Clonea Beach
Ireland: Excellent water quality
Located in County Waterford, Ireland, Clonea Beach holds a Blue Flag award, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is best visited in May, June, or September. Check local safety arrangements before…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Clonea Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Clonea Beach?
Located in County Waterford, Ireland, Clonea Beach holds a Blue Flag award, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is best visited in May, June, or September. Check local safety arrangements before your visit, as conditions can vary seasonally. It's a reliable choice for families and those concerned with environmental standards.
It is part of a wider group of Blue Flag certified beaches across Ireland that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Clonea Beach 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 | 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 | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Clonea Beach is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.3°C in July.
How crowded does Clonea Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Clonea Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach
Is Clonea Beach safe to swim?Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?Peak water temperature at Clonea Beach reaches around 13.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.6°C.
What is the beach like at Clonea Beach?Clonea Beach of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Clonea Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Clonea Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Clonea Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Clonea Beach
How do I get to Clonea Beach by car?Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?The nearest airport is Waterford Airport (WAT) (WAT), approximately 32.6 km away.
Can I get to Clonea Beach by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ireland.
Nearby
Near Clonea Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Clonea Beach. 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 Clonea Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 288 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 379 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 387 m
Cafés near Clonea Beach
- Gordon Café 395 m
Parking near Clonea Beach
- Clonea Strand Hotel Parking 375 m
- Parking Parking 376 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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (private parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 400 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 52.0966°N, 7.5411°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clonea Beach FAQ
Is Clonea Beach suitable for children?
Clonea Beach has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Clonea Beach free to access?
Access to Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?
The best time to visit Clonea Beach 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 13.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Clonea Beach?
Clonea Beach 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 Clonea Beach?
Clonea Beach is located in Ireland. The nearest airport is Waterford Airport (WAT) (WAT), 32.6 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 Clonea Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Clonea Beach, including 288 m away, 379 m away, and 387 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).
Are there cafés near Clonea Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Clonea Beach, including Gordon (395 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Clonea Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 375 m from Clonea Beach (Clonea Strand Hotel), with 2 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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 Clonea Beach
- 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.