Ireland has many lesser-known and unique swimming spots, often tucked away in remote areas and offering more tranquility than the well-known beaches. Here are some hidden gems:
1. Pollock Holes, Kilkee, Co. Clare
These natural rock pools are revealed at low tide and are perfect for swimming in crystal-clear waters. Kilkee itself is a scenic town on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Pollock Holes offer a sheltered place for sea bathing, unlike the more exposed beaches nearby.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/clare/the-pollock-holes
2. Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
A small, picturesque fishing village with several hidden coves and beaches that are perfect for swimming. The cliffs around Dunmore East provide stunning views, and you can enjoy a quiet dip away from the larger beaches in the region.
https://www.discoverdunmore.com
3. The Forty Foot, Sandycove, Co. Dublin
While not exactly unknown, this historic swimming spot near Dublin offers a unique experience. It was once a male-only bathing place but is now open to all. It’s an iconic location with deep water for adventurous swimmers, ideal for year-round swimming.
https://www.ireland.com/en-ca/magazine/water-activities/the-forty-foot
4. Lough Ouler, Co. Wicklow
This heart-shaped lake is hidden in the Wicklow Mountains, and getting there requires a bit of a hike. It’s a remote spot for wild swimming, perfect for those who want to combine a day of hiking with a dip in a secluded mountain lake.
https://visitwicklow.ie/listing/tonelagee-lough-ouler-trail/
5. Keem Bay, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Though it’s becoming more popular, Keem Bay is still a relatively quiet beach in a remote area of Achill Island. The stunning horseshoe-shaped bay, flanked by steep cliffs, provides a magical swimming spot with clear blue waters and sandy shores.
https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/destinations/regions/keem-strand
6. The Vico Baths, Dalkey, Co. Dublin
Hidden away just south of Dublin, the Vico Baths are a secluded swimming area with a rocky shore and ladder access to the sea. The location offers stunning views of Dublin Bay and is less crowded than some of the city’s better-known beaches.
7. Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
This serene freshwater lake in the middle of a forest park offers a peaceful place to swim. With its surrounding hills and ancient chapel on an island, Gougane Barra is a beautiful and less frequented location, perfect for a tranquil swimming experience.
8. Dog’s Bay, Roundstone, Co. Galway
While more known than others on this list, Dog’s Bay remains a pristine spot due to its remote location. It features white sands and turquoise waters, making it feel like an Irish tropical paradise. The sheltered bay is ideal for a calm swim.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/galway/dog-s-bay-beach
9. Clara Vale, Co. Wicklow
For those looking for a river swim, Clara Vale on the Avonmore River is a peaceful, lesser-known spot. It’s tucked away in the Wicklow countryside and offers a quiet, natural setting for those who prefer freshwater swimming.
10. Murlough Bay, Co. Antrim
Although a bit out of the way, Murlough Bay is one of the most beautiful and isolated spots in Northern Ireland. The waters are clear, and the beach is often deserted, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful swim with incredible views of Rathlin Island and Scotland on clear days.
https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/things-to-do/fairhead-and-murlough-bay-p772381
These spots provide a variety of swimming experiences, from secluded mountain lakes to hidden coastal bays, ideal for those looking to explore beyond Ireland’s famous beaches.
