Spanish Point

About this spot

Spanish Point lies to the west of Milltown Malbay on the road from Quilty to Lahinch. It is an extensive stretch of sandy beach which forms a straight face onto the open Atlantic sea at Mal Bay. The long spine of rocks which stick out into the sea and the rocky shoreline at the northern end of the strand are very interesting places to observe a variety of plants and animals. There is a small variety of shellfish and marine vegetation. Activities include swimming and surfing. Motorised watercraft, surfing and the use of canoes and kayaks is prohibited in close proximity to swimmers. Beach bye-laws are in place with horse riding and dogs prohibited between 11am and 6pm during the summer season.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesRamp leads onto Beach

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.

Spanish Point is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Spanish Point 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.

Common questions

Can you swim at Spanish Point right now?

Spanish Point is currently marked "Good to go". No current pollution alerts — always assess conditions yourself. 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 Spanish Point?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Spanish Point 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 Spanish Point?

There are no active bathing restrictions published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) for Spanish Point. That is not a guarantee of safety — assess conditions yourself.

Is there a lifeguard at Spanish Point?

Yes — Spanish Point has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Spanish Point?

Spanish Point has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).