Clare Island, Louisburgh
Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Clare Island, Louisburgh is a Blue Flag beach, meeting rigorous environmental standards for water quality and visitor safety 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Clare Island, Louisburgh?
Clare Island, Louisburgh is a Blue Flag beach, meeting rigorous environmental standards for water quality and visitor safety 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 makes it a reliable choice for families and those concerned with environmental practices.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Clare Island, Louisburgh 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 | 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 15°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 12°C in July.
How crowded does Clare Island, Louisburgh get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Clare Island, Louisburgh sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Clare Island, Louisburgh 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh
Is Clare Island, Louisburgh safe to swim?Clare Island, Louisburgh 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh?Peak water temperature at Clare Island, Louisburgh reaches around 12°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.4°C.
What is the beach like at Clare Island, Louisburgh?Clare Island, Louisburgh on the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District coast of Ireland. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. The Blue Flag designation makes it a reliable choice for families and those concerned with environmental practices.
Does Clare Island, Louisburgh have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Clare Island, Louisburgh meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Clare Island, Louisburgh sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Clare Island, Louisburgh
How do I get to Clare Island, Louisburgh by car?Clare Island, Louisburgh is approximately 44.49 km from County Mayo. 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh?The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), approximately 47.3 km away.
Can I get to Clare Island, Louisburgh by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Mayo.
Nearby
Near Clare Island, Louisburgh
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Clare Island, Louisburgh. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Clare Island, Louisburgh
- Sailor's Bar & Restaurant Restaurant 347 m
Parking near Clare Island, Louisburgh
- Parking Parking 56 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) |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.7999°N, 9.9511°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clare Island, Louisburgh FAQ
Is Clare Island, Louisburgh suitable for children?
Clare Island, Louisburgh has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Clare Island, Louisburgh free to access?
Access to Clare Island, Louisburgh is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Clare Island, Louisburgh?
The best time to visit Clare Island, Louisburgh 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 12°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Clare Island, Louisburgh?
Clare Island, Louisburgh 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 Clare Island, Louisburgh?
Clare Island, Louisburgh is located in Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Ireland. It is approximately 44.49 km from County Mayo. The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), 47.3 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 cafés near Clare Island, Louisburgh?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Clare Island, Louisburgh, including Sailor's Bar & Restaurant (347 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Clare Island, Louisburgh?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 56 m from Clare Island, Louisburgh. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
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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 Clare Island, Louisburgh
- 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.