Clogga Beach, Arklow

Clogga Beach, Arklow

Clogga Beach, Arklow May 2010 Clogga is a good sized beach and well established swimming spot. There is good depth to the water as you enter and it is a bit exposed so you can expect some waves. Also look out for submerged or semi submerged rocks at the far end. The beach itself is a bit stony, but good for walking. When we were there in May it was dull, windy and the water was cold. Lovely swimming, but we couldn't understand why no one else was in the water with us ? Directions  View Larger Map Coming from Dublin Clogga is a few kilometres past Arklow town. It's best to drive through the town and at the end of the various roundabouts take the N 11 Wexford signpost. After a short distance watch out for a left turn signposted Clogga. Follow this twisty road which will lead you to a good sized car park. Access to the beach is down a long, rough path followed by some steps. It' s not wheelchair or buggy accessible. Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 62   [...]

Cleevaun Lough

Cleevaun Lough

Cleevaun Lough September 2009 Serious walkers only need apply. Cleevaun Lough is a corrie lake set at the foot of Wiclow's 849 metres high Mullaghcleevaun Mountain. This one is not for the fainthearted. The lake can be approached from a few different directions but whichever way you go requires at least a two hour hike. So this is only for experienced and well equipped hikers and, indeed, experienced swimmers. However, if you get there it's well worth the effort. Set at the base of impressive Mullaghcleevaun, Cleevaun Lough is surrounded by the mountains of Duff Hill, Gravale and Carrigvore which stretch back to the Sally Gap. The lake's waters are dark, clear and refreshing. As always this and any other lake has to be treated carefully as you can't see the bottom or its submerged rocks. Don't swim here alone. This is a lovely spot for a swim, sunbathing and a picnic. If you see anyone else while you are there, count yourself lucky (or unlucky as the case may be). Directions Firstly, you need Ordinance Survey Map 56 to find your way across the mountains. From Dublin the best route is to take the R115 Military Road and head for the Sally Gap. From the Gap you stay on the Military Road and after a few kilometres s there is a small parking area, marked on Map 56. From here you have a good, strong walk across four peaks and you can descend to the lake from Mullaghcleevaun East Top or Mullaghcleevaun itself. Be warned that there is a steep descent to the lake which needs to be negotiated slowly and carefully.   [...]

Dunservick Harbour

Lough Gill

Lough Gill May 2013 Lough Gill was made famous by W.B. Yeats whose 'Lake Isle of Innisfree' inhabits one of its small corners. More recently, a popular Irish- American folk group, led by a Sligo troubadour, have taken the name. Unfortunately, on a cold and windy day in May, neither poetry nor music inspired us or made the lake more appealing. We accessed the water via a slipway which runs alongside the berthing place of the lake's leisure cruiser. It was stony underfoot and we bumped our way slowly into the cold, but fresh water. As we always say when swimming in lakes, be careful, watch for underwater rocks. No jumping or diving. Despite the little obstacle course, it was a refreshing swim with the soft and wavy water blowing away the cobwebs. We emerged revitalised and ready to write a poem or three. This must be a nice spot in the summer with Parkes castle alongside and a tour around the lake also on offer. Directions : From Sligo take the N16 toward Enniskillen. Just outside the town branch off onto the R286 signposted for Dromohair and the lake. Follow this road until you come to the lake on your right hand side and continue on until you come to the castle with the car park beside it.   [...]

Dunservick Harbour

Lough Easkey

Lough Easkey August 2010 Lough Easkey is in a lovely location in the heart of the Ox mountains. Surrounded by hills and the wild countryside the lake shimmers in the sunlight and is a really nice place to stop for a swim. The water here is lovely and fresh but access is stony and a bit difficult. However, it's worth the effort and when we swam there in the sun it was tranquil and just a lovely place to be. Directions  View Larger Map Access is off the N59 which runs between Ballina and Ballysadare. From the Ballysadare direction you go through Templeboy and then watch for a left turn signposted for the Ox mountains and Tubbercurry. This road will lead you to the lake where you will see a place to park plus a few seats.   [...]

Pin It on Pinterest