Donabate, Balcarrick Beach
Good to go
No current pollution alerts — always assess conditions yourself.
About this spot
Donabate Balcarrick beach is a south-east facing, gently sloping sandy beach consisting of a large sandy dune area.
Facilities & access
- Lifeguard
- Yes11am to 7pm weekends only in June & full time July & August
- Parking
- Yes
- Toilets
- Yes
- Accessible entry
- No
- Dogs
- Yes
- Public transport
- No
Official water quality
Classified Excellent in 2025.
Donabate, Balcarrick Beach is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Donabate, Balcarrick Beach 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 profileCommon questions
- Can you swim at Donabate, Balcarrick Beach right now?
- Donabate, Balcarrick Beach 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 Donabate, Balcarrick Beach?
- the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Donabate, Balcarrick Beach 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 Donabate, Balcarrick Beach?
- There are no active bathing restrictions published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) for Donabate, Balcarrick Beach. That is not a guarantee of safety — assess conditions yourself.
- Is there a lifeguard at Donabate, Balcarrick Beach?
- Yes — Donabate, Balcarrick Beach has lifeguard cover. Hours: 11am to 7pm weekends only in June & full time July & August. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.
- What facilities are there at Donabate, Balcarrick Beach?
- Donabate, Balcarrick Beach has toilets, parking. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).