Old Head Beach, Louisburgh

About this spot

Old Head Beach is a sheltered beach with a sandy substrate. The length of the beach at Old Head is backed by rocky cliffs. Old Head woodland is located approximately 200m to the rear of Old Head Beach. This SAC represents an extreme development of Atlantic oakwood and is one of the only Irish sites where the habitat occurs directly adjacent to the coast. In close proximity to Old Head Beach is Old Head SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000532). Croagh Patrick is a site of pilgrimage with the annual pilgrimage taking place on the last Sunday in July. Activities include swimming, surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, scuba-diving/snorkelling and fishing. The bathing water is approximately 0.3km2 in area. The medium and maximum water depth within the designated bathing water would be 0.5m and 5.0m respectively depending on 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.

Old Head Beach, Louisburgh is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Old Head Beach, Louisburgh 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh right now?

Old Head Beach, Louisburgh 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Old Head Beach, Louisburgh 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?

Yes — Old Head Beach, Louisburgh has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?

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