Youghal, Claycastle
The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Youghal, Claycastle is a Blue Flag beach along the East Cork coast in Ireland. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, management, and environmental care. Fresh drinking water is available on-site.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Youghal, Claycastle
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Youghal, Claycastle?
Youghal, Claycastle is a Blue Flag beach along the East Cork coast in Ireland. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, management, and environmental care. Fresh drinking water is available on-site.
The best time to visit is May, June, or September. Swimming is safe here, though visitors should follow posted water safety guidelines. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually, so standards remain consistent year to year.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in The Municipal District of East Cork, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Youghal, Claycastle faces south 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 | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Youghal, Claycastle sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle
Is Youghal, Claycastle safe to swim?Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle?Peak water temperature at Youghal, Claycastle reaches around 13.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.9°C.
What is the beach like at Youghal, Claycastle?Youghal, Claycastle on the The Municipal District of East Cork coast of Ireland. The best time to visit is May, June, or September. Swimming is safe here, though visitors should follow posted water safety guidelines. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually, so standards remain consistent year to year.
Does Youghal, Claycastle have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Youghal, Claycastle meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Youghal, Claycastle sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Youghal, Claycastle
How do I get to Youghal, Claycastle by car?Youghal, Claycastle is approximately 49.88 km from County Cork. 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 Youghal, Claycastle?The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), approximately 44.6 km away.
Can I get to Youghal, Claycastle by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Cork.
Map
Find Youghal, Claycastle
Open the map or get directions to the Youghal, Claycastle 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 | 51.9341°N, 7.8591°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Youghal, Claycastle FAQ
Is Youghal, Claycastle suitable for children?
Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle free to access?
Access to Youghal, Claycastle is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Youghal, Claycastle?
The best time to visit Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle?
Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal, Claycastle?
Youghal, Claycastle is located in The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland. It is approximately 49.88 km from County Cork. The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), 44.6 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Youghal, Claycastle
- 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.