There is a serious shortage of outdoor pools in Ireland and it is to the great credit of the people of Charlestown that they have their own, very worthwhile outdoor facility.
This is a community run venture which deserves support. The pool itself is about 25 metres long and is suitable for those who want to swim lengths or for kids who want to splash in the shallow end. When we were there on a sunny Saturday it was an ideal place to be on a hot day.
As well as the pool there are also good sized dressing rooms and showers and the entrance fee ( 3 euro for an adult) was very reasonable.
Well done to the people who run the pool and hopefully they will get the support they need to further develop this very nice local facility.
Charlestown is just off the N5 which runs between Castlebar and Longford, or you can access it from the N17 which runs between Galway and Sligo. If you access it from the N5 you come off a bypass which leads you to the town. From there you are best to ask directions as the pool is a bit difficult to find.
Ballyheigue is a lovely curved beach with striking views across the bay to the Slieve Mish mountains. When we were there the water was calm and good for swimming. This is a good place for families and children as, when the tide is out, there is lots of room for running and playing. However, if your priority is swimming come here when the tide is in or else you will face a bit of a walk.
The beach is a bit open, although you will find shelter in the dunes at the back. Parts of it are also a bit seaweed-y, so avoid those, or you will be surrounded by flies.
Access to the beach is via which seems OK for buggies and wheelchairs. Well done Kerry County Council. Ballyheigue is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards during the summer. There is a good-sized car park and a shower along the front. Behind the beach is a play area and there are some seats overlooking the beach
This is an attractive place to swim and visit, and we even had some sunshine.
Directions:
From Tralee take the R551 straight to Ballyheigue. Drive through the main street, and you will see the beach car park on your left-hand side.
Ballybunion is a popular holiday resort with a smashing beach, or two to be precise, with names that bring us back to a different era.
North – Ladies Beach
Many years ago a concerned parish priest decided that men and women swimmers need to be separated and so a ladies and a mens beach were designated, with a large rocky outcrop conveniently separating the two. ( We wonder did they get to meet in the water?)
The ladies beach is a lovely sheltered area, with high cliffs on one side, soft sand and clear water for swimming. The water was soft and a bit wavy when we swam here, but lovely and refreshing.
The whole area is very well maintained, with clean toilets and lots of rubbish bins. Behind the beach there is also a seaweed bath and a small café.
We parked up on the road and came down a long steep path which, with care, seems ok for wheelchairs and buggies. You can also drive down another road to get closer but that must get very busy and congested, with limited parking.
South – Mens Beach
The mens beach is equally attractive and is also sheltered by the large rocky outcrop. The water on this side is the same – and women are allowed.
This side has car parking nearby and easier access to the beach. There is also a sheltered area for changing and a surf school. When the sun is out here the sheltered part gets really warm and is a great place for families and children . Rurther out near the sea you will find plenty of rock pools to explore.
Facilities at Ballybunion are good. It’s a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards during the summer. Behind the beaches is a shop and a number of benches ring the cliffs giving lovely views out to sea. The whole area is a credit to Kerry County Council.
Directions
From Tralee take the N69 toward Listowel and before you get to the town you take the R553 to Ballybunion. Drive straight through the town and at the end it’s a right turn for the ladies and straight on for the mens. Take your pick.
This is a lovely Blue Flag beach, not as large as some of its neighbours but all the better for that.
There was a gradual wade in to clear, fresh and slightly choppy waters. We swam here on a sunny August morning and we were the only ones swimming. No change there. The beach has dunes to the rear and rocks at one end for shelter. There is a small wall beneath the car park which will protect you from the wind. There is also plenty of place to play on the soft sand.
Fintra has a reasonably sized car park, but it must get very busy in the fine weather. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The car park also has a couple of portaloos. There is a slipway from the car park to the beach, but it has a barrier across it so, once again, no wheelchair access. You will manage easily enough with a buggy.
Directions: From Donegal take the N56 to Killybegs. Drive through the town and pick up the R263 signposted for Kilcar. After a couple of kilometres watch for a left turn for the beach.
Portstewart is one of those long open beaches that looks as if it goes on forever.
As you enter the beach there is one area to the right which has some shelter and is a car free zone. Otherwise you can drive up the beach and park wherever you like. That’s one of our pet hates but it does make access easier. However, it’s a long beach, good for walking and if you are prepared for I some exercise you can get beyond most of the cars.
The water when we were there was a bit choppy and not great for swimming. Undoubtedly refreshing but more of a surfers beach. You will find some shelter in the dunes but otherwise bring your windbreak. There is loads of room here so it’s a good place for families.
Blue Flag beach with its own coffee shop at the entrance.
Directions
Coming from Coleraine take the A2 for Portstewart. As you approach the town you will see signposts for the beach.
