Duncannon

Active notices

• Bathing is temporarily prohibited

  Water quality deteriorated due to suspected agricultural activities/runoff

  Official notice (PDF)

About this spot

Duncannon beach is a peaceful firm-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope. The sand dunes extend between 5m and 100m to the rear (north) of the beach. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach. Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca), a rare species listed in the Irish Red Data Book is found in the dunes. There is a sand sculpting festival which takes place each summer. Attractions include a maritime museum, cockleshell art centre, artist studios, café and craft shop. The beach is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists. The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long and approximately 0.2 km² in area.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesAccess ramp

Dogs

Yes

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Duncannon is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Duncannon has achieved a Good Water Quality rating in 2024 and Sufficient Water Quality rating for two years 2022 and 2023. 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 Duncannon right now?

Duncannon is currently marked "Do not swim". Water quality deteriorated due to suspected agricultural activities/runoff 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 Duncannon?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Duncannon 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 Duncannon?

Yes. Water quality deteriorated due to suspected agricultural activities/runoff This notice was published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) and began on 2026-08-07.

Is there a lifeguard at Duncannon?

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

What facilities are there at Duncannon?

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