Ballyhiernan, Fanad

About this spot

Ballyhiernan beach is a north facing, long sandy beach consisting of sandy dunes. There are three bays on the beach Carrickachurdin Bay, Kinlackagh Bay and Trabane Bay. Ballyhiernan Beach has a wide variety of wildlife including a vast variety of birds and two notable animal species have been spotted on the site, the Common Frog and Irish Hare. Activities include swimming, kayaking, boating, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, power boating, jet skiing, diving and other land based activities on the beach.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

No

Parking

Yes

Toilets

No

Accessible entry

No

Dogs

Yes

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Ballyhiernan, Fanad is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Ballyhiernan, Fanad has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2022 to 2025. 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 Ballyhiernan, Fanad right now?

Ballyhiernan, Fanad 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 Ballyhiernan, Fanad?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Ballyhiernan, Fanad as Excellent 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 Ballyhiernan, Fanad?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Ballyhiernan, Fanad?

No lifeguard cover is listed for Ballyhiernan, Fanad. Never swim alone at an unguarded spot.

What facilities are there at Ballyhiernan, Fanad?

Ballyhiernan, Fanad has parking. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).