Beach · County Galway
Ballyloughane Beach
Water quality: Good (2025)Lifeguards in seasonToiletsParkingWheelchair accessNo dogs
Can I swim here? Outside the bathing season
The bathing season runs from 1 June to 15 September. Outside it the water is not tested weekly and lifeguards are not on duty. The last sample, on 14 September 2026, was excellent. Live status on beaches.ie, which the EPA updates hourly in season.
Ballyloughane Beach is a popular urban, shallow and sandy beach (~320m in length). Activities include swimming at both high and low tide.
Good (2025): A good standard over four years.
The record, year by year
| Year | EPA classification | Samples | Excellent | Good | Sufficient | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 18 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Good | 16 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | Excellent | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Excellent | 15 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Good | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 17 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 17 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 16 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Facilities
| Lifeguards | Yes | Life Guard hut marked on beach map and is yellow & red in colour. Lifeguarded Zone is between yellow and red flags. Do not swim if all red flags are flying. |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Yes | |
| Parking | Yes | |
| Wheelchair access | Yes | Access ramps available |
| Beach wheelchair | No | |
| Public transport | Yes | Bus stop located 5 mins walk from beach |
| First aid | Yes | First aid available from lifeguard hut |
| Lifebuoy | Yes | |
| Information board | Yes | |
| Activity zones | No | |
| Litter bins | Yes | |
| Recycling | No |
Dogs and cars
- Dogs are not allowedRefer to beach code of conduct and dog control bye-laws 2008
- No cars on the beach
- Car-free zoneThere is a designated carpark. No cars can access the beach.
Latest sample (2026-09-14): E. coli 185, intestinal enterococci 48 (cfu/100 ml).
The EPA's bathing water profile
Outdoors in County Galway this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 15°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct13° / 9°Scattered clouds
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct15° / 14°Sun with light cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 4.6 km awayCircle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative GardenGardenGalway CityCircle of Life is Ireland's National Organ Donor commemorative garden and is Galway's International Heritage Garden. Its welcoming design, and its richness of imagery and symbolism offer visitors an inspirational and memorable experience.
Nature spot · 4.8 km awayRinville ParkParkRamble through the beautiful grounds of Rinville Park and take in stunning views of the adjacent ancient castle and 16th century estate demesne.