Shelling Hill/Templetown
Ireland: Excellent water quality
Shelling Hill/Templetown is a Blue Flag beach on Ireland's coast, recognized annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for its environmental standards and water safety. The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. May,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Shelling Hill/Templetown
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Shelling Hill/Templetown?
Shelling Hill/Templetown is a Blue Flag beach on Ireland's coast, recognized annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for its environmental standards and water safety. The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August see the heaviest crowds. The Blue Flag designation is independently verified each year, a certification that matters to travelers looking for reliable beach quality.
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
Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 | 11°C | 8°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 | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
The best time to visit Shelling Hill/Templetown is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 15.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 12.8°C in July.
How crowded does Shelling Hill/Templetown get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Shelling Hill/Templetown sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown
Is Shelling Hill/Templetown safe to swim?Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown?Peak water temperature at Shelling Hill/Templetown reaches around 12.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5.7°C.
What is the beach like at Shelling Hill/Templetown?Shelling Hill/Templetown of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Shelling Hill/Templetown have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Shelling Hill/Templetown meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Shelling Hill/Templetown sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Shelling Hill/Templetown
How do I get to Shelling Hill/Templetown by car?Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown?The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), approximately 62.6 km away.
Can I get to Shelling Hill/Templetown by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ireland.
Map
Find Shelling Hill/Templetown
Open the map or get directions to the Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.9798°N, 6.1529°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelling Hill/Templetown FAQ
Is Shelling Hill/Templetown suitable for children?
Shelling Hill/Templetown is Blue Flag certified in Ireland, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Shelling Hill/Templetown free to access?
Access to Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown?
The best time to visit Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 12.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Shelling Hill/Templetown?
Shelling Hill/Templetown 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown?
Shelling Hill/Templetown is located in Ireland. The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), 62.6 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 Shelling Hill/Templetown
- 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.