July 2010

The Long Point, Lough Rea, must be one of the nicest, and best maintained, lakeside swimming spots in the whole country.

The Long Point is located a few kilometres outside the town. There is a shallower, sandy area which is ideal for young children to splash and play in. Then there is a deeper section with platforms and ladders which is ideal for more serious swimmers. Somewhat unusually for a lake, the water here is lovely and clear and you can easily see the bottom.

The facilities here are very good. There is ample car parking, seats alongside the lake and a number of picnic tables on a well maintained grassy area. Another quite unusual feature is an indoor changing area with a cold shower. Well done Galway County Council.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Blue Flag location.

Directions

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The town of Loughrea is off the main Dublin Galway motorway – the M6. You take exit 6 and follow the signposts to the town. The lake/swimming area isn’t that well signposted but it is just a few kilometres outside the town on the R351 signposted Woodford.