coffee flask to Curracloe Beach since there are no coffee shops accessible close by. We also think this is a good solution if you don’t feel like going to the nearby cafes in Wexford town.
For us, it’s wise to bring your comfiest flip-flops or sandals too! The walk from the car park can be pretty long, and it could be too much on bare feet.
Warren Beach
Media credit: nicole_butler_base_health
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/cork/the-warren-beach
Address: Creggane, Warren Beach, Co. Cork
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Want some peace of mind? Warren Beach’s lifeguards are usually present during summer, great for parents always worrying about their little ones. In addition, there aren’t many rocks or pebbles to step on, so you can walk and run freely.
The way we see it, this beach is an amazing choice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle—the area feels remote and wild! Yet, we don’t think this place is hard to access at all.
More to see:
If you want to maximize the serene countryside near Warren Beach, we recommend booking West Cork Farm Tours 30 minutes away.
The farmers can walk and talk you through their Irish farming practices and artisan products. They can even let you in on how they make Clonakilty black pudding!
Lough Hyne
Media credit: byrnsey
Address: Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve, West Cork, Skibbereen
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Lough Hyne offers a glass-like calm that many might crave after a long week. Its sea waters are sheltered, shallow, and warm. That’s why it’s no wonder for us that it’s a crowd favourite among many comfort sea swimmers.
We also adore that this spot is surrounded by many forested hills. In our opinion, this makes it suitable for a relaxing or meditative swim.
Moreover, many marine biologists study this place, so it’s actually an interesting research site. Just make sure not to litter—this place is a sensitive ecosystem because of it.
For the non-morning peeps:
Fancy a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience at Lough Hyne? We suggest booking Atlantic Sea Kayaking to explore the wonders of its bioluminescent algae.
Regardless of your swimming skills, we recommend wearing a high-visibility float to ensure your safety in the dark.