Fountainstown

About this spot

Fountainstown Beach is an east-facing, gently sloping, sandy/shingle beach. It is bounded to the north by a low rocky cliff, to the south by rocky outcrops and to the west by a concrete wall with the public road and car park adjoining the beach. Fountainstown Swamp which is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA 000371) is situated to the north of the beach. The beach is used to some extent by anglers and for windsurfing.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

Yes

Dogs

NoDogs are not allowed on this beach between 10.30 a.m. & 7.00 p.m. during the bathing season which runs from 1st June to 15th September.

Public transport

YesPublic bus

Official water quality

Classified Good in 2025.

Fountainstown is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Fountainstown has achieved a Good Water Quality rating in 2025, and an Excellent Water Quality rating for 2022, 2023 and 2024. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health.

Common questions

Can you swim at Fountainstown right now?

Fountainstown is currently marked "Good to go". No current pollution alerts — always assess conditions yourself. This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.

What is the water quality like at Fountainstown?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Fountainstown as Good in 2025. Classifications are a rolling assessment of bacterial samples taken over four bathing seasons, measured against E. coli and intestinal enterococci limits set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.

Is there a swimming ban or warning at Fountainstown?

There are no active bathing restrictions published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) for Fountainstown. That is not a guarantee of safety — assess conditions yourself.

Is there a lifeguard at Fountainstown?

Yes — Fountainstown has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Fountainstown?

Fountainstown has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Dogs are restricted. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).