Carrowniskey, Louisburgh

About this spot

Carrowniskey Beach is a large sandy, gradually sloping beach open to the west. Carrowniskey Beach is an exposed beach and can be subject to rip tides/strong currents. There are a number of different habitats including sand hills and an area of machair, three lagoon type lakes and their associated riverine channels. The Lagoon habitat is of extreme ecological importance. Carrowniskey Beach forms part of the Lough Cahasy, Lough Baun and Roonah Lough Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) and proposed National Heritage Area (pNHA) (Site Code 001529). The bathing water is approximately 0.8km2 in area however the beach extends approximately 1.7km. The medium and maximum water depth within the designated bathing water is 0.5m and 5.0m respectively depending on tides.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

No

Dogs

Yes

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

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

Carrowniskey, Louisburgh 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 Carrowniskey, Louisburgh?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Carrowniskey, Louisburgh 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 Carrowniskey, Louisburgh?

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

Is there a lifeguard at Carrowniskey, Louisburgh?

Yes — Carrowniskey, Louisburgh has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Carrowniskey, Louisburgh?

Carrowniskey, Louisburgh has toilets, parking. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).