The day we swam in Ramor it was wet, windy and deserted, so we certainly didn’t see it at its best. This is a large open lake, popular with anglers and boaters of various types.
Access to the water is down a slipway from the large car park and if you like your water choppy , then you are likely to get it in this open environment.
Apart from the good sized car park there are also some seats looking out on the lake.
Lough Ramor is located beside the town of Virginia, just off the N3 which runs between Cavan and Dublin. When you come into the town you will pick up signposts to the lake.
Ardmore is one of Waterford’s more popular holiday resorts and its beach is ideal for families and children. Located right at the edge of the town this is a good stretch of sheltered, soft sand, with clear waters which are great for kids to splash and play in. The water here feels fresh and is clear to swim in.
Even when the tide is in the water doesn’t get too deep and lifeguards are on duty during the summer. The beach itself is quite sheltered with most people congregating near the town end. So if you want some peace and quiet you just need to walk a few hundred metres.
Ardmore is a lively and safe family beach, busy in the summer and on a good day you might even be entertained by a bagpipe player.
There is a decent sized car park behind the beach and basic toilets there as well
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.
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.
Baginbun is located a few kilometres beyond the town of Fethard and is a very attractive, secluded beach.
A rough track brings you down to the soft sand which is surrounded by cliffs. The whole beach is quite sheltered and there are various rocks to hide behind if it gets windy.
The water here is nice and fresh and even at low tide there is enough depth for your swim.
The car park here is rough and small. The beach isn’t wheelchair accessible and you will have to carry your buggy.
From New Ross you take the R733 and then the R734 to Fethard. You drive straight through Fethard in the direction of Baginbun Head. After a couple of kilometres you will see a left turn signposted for the beach.
Balllymacaw is a very attractive, out of the way cove, not well signposted and not very well known. If you do find it is well worth the effort.
The cove is sheltered by small, rocky cliffs on either side. Access to the water can be from the rough slipway which leads to the small, stony beach. From here there is a gradual wade in so it’s good for children.
Alternatively, you can follow the rough path to the left of the bridge which leads you to a small pier cum landing area. The steps here bring you into clear and deep water, even when the tide is low.
The beach here is more stones than sand and when the tide is in it gets covered so don’t come here with too many buckets and spades. However, if you are looking for a quiet place for a good swim in clear water, then this is a good choice.
Directions
From Tramore take the R675 toward Waterford. Not far outside the town you take a right turn onto the R684/685 toward Dunmore East. Follow this road and watch out for a sign posted right turn for Ballymacaw . After this you are on your own as we didn’t see any more signposts and the cove itself isn’t signposted. Just ask the friendly locals
