When we visited Glassilaun a water sports day was in progress. There were lots of adults and children on the beach and the rain was bucketing down. Still, wetsuits are a great invention; the people stayed and the rain didn’t, clearing away to give a sunny afternoon.
Rain or sun, Glassilaun is a lovely curved beach set beside Killary bay. The water here is fresh and clear, lovely to swim in and with an impressive mountain backdrop. The beach also has some rocks for shelter and a couple of small coves when the tide is low.
There is a small car park and a bumpy access route to the beach – just about manageable for buggies, but not for wheelchairs.
Glassilaun is up there with Connemara’s best, which is really saying something.
Directions
From Clifden take the N59 toward Westport. After you pass through Kylemore watch out for a left turn signposted for Tullycross. Drive along this road where you will pass two lakes, Lough Fee and Lough Muck. After you pass by the second lake watch for a sharp right turn signposted ‘Scuba World’ which will bring you to the beach.
Lough na Fooey is a bit out of the way but worth the effort, especially if you like fresh water swimming. It is one of those rare lakes that has its own sandy beach area, a sandy bottom and fairly clear water.
There is a gradual wade in into the lovely soft water and we didn’t come across any rocks near to the shore. But be careful if you swim away from the beach area.
This is a nice place for children as they have the small beach and then shallow water to splash in.
The location is impressive with hills surrounding the whole lake.
Directions:
From Galway city take the N59 toward Clifden. At Maam Cross take a right turn onto the R336 signposted for Leenane. Follow this road until you eventually come to a right turn signposted for the lake. As you come down the steep hill to the lake watch for a sharp turn which will lead you to a grassy area where you can park beside the beach.
Just what you need to cool down if you have been climbing nearby Croagh Patrick.
Bertra is a Blue Flag 2012 beach which we visited when it was wet and windy. Still, the water was good and the views across the bay to Achill island are impressive. The tide was in when we were there and the beach almost completely covered. The wade in was gradual but a bit stony underfoot.
We are sure it’s a completely different proposition when the sun is out, but even in the rain Bertra is a good swimming spot.
There is a decent sized car park, good toilets and a couple of picnic tables. There are both ramps and steps to access the beach so well done Mayo County Council. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Blue Flag beach
Directions:
From Westport take the R335 toward Louisburgh. After you pass Murrisk and the car park for Croagh Patrick you will soon come to a right turn signposted for Bertra.
This is another of Mayo’s fine Blue Flag beaches, but unfortunately we didn’t see it at its best. We had rain and wind when we were there but the swimming was still good.
Carrowmore has a nice stretch of beach which looks out onto the impressive Clare Island. We were quickly into our depth and had a refreshing swim in the choppy waters. It wasn’t a day for a long swim but this must be a very attractive spot when the sun is shining.
Access to the beach is via a ramp which looks fine for wheelchairs and buggies – well done Mayo County Council.
There is a decent car park with a couple of picnic tables. It also has toilets and an outdoor tap for washing boards and wet suits.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Blue Flag beach.
Directions:
From Westport take the R335 to Louisburgh. Drive through the village and just past it you will see a right turn signposted for the beach.
Omey is an unusual island in that it can be accessed at low tide by a sandy causeway. It’s only a kilometre from the mainland and is a good place to walk and swim.
We crossed at low tide and visited two beaches where, of course, the tide was out and they weren’t looking their best. So the trick with Omey is to stay long enough that you get a decent tide, but not so long that you get trapped.
We swam at the beach farthest away from Omey’s single road. It is sheltered in the bay and the water was calm and clear. At low tide there was a gradual wade in, an initial stony piece and then it was sandy underfoot.
To access the first beach just drive to the end of the single road and you will see the beach on your right. For the other one you can walk, drive or cycle across the grass, along the lake as far as you can go. You will probably have to climb a small hill and then you will see the beach below.
All in all Omey is different and worth the visit, both for the swimming and the experience. Just make sure you watch the tide or else bring a tent.
Directions:
From Clifden take the N59 toward Letterfrack/ Westport. About 4 kilometres beyond the town you will come to a left turn signposted for Claddaghduff and Omey. Keep on this road until you come to a kind of T junction. Go to the left and you will then see a left turn sigposted for Omey. You can park and walk across or if your car/ jeep is up to it you can drive across.
