Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)

About this spot

Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) is a south westerly facing sandy beach backing onto sand dunes. It is exposed to Atlantic wave action and westerly winds. The beach is backed by a sand-dune system, and beyond this is a mixture of woodland, wetland and un-enclosed upland/rough grazing. Activities include swimming, walking, surfing and windsurfing, canoeing and angling. The identified bathing water is approximately 160m in length, however, it is part of a larger beach which extends from Abbey Island eastwards beyond Derrynane House.

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.

Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) 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 Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) right now?

Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) 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 Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) 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 Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)?

Yes — Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)?

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