Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Old Head Beach is located 34.29 km from County Mayo along the Irish coastline. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Old Head Beach is located 34.29 km from County Mayo along the Irish coastline. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are the busiest months. If you're looking for a clean, well-maintained beach in Ireland, Old Head Beach is a solid choice.
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
Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 15°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 12°C in July.
How crowded does Old Head Beach, Louisburgh get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Old Head Beach, Louisburgh sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
Is Old Head Beach, Louisburgh safe to swim?Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?Peak water temperature at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh reaches around 12°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.3°C.
What is the beach like at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?Old Head Beach, Louisburgh on the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District coast of Ireland. The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are the busiest months. If you're looking for a clean, well-maintained beach in Ireland, Old Head Beach is a solid choice.
Does Old Head Beach, Louisburgh have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Old Head Beach, Louisburgh meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Old Head Beach, Louisburgh sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
How do I get to Old Head Beach, Louisburgh by car?Old Head Beach, Louisburgh is approximately 34.29 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), approximately 52.4 km away.
Can I get to Old Head Beach, 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.
Is there a train to Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?Old Head Beach, Louisburgh lists Westport House as the nearest railway station, 15.59 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Old Head Beach, Louisburgh. 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
- Public toilets Public toilets 133 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 354 m
Cafés near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
- The Old Head Cafe Café 320 m
Parking near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
- Parking Parking 139 m
- Parking Parking 316 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 | 3 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.7767°N, 9.7707°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Old Head Beach, Louisburgh FAQ
Is Old Head Beach, Louisburgh suitable for children?
Old Head Beach, Louisburgh has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Old Head Beach, Louisburgh free to access?
Access to Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
The best time to visit Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Old Head Beach, 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Old Head Beach, Louisburgh is located in Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Ireland. It is approximately 34.29 km from County Mayo. The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), 52.4 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, including 133 m away and 354 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 Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, including The Old Head Cafe (320 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Old Head Beach, Louisburgh?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 139 m from Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, 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 Old Head Beach, 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.