Carrickfinn
Glenties Municipal District, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Carrickfinn is a Blue Flag beach on the Irish coast. The award recognizes the beach's environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety measures. The beach is open seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Carrickfinn
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Carrickfinn?
Carrickfinn is a Blue Flag beach on the Irish coast. The award recognizes the beach's environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety measures. The beach is open seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. Blue Flag status means Carrickfinn meets standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making it a reliable choice for families and travelers concerned with environmental practices.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Glenties Municipal District, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Carrickfinn 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 | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Jul | 15°C | 12°C | High |
| Aug | 15°C | 12°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 Carrickfinn is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 14.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 11.8°C in July.
How crowded does Carrickfinn get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Carrickfinn sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Carrickfinn 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 Carrickfinn
Is Carrickfinn safe to swim?Carrickfinn 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 Carrickfinn?Peak water temperature at Carrickfinn reaches around 11.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.9°C.
What is the beach like at Carrickfinn?Carrickfinn on the Glenties Municipal District coast of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Carrickfinn have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Carrickfinn meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Carrickfinn sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Carrickfinn
How do I get to Carrickfinn by car?Carrickfinn is approximately 28.35 km from County Donegal. 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 Carrickfinn?The nearest airport is Donegal Airport (CFN) (CFN), approximately 0.8 km away.
Can I get to Carrickfinn by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Donegal.
Map
Find Carrickfinn
Open the map or get directions to the Carrickfinn pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
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 | 2.5 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 55.0378°N, 8.3470°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Carrickfinn FAQ
Is Carrickfinn suitable for children?
Carrickfinn has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Carrickfinn free to access?
Access to Carrickfinn is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Glenties Municipal District, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Carrickfinn?
The best time to visit Carrickfinn 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 11.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Carrickfinn?
Carrickfinn 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 Carrickfinn?
Carrickfinn is located in Glenties Municipal District, Ireland. It is approximately 28.35 km from County Donegal. The nearest airport is Donegal Airport (CFN) (CFN), 0.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
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 Carrickfinn
- 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.