Bertra Beach, Murrisk

About this spot

Bertra beach consists of a sandy dune area with the centre of the designated bathing area enclosed by caged stone. Bertra Beach is an exposed beach and can be subject to rip tides/strong currents. The sand dunes consist of embryonic dunes and marrram dunes both of which are listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. Restoration work on the sand dunes due to erosion has taken place over the last decade and has reduced the extent of the erosion. Bertra Beach forms part of the Clew Bay Complex (SAC & SPA) Site Code 001482. In close proximity to Old Head Beach is Old Head SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000532). Bertra Beach lies at the foot of Croagh Patrick. Activities include swimming, surfing, canoeing and angling. The bathing water is approximately 1km2 in area. The medium and the maximum water depth within the designated bathing area is 0.5m and 5.0m respectively depending on the tides.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

Yes

Dogs

YesDogs only allowed before 12pm and after 6.30pm during the bathing season (1st June to 15th September), otherwise allowed at all times onto beach.

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Bertra Beach, Murrisk is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Bertra Beach, Murrisk achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for 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 Bertra Beach, Murrisk right now?

Bertra Beach, Murrisk 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 Bertra Beach, Murrisk?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Bertra Beach, Murrisk 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 Bertra Beach, Murrisk?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Bertra Beach, Murrisk?

Yes — Bertra Beach, Murrisk has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Bertra Beach, Murrisk?

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