Lisfannon

About this spot

Lisfannon beach consists of a sandy beach along the Swilly Estuary. Lisfannon is estuarine in character, with shallow water and intertidal sand and mud flats being the dominant habitats. These are exposed at times during the tidal phase during the day. These habitats support a wide variety of plant species and wildlife, including otters. This site is of high conservation value because of the extensive area of relatively unspoilt coastal habitats and the range of plant and animal species that these habitats support. Activities at Lisfannon Beach include swimming, surfing and other land-based activities such as football, kite flying, etc. The bathing area is designated and is approx. 0.6217 km2 and the extent along the water is approximately is 2020 m. The depth of the water on the shoreline increases within 2 meters off the shore to a depth of 0.5 meters and gradually increasing.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

Yes

Dogs

YesDogs are not permitted in the proposed 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 Good in 2025.

Lisfannon is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Lisfannon has achieved a Good 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 Lisfannon right now?

Lisfannon 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 Lisfannon?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Lisfannon 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 Lisfannon?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Lisfannon?

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

What facilities are there at Lisfannon?

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