by Brian Kenny | Aug 8, 2011 | Laois
<h2 class="style2">Ballinakill Outdoor Pool</h2> <p>August 2011</p> <p>Ballinakill pool looks like a fantastic community facility in a county not renowned for its swimming locationsÂ… but, unfortunately, it was closed on a dull, but dry August day when we arrived. </p> <p>We are unclear who runs the pool. It looks like a local, community effort although it is also mentioned on the Laois County Council website. It is open during the summer but when we were there the notice on the locked gates said it was closed due to the 'inclement weather'.</p> <p>From what we saw looking over the wall the pool is about 25 metres long and with a shallow toddlers pool at one end. The water looks lovely and clear and the whole site appears to be well maintained. And, according to the County Council website, the water is heated, which must be an important added attraction.</p> <p>The pool is a great credit to the local community, just make sure you check that it's open before you go there.</p> <p><b>UPdate June 2014</b></p> <p><b>weve just been informed that the pool is to reopen on July 6th which is good news for local swimmers. check locally for opening times. </b></p> <p> <br /><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=52.876415,-7.30653&num=1&t=h&vpsrc=0&sll=52.877134,-7.303333&sspn=0.009739,0.0421&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=52.87567,-7.306488&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></p> <p><i>Directions</i></p> <p><i> From Dublin take the M7 as far as Exit 17 and then get onto the N8 for Abbeyleix. In the middle of Abbeyleix there is a left turn onto the R430 signposted Carlow. You travel on this road for a couple of kilometres and watch out for a right turn onto the R432 signposted Ballinakill. As you come intoBallinakill watch for a signpost for the swimming pool</i></p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://outdoorswimming.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ballinakill_pool_1.jpg" class="magnify" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://outdoorswimming.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ballinakill_pool_2.jpg" class="magnify" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://outdoorswimming.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ballinakill_pool_3.jpg" class="magnify" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://outdoorswimming.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ballinakill_pool_4.jpg" class="magnify" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p align="center"> </p>
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2011 | Cavan, Lakes
July 2011
We are not quite sure of the status of this swimming pool area, located just beside Gartylough. To call it a proper swimming pool would be stretching it and there was no one there to ask when we visited. We know, however, that it is used for water safety classes.
The pool is fenced in, quite shallow and must be good for children to splash and learn. Outside the pool is the large lake itself, but we didn’t venture in on this occasion. So, more a place for children to have a swim if you are passing through, but check with Cavan County Council if it is open to the general public.
Right beside the pool is a children’s play area and toilets
View Larger Map
Directions:
From Cavan town take the R 198 toward Arvagh. As you drive through the town look right at the end of the main street for the play area and lake.
Ordnance Survey Map No: 34
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2011 | Cavan, Lakes
July 2011
Cavan seems to be particularly good at organising water safety classes for young people and Annagh Lake is another location where these classes are run. When we were there a number of children were undergoing instruction. We had a swim later on and there is a nice soft feel to the lake water as you swim out.
Located on the road from Cavan to Enniskillen this is a handy place to stop for a quick dip. There is a decent sized car park, picnic table and a good sized grass area for lounging in the sun/rain/mist.
View Larger Map
Directions:
From Cavan town take the N3 toward Enniskillen. About 6/7 kilometres beyond Cavan you come to the 1st turn left signposted for Annagh. Ignore that turn(!) and a couple of kilometres further on you will come to the car park for the swimming area.
Ordnance Survey Maps No: 27 and 34
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2011 | Cavan, Lakes
July 2011
Lough Oughter is set in the very attractive surrounds of Killykeen Forest Park, a national park full of trails for walking and with plenty of water, and fish, for the fishermen.
The swimming area is a good place for a dip, with a small stretch of sand leading you into the soft lake water which is also sandy underfoot. There is quite a good depth here and as you swim out you get a panoramic view of the lake surrounded by its impressive, broadleaf forests. Don’t get carried away, though, as you are quickly out of your depth.
Be careful that you don’t swim in the other areas marked with warning signs. They are there for a reason.
Killykeen has ample parking and numerous picnic tables. There are basic toilets before you cross the footbridge to the swimming area.
View Larger Map
Ordnance Survey Map No: 34
by Brian Kenny | Jul 7, 2011 | Kilkenny, Rivers
July 2011
Inistioge is an attractive village on the River Nore. The swimming spot is located just outside the town. The river is tidal and when we were there it was very shallow and not attractive for swimming. We were reassured by the lifeguards that the tide comes up to a good height and you can jump in from the wall at the river’s edge.
This is a small, but attractive location. There is a car park and one picnic table.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.
Directions :
View Larger Map
In Inistioge take the R700 in the direction of New Ross. After you cross the bridge watch out for a sharp ( not signposted) right turn – L82831- which will bring you to the spot.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 68
