If you want to get away from it all then this is the beach for you. On the Ordnance Survey map its called Yellow Strand and we don’t really know what it’s called locally as we never met anyone there on two visits.
Raghly is a bit difficult to get to but well worth the effort. It’s a lovely stretch of sand, open but with some shelter in the small dunes. The water here is fresh and used by Sligo’s many surfers. The beach has rocks at one end and the attractive Knocklane hill at the other.
The first time we visited Raghly it was just ourselves and a few distant surfers .We had the pleasure of watching a small puppy seal waddle into the water, so you never know your luck. This time it was ourselves alone.
If there are few/ no people about be extra careful in the water.
Take the N15 from Sligo toward Bundoran / Donegal. At Drumcliffe watch out for a left turn signposted Lisadell House and Raghly. At the village of Carney keep following the Lisadell signposts and then go straight past the left turn for Raghly toward Ballyconnell. If you don’ t have a detailed map you will likely get lost, so just ask for directions —- if you can find anyone.
Thanks Carolin S. for your contribution to this page. This spot is nowhere near the Royal Canal… it’s by the Grand Canal! Edited: August 2020
We were pleased to get a tip off about this location as Kildare is one of the few counties where we hadn’t been able to identify a swimming venue. Having said that we aren’t talking about a state of the art swimming pool here. However, this location is quiet, peaceful and , most importantly, the water where we swam was fresh and clear.
From where we parked at the ‘Hanged Man’s’ pub we crossed the bridge and turned left onto the tow path. At the start the water was distinctly uninviting and clogged with thick weeds. A 15 minute walk brought us to a spot where the weeds had thinned out and we could find an easy entry point.
The water was cool and fresh with a decent flow. Swimming against the flow took a bit of effort so be careful you don’t get carried away from your entry spot. Underfoot is muddy and soft but not the kind of surface you would want to be walking on.
After your swim you can have a pleasant stroll along the tow path or just sit on the soft grass and watch the reeds blowing in the wind.
Directions: From Dublin take the N7 and leave it at exit 10. Then take the R445 to Newbridge. In the centre of the town look for a right turn onto the R416 sign posted for Milltown. When you get to Milltown take a left turn and a further 200 metres will bring you to the car park at the Hanged Man’s pub.
Outdoor swimming pools are now a rarity in Ireland and if we had our way they would be preserved as national treasures. Bunclody outdoor pool is one of the best and is a great credit to the local community who run it.
When we visited the pool was full of children swimming, splashing and diving into this very attractive, heated facility. The pool itself is 25 metres long with deep and shallow ends. Alongside it there is a small splash pool for toddlers. The pool is fully enclosed with seats all round it and benches at one end. It is an ideal spot to bring your children. When we were there two attentive lifeguards were on duty.
The facilities are good with separate changing rooms and showers. Admission is 5 euro for adults and 3 euro for children. However, the season tickets for families which run from June to August are much better value. The pool is open afternoon and evenings with various classes held in the mornings. Beside the pool there are tennis courts, a small bike track and a childrens playground, all run by the same community group that look after the pool. So this is a great place for families and children. Well done to all concerned.
Directions : From Dublin take the M9 and leave it at exit 5. You then get onto the N80 and follow it all the way to Bunclody. As you come into the town watch for a sign post to the pool on the right.
World’s End has a nice, otherwordly ring to it and it’s an attractive swimming spot on the River Shannon. The location is used also by canoeists and the local boat club, but there is plenty of room for everybody.
Access to the water is via a slippery slip way and then you are into the dark but refreshing waters. There are some rocks underneath and you are quickly out of your depth. We made a point of sticking close to the shore and had a nice relaxed swim.
Like all rivers be careful and don’t swim out unless you know the waters well and are confident in your ability.
This is a calm location with a fair amount of parking and some space for a picnic on a good day.
Directions : On the Dublin Limerick M7 motorway take exit 28. From there get onto the R445 for Castleconnell. Finding World’s End is a bit complicated, so you are best to ask in the village for directions.
We are told that this man made lake, just outside Portarlington, is known locally by the wonderful name of ‘ Costa Del Sod’ or ‘The Bog Beach’. And set right in the heart of a vast bog land area it certainly is.
Notwithstanding that, we had a lovely swim in the soft dark waters. We were quickly into and out of our depth, so be careful. As for all lakes, as you can’t see whats underneath, no jumping or diving.
The lake has a nice sandy area alongside it as well as ample green space, so it seems to be a good location for families. The lake is used also by a local fishing club.
Be prepared for a ten minute walk from the car park through a forest path. It’s accessible for buggies but not wheelchairs.
Well done to Bord Na Mona for providing this attractive amenity.
Directions : Portarlington can be accessed from the M7 motorway at exit 14. Take the R424 then R420 to the town. In the town get onto the R419 for Edenderry. A couple of kilometres outside the town you come to a railway crossing with a parking area to the left. From here you take the pathway to the right with a barrier and a sign for Portarlington angling club. A ten minute stroll will take you to the lake
