Banna Strand

About this spot

Banna bathing water is located in a rural area. There are no buildings located in the sand dune system or on the promenade to the back of the bathing waters. The majority of the Banna Bathing water backs onto an extensive sand-dune system. This sand-dune system is part of an extensive length of sand dunes running from Ballyheigue to Barrow. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach. The bathing water of Banna is located within the Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour Special Protection Area (site code 004079) and the Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour Special Area of Conservation (site code 000332). Activities include walking and swimming. The bathing area is approximately 445 m wide.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesRamp

Dogs

NoDogs are not allowed on the Blue-Flag section of the Beach (ie. within the Lifeguard Patrol area) between 11am and 7pm each day from the 1st June to 15th September inclusive.

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

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

Banna Strand 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 Banna Strand?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Banna Strand 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 Banna Strand?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Banna Strand?

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

What facilities are there at Banna Strand?

Banna Strand has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Dogs are restricted. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).