Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East

About this spot

Counsellors Strand is a sandy beach with a gentle slope, set within a large steep sided cove. The cove surrounding the beach consists of striking red sandstone cliffs and geological features, such as folding, can be seen in the surrounding cliffs. The cliffs support a variety of seabirds not least being the colony of kittiwakes which nest along the face of the cliffs. Above the beach and cove there is a grassed area suitable for picnics and viewing. The designated bathing area is approximately 100 metres long and 75 metres wide (at low tide). Activities include swimming, bodyboarding and kayaking. An adventure centre is located at the harbour offering a variety of water sports and land based activities such as rock-climbing.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

No

Dogs

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

Public transport

YesPublic buses

Official water quality

Classified Good in 2025.

Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating in 2024 and a Good Water Quality rating in 2023 and 2022. 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 Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East right now?

Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East 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 Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East as Good 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 Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East?

Yes — Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East?

Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East has toilets, parking. Dogs are restricted. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).