Just what you need to cool down if you have been climbing nearby Croagh Patrick.
Bertra is a Blue Flag 2012 beach which we visited when it was wet and windy. Still, the water was good and the views across the bay to Achill island are impressive. The tide was in when we were there and the beach almost completely covered. The wade in was gradual but a bit stony underfoot.
We are sure it’s a completely different proposition when the sun is out, but even in the rain Bertra is a good swimming spot.
There is a decent sized car park, good toilets and a couple of picnic tables. There are both ramps and steps to access the beach so well done Mayo County Council. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Blue Flag beach
Directions:
From Westport take the R335 toward Louisburgh. After you pass Murrisk and the car park for Croagh Patrick you will soon come to a right turn signposted for Bertra.
Lough na Fooey is a bit out of the way but worth the effort, especially if you like fresh water swimming. It is one of those rare lakes that has its own sandy beach area, a sandy bottom and fairly clear water.
There is a gradual wade in into the lovely soft water and we didn’t come across any rocks near to the shore. But be careful if you swim away from the beach area.
This is a nice place for children as they have the small beach and then shallow water to splash in.
The location is impressive with hills surrounding the whole lake.
Directions:
From Galway city take the N59 toward Clifden. At Maam Cross take a right turn onto the R336 signposted for Leenane. Follow this road until you eventually come to a right turn signposted for the lake. As you come down the steep hill to the lake watch for a sharp turn which will lead you to a grassy area where you can park beside the beach.
When we visited Glassilaun a water sports day was in progress. There were lots of adults and children on the beach and the rain was bucketing down. Still, wetsuits are a great invention; the people stayed and the rain didn’t, clearing away to give a sunny afternoon.
Rain or sun, Glassilaun is a lovely curved beach set beside Killary bay. The water here is fresh and clear, lovely to swim in and with an impressive mountain backdrop. The beach also has some rocks for shelter and a couple of small coves when the tide is low.
There is a small car park and a bumpy access route to the beach – just about manageable for buggies, but not for wheelchairs.
Glassilaun is up there with Connemara’s best, which is really saying something.
Directions
From Clifden take the N59 toward Westport. After you pass through Kylemore watch out for a left turn signposted for Tullycross. Drive along this road where you will pass two lakes, Lough Fee and Lough Muck. After you pass by the second lake watch for a sharp right turn signposted ‘Scuba World’ which will bring you to the beach.
Doonloughan is a beautiful beach located in splendid isolation in the wilds of Connemara. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but it’s more than worth it.
The beach is wide and sandy but with a deep inlet. There are rocks at one end and beyond these some other smaller beaches to explore. This is a great place for children to splash and play. When the tide starts to come in it leaves a shallow area which is ideal for kids to mess around in, and when the tide is out there are some pools to explore.
When we visited the water was beautifully clear but wavy, even though it was a calm day. It was lovely to swim in. However, if you plan to stay for a while you might be advised to bring a windbreak. This is a place with loads of room and on a sunny day in August the place was packed with at least a dozen people!
You can walk across the grass from the road to get to the beach or else there are well worn tracks to drive across if you want to get closer. The beach is buggy accessible but not for wheelchairs.
Doonloughan is a lovely spot and highly recommended.
Directions:
From Clifdern take the R341 to Ballyconneely. At the village take the right fork signposted for the golf club and smokehouse. After a couple of kilometres watch out for a small crossroads with a small sign saying ‘Doohloughan Road’. Turn right here and stay on this small, twisty road for about 4 kilometres. Eventually you will come to the grassy dunes and will see the beach on your right hand side.
Swimming and smoked salmon -if you like some freshly smoked fish after your dip then you should head for Bunowen Bay.
This is a small but attractive curved beach nestling in the bay and with the nearby pier giving added shelter. The water, as in most of Connemara, is clear and beautifully fresh. It’s nice and sandy underfoot as you wade in. However, you are out of your depth fairly quickly, so be careful.
There are just a few places to park near the beach but it is accessible. If you have to you can drive up to the harbor and find parking there.
And after you finish your swim you can wander up to the nearby smokehouse and buy some well earned smoked fish for your lunch.
Directions:
From Clifden take the R341 to Ballyconnelly. At the village take the right fork signposted for Connemara golf club and the smokehouse. Keep on this road until you arrive at the beach. The smokehouse is up beside the harbour at the end of the road.
