Blue Flag Certified · Since 1999
Killaloe Municipal District, Ireland31.86 km from County Clare
Ballycuggeran Killaloe Municipal District
Blue Flag certified · on the Atlantic Ocean · best in June, September
Entry: Free
County Clare, Killaloe Municipal District
Best: June, September
High season: July, August
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Essential Info
At a Glance — Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
Is Ballycuggeran certified?
Blue Flag Certified since 1999 — FEE-accredited, audited annually for water quality, facilities, safety, and environmental education.
What does it cost to enter Ballycuggeran?
Entry is free.
Are there lifeguards?
Yes Lifeguards are posted during operating hours.
What facilities are available?
ToiletsWheelchair Access
Best time to visit
June, September
Water temperature
Ranges from approximately 6.6°C in winter to 12.6°C in summer.
Sea / Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Story
About Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
"Ballycuggeran is a small lakeside bathing area in a designated conservation area. Lough Derg is one of the major freshwater lakes of Ireland. The area is of significant ecologic..."
Ballycuggeran has been certified as a Blue Flag beach since 1999. The Blue Flag programme — run globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — evaluates beaches against 33 criteria covering bathing water quality, environmental education, beach management, and safety. Certification is reviewed annually; a beach must requalify each year.
Accessibility
Ballycuggeran is committed to accessible beach experiences. Site accessibility facilities are available.
Where to Stay Near Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
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Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Actually Say About Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
Note: Visitor experiences reflect conditions at the time of reporting. Beach conditions, facilities, and management can change. We recommend verifying current conditions with local authorities before visiting. This content represents a point-in-time snapshot and may not reflect current reality.
What Visitors Appreciate
Blue Flag certification ensures safety and environmental standards
Lifeguard presence during operating hours provides reassurance
Clean facilities including toilets and general cleanliness
Honest Considerations
Water quality can be affected by weather and runoff
Crowds vary seasonally; check peak seasons in advance
Always verify current conditions before visiting
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
The best time to visit is June, September.
High season: July, August
Q1
January – March
Low crowds
Air: 5.4°C / Sea: 5.9°C
Quiet, uncrowded visit
Q2
April – June
Low crowds
Air: 8.9°C / Sea: 9.4°C
Shoulder season — good value
Q3
July – September
High crowds
Air: 15.5°C / Sea: 14.0°C
Peak summer — book ahead
Q4
October – December
Low crowds
Air: 10.7°C / Sea: 11.2°C
Off-season quiet
Month-by-Month Climate at Ballycuggeran
Month
Air Temp (°C)
Sea Temp (°C)
Sunrise
Sunset
Crowds
January
5.4°C
5.9°C
08:39
16:47
Low
February
5.5°C
6.0°C
07:52
17:44
Low
March
6.4°C
6.9°C
06:47
18:38
Low
April
8.9°C
9.4°C
05:34
19:33
Low
May
11.5°C
10.0°C
04:36
20:25
Low
June
14.1°C
12.6°C
04:08
21:00
Medium
July
15.5°C
14.0°C
04:28
20:50
High
August
14.8°C
13.3°C
05:16
19:58
High
September
13.4°C
11.9°C
06:08
18:47
Medium
October
10.7°C
11.2°C
07:00
17:37
Low
November
7.4°C
7.9°C
07:58
16:38
Low
December
6.1°C
6.6°C
08:40
16:17
Low
When to avoid: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Transportation
Getting There: Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
Ballycuggeran is approximately 31.86 km from County Clare.
Flight
✈ Shannon Airport (SNN) (SNN) — 34.4 km away
Train
Birdhill, 8.09 km away
Parking
surface
Orientation
Beach Orientation: Ballycuggeran
🧭
Facing S — Atlantic Ocean
Ballycuggeran faces S,
opening directly onto the Atlantic Ocean.
This orientation means the beach receives its best light and most favourable swimming conditions during June, September.
Beach Features
The Beach Itself: Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
Ballycuggeran is a small lakeside bathing area in a designated conservation area. Lough Derg is one of the major freshwater lakes of Ireland. The area is of significant ecological interest with five habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.In travelling to Ballycuggeran take the R463 from Limerick, or the R352 from Ennis and link to R463 at Tuamgraney. The nearest town is Killaloe. The beach is lifeguarded during the bathing season (lifeguard times are posted on the information noticeboard on the beach). www.blueflagireland.orgwww.clarecoco.ie
As a Blue Flag certified beach, Ballycuggeran meets rigorous annual standards across water quality, environmental management, facilities, and safety — making it one of the recognised bathing destinations in Ireland.
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Nearby
Beyond the Beach: Nearby Attractions
31.86 km
County Clare
Nearest city with dining, shopping, and lodging
3.27 km
Shopping
Supermarket or convenience stores
Visitor Info
Practical Information: Ballycuggeran, Killaloe Municipal District
Language
English, Irish
Currency
EUR
Electrical Voltage
230V
Plug Type
Type G
Driving Side
left
Emergency
112.0
Potable Water
Available
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballycuggeran Blue Flag certified?
Yes. Ballycuggeran holds Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), certified since 1999. The Blue Flag award is one of the world's most recognised eco-labels for beaches, evaluated annually across 33 criteria covering water quality, environmental management, facilities, and safety education. To hold the flag, Ballycuggeran must requalify each year — there is no permanent certification. Check the official FEE Blue Flag website for the current season's status.
What does it cost to enter Ballycuggeran?
Entry to Ballycuggeran is free. As with most public beaches, there is no admission charge for access to the beach or the water. Some paid services — such as sunbed hire, parking, or food vendors — may be available on-site at additional cost. We recommend verifying current conditions with local authorities, as arrangements can change seasonally.
What is the best time to visit Ballycuggeran?
The best time to visit Ballycuggeran is June, September, when weather conditions and sea temperatures are most favourable for swimming and beach activities.
Avoid January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December if possible, as conditions tend to be less suitable — either too crowded, too cold, or affected by seasonal weather patterns.
Travelling in shoulder months just before or after peak season often offers a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What facilities are available at Ballycuggeran?
Facilities at Ballycuggeran include:
lifeguards (posted during operating hours),
public toilets,
wheelchair-accessible pathways,
and standard Blue Flag beach amenities. Blue Flag certification requires that certified beaches maintain information boards, waste management, and environmental education materials. Always check with the local beach authority for the most current facility information, as provisions can change between seasons.
How do I get to Ballycuggeran from County Clare?
Ballycuggeran is approximately 31.86 km from County Clare.
The closest airport is Shannon Airport (SNN) (SNN), approximately 34.4 km away.
Train services run to Birdhill, 8.09 km from the beach.
Parking is available at or near the beach.
We recommend checking local transport schedules in advance, particularly during peak season when services can be busier.