Rathmullan

About this spot

Rathmullan beach consists of a sandy beach in Lough Swilly, which is confined by Rathmullan pier to the South and runs up past Kinnegar to the Glebe outcrop to the North. Rathmullan beach supports a wide variety of plant and wildlife species including otters. The Rathmullan Wood Nature Reserve contains a wide variety of trees. Activities at Rathmullan beach include swimming, kayaking, boating, sailing, power boating, jet skiing (outside the designated area), diving and other land based activities on the beach. The designated bathing area is approx. 0.142km2 and the extent along the water is approximately is 1380m. There is a deep gradient off Rathmullan Beach with the water depth reaching 1m approx. 10m from the water line.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesGood access from promenade along with a beach mat.

Dogs

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

Public transport

Yes

Official water quality

Classified Good in 2025.

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

Rathmullan 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 Rathmullan?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Rathmullan 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 Rathmullan?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Rathmullan?

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

What facilities are there at Rathmullan?

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