Goirtín, Cloch na Rón

About this spot

Goirtín, Cloch na Rón bathing water is on the shores of Gurteen Bay. It is a striking sandy beach and is best remembered as a setting for the famous Irish film Into the West. There is a unique "machair" habitat present which is a relatively flat and low lying sand plain. This habitat supports rare plant species. Goirtín beach supports a variety of animals, birds, shellfish and plants.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes12-6 weekends July Aug

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

No

Dogs

Yes

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

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

Goirtín, Cloch na Rón 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 Goirtín, Cloch na Rón?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Goirtín, Cloch na Rón 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 Goirtín, Cloch na Rón?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Goirtín, Cloch na Rón?

Yes — Goirtín, Cloch na Rón has lifeguard cover. Hours: 12-6 weekends July Aug. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Goirtín, Cloch na Rón?

Goirtín, Cloch na Rón has toilets, parking. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).