Carne
The Borough District of Wexford, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Located 33.81 km from County Wexford, Carne is a Blue Flag beach that meets rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Carne
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Carne?
Located 33.81 km from County Wexford, Carne is a Blue Flag beach that meets rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. The Blue Flag designation means the beach maintains high standards for water quality, facilities, and environmental management, practical assurance for families and those concerned with coastal conservation.
It sits alongside certified beaches along The Borough District of Wexford, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Carne faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Jul | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Aug | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Carne is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.1°C in July.
How crowded does Carne get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Carne sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Carne open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Carne
Is Carne safe to swim?Carne is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Carne?Peak water temperature at Carne reaches around 13.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7°C.
What is the beach like at Carne?Carne on the The Borough District of Wexford coast of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Carne have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Carne meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Carne sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Carne
How do I get to Carne by car?Carne is approximately 33.81 km from County Wexford. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Carne?The nearest airport is Waterford Airport (WAT) (WAT), approximately 50.2 km away.
Can I get to Carne by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Wexford.
Is there a train to Carne?Carne lists Rosslare Europort as the nearest railway station, 5.84 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Carne
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Carne. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Carne
- Public toilets Public toilets 301 m
Parking near Carne
- Parking Parking 114 m
- Parking Parking 255 m
- Parking Parking 303 m
Supermarket near Carne
- Grocery Outlet Supermarket 135 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 130 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 52.1994°N, 6.3509°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Carne FAQ
Is Carne suitable for children?
Carne has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Carne free to access?
Access to Carne is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in The Borough District of Wexford, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Carne?
The best time to visit Carne is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 13.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Carne?
Carne is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Carne?
Carne is located in The Borough District of Wexford, Ireland. It is approximately 33.81 km from County Wexford. The nearest airport is Waterford Airport (WAT) (WAT), 50.2 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Carne?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Carne, including 301 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Carne?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 114 m from Carne, with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Carne?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 135 m from Carne (Grocery Outlet). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
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Editorial
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Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
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Explore IrelandWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Carne
- An Taisce - Blue Flag
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.