Youghal Claycastle

About this spot

Claycastle Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach with a narrow area of marsh/dunes (part of Ballyvergan Marsh). Ballyvergan Marsh (Site Code 000078) is located to the west of the beach. Activities include surfing, windsurfing, canoeing and angling.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesWheelchair Ramp and beach wheelchair available at beach

Dogs

NoDogs are not allowed on this beach between 10.30 a.m. & 7.00 p.m. during the bathing season which runs from 1st June to 15th September.

Public transport

YesPublic bus

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Youghal, Claycastle is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Youghal, Claycastle 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 Youghal Claycastle right now?

Youghal Claycastle 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 Youghal Claycastle?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Youghal Claycastle 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 Youghal Claycastle?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Youghal Claycastle?

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

What facilities are there at Youghal Claycastle?

Youghal Claycastle has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Dogs are restricted. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).