Sheep’s Head is a lovely peninsula in West Cork, but it isn’t so good for swimming. In a day long tour we didn’t find any decent beaches and had to make do with swimming from piers in what were small, attractive harbours. Here are three of the best .
Kilcrohane Pier
Just outside the village of Kilcrohane is a small , sheltered harbour. Access to the water can be got from either side of the pier. The water here is clear, sharp and of good depth. As you swim you will have good views across Dunmanus Bay.
There is a small area to park cars and one picnic table and one bench. So get there early.
From Bantry take the N71 toward Skibbereen. Not far outside the town take a right turn onto the R571 signposted Durrus. At Durrus take the road signposted for Ahakista and Kilcrohane. When you go through the village of Kilcrohane watch out for a left turn signposted for the Pier.
A few kilometres past Kilcrohane is another pier, this time at Ruaim Harbour. Here the water was choppier as the harbour is less well protected. Access to the water is via the stone steps and again the water is lovely and clear and very fresh.
The road to the harbour is very twisty and rough and there is a small, equally rough car park when you get there.
Directions
As above , but you travel a few kilometres beyond Kilcrohane and watch out for a left turn signposted for Ruaim.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 88
Trà Cluais – Gortnakilla Pier
If you want to get away from it all then this might be the place for you . Located on the far side of the peninsula to Kilcrohane, Gortnakilla is quite remote. This is a narrow inlet harbour, with steps and a slipway giving access to the harbour. When we were there the water was choppy, but lovely and refreshing to swim in .
Directions
From Bantry take the N 71 for Skibbereen. Just outside the town take the right turn signposted for Sheep’s Head. Keep on this road passing through the village of Gerahies. After this watch out for a right turn signposted for the harbour.
Lough Derg is one of the most attractive lakes in the country, large and with a varied shore line. The swimming spot, about 5 kilometres outside Killaloe, is a lovely place to visit .
This is a well kept area with lots of grass and a number of seats and picnic tables. You can access the water from a small sandy beach , where the water is quite shallow and good for children to play in. For swimmers you need to wade out from here into your depth. Alternatively, you can get in from the slipway to the side where the water is deeper. Whichever way you go, please remember to be careful of hidden rocks.
As well as having a swim there is plenty of room to picnic and a forest area with short walks. Toilets are located nearby
The water here is soft and dark and the views across the lake as you swim are most impressive. Unfortunately, there are signs warning you of algae in the summer months so do be careful.
From the M7 take exit 27 and get onto the R494 for Killaloe. From there you take the R463 signposted Tuamgraney. The swimming spot is located about 5kms from Killaloe and you will know it by the good sized car parking area at the roadside on the right hand side.
Lough Lene is a very attractive and well maintained place to have a swim.
Across the road from a good sized car park you pass through a gateway into a well kept area of the lake with a distinct swimming section. There is a nice grassy area to picnic along with some benches, toilets and a small indoor changing room.
The swimming area has a board walk out onto the lake with ladders which brings you into your depth. Somewhat unusually for a lake, the water here is quite clear and the bottom sandy .
This is a lovely place to swim and its well maintained appearance is a credit to Westmeath County Council.
Directions
From Dublin you take the M4 toward Mullingar . You leave this at exit 11 and get onto the R394 toward Castlepollard. After the village of Crookedwood you take a right turn for Collinstown. In Collinstown you follow the signposts for the lake which is 3 kilometres outside the town.
Don’t even think of trying to find this lake without a map, compass or sat-nav, preferably all three. The lake is located in the grounds of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a retreat where artists can come and stay and work on their artistic creations. Obviously the artistic community are a resourceful lot because there isn’t much in the way of signposts, certainly none when you come on the R183 between Ballybay and Newbliss.
However, when you do find it Annamakerrig is a lovely tranquil place. You can combine your swim with walks along the lake shore, through attractive forests.
The best place to swim appears to be at the old boat house down from the main house. There is a grassy area here and you can get in along the side of the boat house. The water is fresh and cool and there are attractive views as you look across to the forests on the far side.
Like all lakes you need to be careful. Swim slowly and beware of submerged rocks.
This is a popular fishing lake as well, so on occasion you might be competing with the angling fraternity.
Take the R183 from Ballybay toward Newbliss. After you go through the Swans Cross roundabout/junction the turn off for the lake is about 3-4 kilometres further on. However, as there doesn’t appear to be a signpost you will need a map or maybe just ask for directions.
Rossnowlagh is a popular holiday location, but its attractiveness has been spoilt by too many holiday homes and caravan parks. Some of these overlook the beach, but if you can ignore them then you will find this to be a lovely swimming spot.
Rossnowlagh is well known as a surfing location, so expect waves when you visit. Having said that if you are careful you can manage a swim, even if you don’t fancy riding the waves.
The beach is wide and impressive. It is a bit open, but there are some rocks for shelter. At one end children, and parents, will find rock pools to explore.
There is a large car park with a long timber ramp giving access to the beach. This is suitable for buggies, but doesn’t look ok for wheelchairs. However, there are a couple of slipways which look as if they give better access to wheelchair users. We were disappointed to see that people can drive their cars onto the beach, but hopefully this doesn’t happen in the summer.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and there are also some picnic tables near the car park.
Rossnowlagh is located off the N15 between Donegal town and Ballyshannon. From Donegal town watch out for a right turn onto the R231 which will take you to Rossnowlagh
