Can you swim at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis right now?

Ballyallia Lake, Ennis is currently marked "Do not swim". Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.

What is the water quality like at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Ballyallia Lake, Ennis as Excellent in 2025. Classifications are a rolling assessment of bacterial samples taken over four bathing seasons, measured against E. coli and intestinal enterococci limits set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.

Is there a swimming ban or warning at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?

Yes. Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom This notice was published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) and began on 2026-09-11.

Is there a lifeguard at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?

No lifeguard cover is listed for Ballyallia Lake, Ennis. Never swim alone at an unguarded spot.

What facilities are there at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?

Ballyallia Lake, Ennis has parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).

Ballyallia Lake, Ennis

Do not swim

Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom

Checked 39 minutes ago against the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) · data last changed 30 days ago.

Active notices

Bathing is temporarily prohibited
Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom
Official notice (PDF)

About this spot

The bathing area at Ballyallia Lake is based around a small slipway, consists of small stones and extends 70m along the shoreline. Ballyallia Lake is a Special Area of Conservation as well as a Special Protection Area for birds and wildlife sanctuary. Activities include walking and fishing. It is a popular place for young families to feed the ducks and have picnics. Beach bye-laws are in place with horse riding and dogs prohibited between 11am and 6pm during the summer season.

This spot’s record

Ballyallia Lake, Ennis is in Clare, about 4 km from Ennis. Ballyallia Lake, Ennis has been rated Excellent in each of the 4 bathing seasons classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), 2022 through 2025. Across the 12 most recent samples published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), E. coli counts ranged from 10 to 906 per 100 ml. The highest was taken on 26 August 2026. A classification is calculated from percentiles across four seasons, so no single reading decides how this water is rated.

Recent sample results

The last 12 bacterial samples published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), most recent on the right. Counts are per 100 ml of water.

Dashed line: 1000 E. coli per 100 ml, the Bathing Water Directive guide value for inland waters.

Recent bacterial sample results for this bathing water
Date	E. coli	Enterococci	Assessment
1 Sept	10	10	Excellent
28 Aug	120	80	Excellent
27 Aug	677	160	Sufficient
26 Aug	906	590	Poor
25 Aug	246	10	Excellent
11 Aug	197	10	Excellent

A bathing water's official classification is calculated from percentiles across four bathing seasons, not from any single sample — so one high reading doesn't mean a spot is unsafe, and one low reading doesn't mean it's clean today.

Quality over the last 4 years

Excellent2022
Excellent2023
Excellent2024
Excellent2025

This water has been rated Excellent in each of the last 4 years.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard: No
Parking: Yes
Toilets: No
Accessible entry: YesGentle sloping ramp to pier
Dogs: YesBefore 11 am and after 6 pm during summer season, otherwise not allowed at all times onto beach during the summer.
Public transport: No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Ballyallia Lake, Ennis is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Ballyallia Lake, Ennis has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2022 to 2025. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health.

Official bathing-water profile

What Excellent, Good, Sufficient and Poor actually mean

Common questions

Can you swim at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis right now?: Ballyallia Lake, Ennis is currently marked "Do not swim". Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.
What is the water quality like at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?: the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Ballyallia Lake, Ennis as Excellent in 2025. Classifications are a rolling assessment of bacterial samples taken over four bathing seasons, measured against E. coli and intestinal enterococci limits set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.
Is there a swimming ban or warning at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?: Yes. Water quality affected due to the presence of algal bloom This notice was published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) and began on 2026-09-11.
Is there a lifeguard at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?: No lifeguard cover is listed for Ballyallia Lake, Ennis. Never swim alone at an unguarded spot.
What facilities are there at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis?: Ballyallia Lake, Ennis has parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).

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Nearby swimming spots

See all swimming spots near Ennis — about 4 km away.