by Brian Kenny | Aug 8, 2012 | Galway, Lakes
August 2012
Lough Inagh is set in a fabulous location between the Maum Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges. This is great place to cool off if you’ve been walking in the mountains. And even if you haven’t it’s a great spot for a swim.
Like all lakes, treat Inagh with caution and be careful. The water is dark and soft but go slowly and watch for rocks and reeds. We parked at a layby near the boathouse and found our way to the lakeside. Getting in was a bit tricky but it was lovely to swim with those mountains as a backdrop.
Directions:
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From Galway city take the N59 toward Clifden. Pass through Recess and then take a right turn onto the R344 signposted for Kylemore and Letterfrack. This road brings you past Derryclare lake first and the next lake is Inagh. About half way down watch for a lay by on the right hand side.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 37
by Brian Kenny | Aug 8, 2012 | Galway, Lakes
August 2012
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.
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by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2012 | Kerry
Ventry Harbour
July 2012
We swam in Ventry two days in a row. The first was misty and dull; the second sunny and bright. Such are the joys of swimming in Ireland. But on both days the water was clear, sandy underfoot and good to swim in, and there was very little difference in the temperature between the dull and the sunny day.
The beach at Ventry is a bit exposed so you might need a windbreak if you plan to stay for a while. But the harbour does give protection and it was good for a decent swim the days we were there.
Ventry is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards during the summer months . The car park is small with basic toilets. Access to the beach is via a short ramp/slipway which looks both buggie and wheelchair accessible.
Directions:
From Dingle take the R559 signposted for Slea head. After about 10 kilometres you come to Ventry (Ceann Trá) and just past the village you will see a signpost on your left for the beach.
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Ordnance Survey Map No. 70
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2012 | Limerick
Kilteery Pier
July 2012
If you want to swim in Kilteery then time your visit. We got there when the tide was on its way out and the seaweed exposed area didn’t leave it looking its best.
Still, this is an attractive spot and must look completely different when there is a full tide. We got in down the steps behind the pier and, despite the low tide, we were out of our depth very quickly. The water was brown and sandy. We stuck close to shore as we didn’t know the local conditions.
So , be careful here.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The area around the harbor is well maintained, with decent parking and a couple of picnic tables and some seats overlooking the water.
Directions:
From Limerick take the R69 toward Tarbert. After the village of Loghill watch for a right turn signposted for the pier.
Photos will be added at a later date
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2012 | Limerick
July 2012
We don’t know our swimming in Limerick very well, so we were glad to take in a visit to Glin on the way back from Kerry.
This is an attractive spot sheltered in the harbour. The swimming area is well developed with a few small slipway style paths leading you into the water. The water doesn’t look the cleanest but the tides must keep it fresh. It is clearly a well used resource with some regulars there when we passed through. It will be important to time your visit as swimming won’t be easy when the tide is low.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and nearby there is a nice area with some picnic tables. There is also plenty of room for cars, alongside the pier and in the car park further back.
Directions: From Limerick take the N69 toward Tarbert. As you approach Glin watch for a right turn into a parking area and beyond this is the harbor. We didn’t see a signpost
