Clonea Beach

About this spot

Clonea is a sandy beach with a gentle slope down to the low water mark and beyond. Rock pools become accessible at the west side of the beach during periods of low tide. The rock pools support a variety marine wildlife and plants. Activities include swimming, surfing, body-boarding and kayaking. There is an outdoor activity centre operating at the beach during the summer period. While the beach is 1 km long, the designated bathing area is approximately 500 metres long and 200 metres wide (at low tide).

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesRamp to beach

Dogs

NoNo dogs allowed between 11am to 7pm, June, July and August

Public transport

YesPublic buses

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

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

Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Clonea Beach?

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

What facilities are there at Clonea Beach?

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