Ballybunnion South

About this spot

Ballybunnion South is an exposed sandy beach facing due west onto the Atlantic ocean, thus the beach can be rough at times. There is a narrow strip of vegetation separating the beach from the road and the footpath which connect the beach and Ballybunnion town. The bathing water of Ballybunnion South is located within the Lower River Shannon, site code SAC 002165. Activities include walking, swimming, surfing and angling. The bathing area is approximately 250 m wide.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesRamp

Dogs

NoDogs are not allowed on the Blue-Flag section of the Beach (ie. within the Lifeguard Patrol area) between 11am and 7pm each day from the 1st June to 15th September inclusive.

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

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

Ballybunnion South 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 Ballybunnion South?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Ballybunnion South 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 Ballybunnion South?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Ballybunnion South?

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

What facilities are there at Ballybunnion South?

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