Clogherhead
Ireland: Excellent water quality
Clogherhead is a beach on the Ireland coastline with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before you go. May, June, and September are the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Clogherhead
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Clogherhead?
Clogherhead is a beach on the Ireland coastline with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before you go. May, June, and September are the best months to visit. The Blue Flag designation comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, a global programme that certifies beaches meeting rigorous environmental and safety criteria.
It is part of a wider group of certified beaches throughout Ireland that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Clogherhead 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 | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Jul | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Aug | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Clogherhead is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.4°C in July.
How crowded does Clogherhead get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Clogherhead sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Clogherhead 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 Clogherhead
Is Clogherhead safe to swim?Clogherhead 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 Clogherhead?Peak water temperature at Clogherhead reaches around 13.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5.9°C.
What is the beach like at Clogherhead?Clogherhead of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Clogherhead have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Clogherhead meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Clogherhead sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Clogherhead
How do I get to Clogherhead by car?Clogherhead is located in Ireland. 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 Clogherhead?The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), approximately 40.5 km away.
Can I get to Clogherhead by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ireland.
Is there a train to Clogherhead?Clogherhead lists Drogheda MacBride as the nearest railway station, 10.44 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Clogherhead
Open the map or get directions to the Clogherhead 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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 580 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.7847°N, 6.2352°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clogherhead FAQ
Is Clogherhead suitable for children?
Clogherhead has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Clogherhead free to access?
Access to Clogherhead is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Clogherhead?
The best time to visit Clogherhead 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 13.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Clogherhead?
Clogherhead 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 Clogherhead?
Clogherhead is located in Ireland. The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), 40.5 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 Clogherhead
- 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.