by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2011 | Cavan, Lakes
July 2011
Lough Oughter is set in the very attractive surrounds of Killykeen Forest Park, a national park full of trails for walking and with plenty of water, and fish, for the fishermen.
The swimming area is a good place for a dip, with a small stretch of sand leading you into the soft lake water which is also sandy underfoot. There is quite a good depth here and as you swim out you get a panoramic view of the lake surrounded by its impressive, broadleaf forests. Don’t get carried away, though, as you are quickly out of your depth.
Be careful that you don’t swim in the other areas marked with warning signs. They are there for a reason.
Killykeen has ample parking and numerous picnic tables. There are basic toilets before you cross the footbridge to the swimming area.
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Ordnance Survey Map No: 34
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork, Lakes
Lough Hyne, West Cork
June 2011
Lough Hyne is Ireland’s first marine nature reserve and a lovely place to swim into the bargain.
This lake is home to over 1000 underwater plant species along with a number of rare fish. The water is clear, fresh, salty and perfect for swimming. When we were there a number of wet suited swimmers were doing distance swims, so it’s clearly a place where swimmers congregate. The lake is surrounded by woodland so as you swim out into its clear waters you have a calming, tranquil view.
Access to the water is via a slipway or you can get in off a low wall.
There are places to park across from the lake along with a couple of picnic tables.
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Directions:
From Skibbereen take the R595 toward Baltimore and after a few kilometres watch out for a left turn signposted for Lough Hyne
Ordnance Survey Map No; 89
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
Owenahincha is a fine expanse of beach, with plenty of room to walk, run, play and swim. Just round the corner is The Long Strand which is good for walking but dangerous for swimming. Take notice of the signs which warn of Rip Currents and Dumping in Waves.
When we were there in June there were strong winds and waves which made swimming difficult. However, if that’s your thing then Owenahincha will suit you. There are some rocks for shelter, but the beach can be quite exposed, depending on the direction of the wind.
Blue Flag beach 2012.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
There are portaloos located near to the road. There is a car park which gives you access across a rough path to The Long Strand and then you will need to walk to Owenahincha. You can also park roadside nearer to the beach, where there is a small pathway to the strand. It isn’t wheelchair accessible, but you will manage a buggy.
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Directions:
From Cork you travel on the N71 and pass through Clonakilty. Then watch out for a left turn signposted Owenahinca
Ordnance Survey Map No: 89
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
If it’s a beach you are looking for then don’t visit Tragumna at full tide. When we arrived the tide was in and the beach was gone.
Still if it’s a swim you want then this is a good spot. Tragumna is a small channel like area, located in Tragumna Bay, which is reasonably well sheltered. The water is fresh and you are quickly into your depth when the tide is in. Along the road side there are other places where people appear to swim from. However, do take notice of the ‘No Diving’ signs.
Blue Flag beach 2012.
Check with Cork County Council regarding lifeguard times.
There is a good sized car park, toilets and an indoor changing area.
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Directions:
From Skibbereen take the R596 toward Castletownshend. After a few kilometres you will see a right turn signposted for Tragumna. Follow this and other signposts which will lead you directly to the beach.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 89
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
If you want to swim here make sure you check the tides first. We didn’t, and ended up arriving at low tide to see a vast expanse of not very white sand, and not a lot of water. We had to content ourselves with looking at the sea in the distance, rather than plunging into it.
However, this is a fine wide beach with lots of room for kids to play. It is quite open and there isn’t much shelter, so bring a windbreak if you can. The water looks nice and clear and we are only sorry we didn’t get to sample it at first hand.
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Directions
From Bantry take the N 71 toward Skibbereen and then the R591 right turn signposted for Mizen Head. You stay on this road all the way through Goleen until you come to sharp bend on the road with a signpost for Crookhaven . You will then see the beach on your left hand side.
Parking appears to be on the side of the road.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 88
