Killahoey

About this spot

Killahoey beach consists of a sandy beach with a large inflowing estuary including a large mud flat at the east of the beach. These are exposed at times during the tidal phase during the day. Killahoey beach is a diverse coastal site containing a wide range of habitats from high rocky quartzite cliffs in the north to mud flats, sand flats, dunes and a brackish lake in the south. These different habitats support a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. Killahoey beach is a proposed NHA (National Heritage Area). It is also part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Activities at Killahoey beach include swimming, kayaking, boating, windsurfing and other land-based activities such as football, horse riding, kite flying, etc. The bathing area is designated and is approx. 0.6707km2 and the extent along the water is approximately is 1570m. The depth of the water on the shoreline increases within 2 meters off the shore to a depth of 1 meter and gradually increases to greater than 2 meters with the slope of the shore.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

Yes100m sandy stretch onto beach.

Dogs

YesDogs are not permitted in the Blue Flag Area of the beach from 12 pm to 7 pm (1st June to 15th September annually). Dogs are permitted on leads outside the Blue Flag Area at all times.

Public transport

Yes

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Killahoey is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Killahoey 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 Killahoey right now?

Killahoey 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 Killahoey?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Killahoey 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 Killahoey?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Killahoey?

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

What facilities are there at Killahoey?

Killahoey has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).