Coral Strand, Carraroe

June 2010

Along with its first cousin near Clifden, this is one of the only two coral strands we know of in the country (If there are others please let us know).

The beach here is small but very attractive. The water is lovely and clear and a pleasure to swim in. Even at low tide there is enough depth for a dip. There are plenty of little coves to shelter in and rocks for the kids to scramble across. And it also has nice views across the inlet to a sample of Connemara’s stony fields.

Carraroe is ‘Irish College’ country, so don’t be surprised if your quiet swim is interrupted, as we were, by a gang of Irish speaking teenagers.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Blue Flag beach.

Directions

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From Galway city you take the R336 coast road and follow it until you go onto the R343 signposted for Carraroe. When you get to Carraroe drive straight through the village and after a short distance you will see the signpost for the Coral Strand.

There is a decent size car park and good toilets along with a couple of picnic tables. Access from the car park to the beach is over a rough track – manageable for buggies, but it looks as though it would be very hard to manoeuvre a wheelchair across.

Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map Nos. 44 and 45