Beach · County Waterford
Bunmahon Beach
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 7 September 2026, was excellent. Live status on beaches.ie, which the EPA updates hourly in season.
Bunmahon is a sandy gently sloping beach with a dune area along the roadside. Currents can be variable. The Dune area supports a variety of plant species and wildlife. The rock pools which are accessible during low tide support a variety of marine wildlife and plants. The United Nations Economic Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised the south coast of the county between Garrarus and Ballyvoyle Head as a GeoPark; one of a network of European sites of exceptional geological interest. The coastal area is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive. The designated bathing area is approximately 500 metres long and 100 metres wide (at low tide).
Excellent (2025): The highest standard: results over four years were consistently very clean.
The record, year by year
| Year | EPA classification | Samples | Excellent | Good | Sufficient | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | Excellent | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Good | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Sufficient | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Sufficient | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | — | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Facilities
| Lifeguards | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Yes | Toilets are located in near proximity to the beach |
| Parking | Yes | Parking available beside the beach |
| Wheelchair access | Yes | Ramp to beach |
| Beach wheelchair | No | |
| Public transport | Yes | Public buses |
| First aid | Yes | At lifeguard station |
| Lifebuoy | Yes | Yes |
| Information board | Yes | Yes at two locations (carparks) |
| Activity zones | No | |
| Litter bins | Yes | Available at both carpark areas |
| Recycling | Yes | Located at the main carpark |
Dogs and cars
- Dogs are not allowedNo dogs allowed between 11am to 7pm, June, July and August
- No cars on the beachCars not allowed on beach
Latest sample (2026-09-07): E. coli 111, intestinal enterococci 4 (cfu/100 ml).
The EPA's bathing water profile
Outdoors in County Waterford this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 10 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct14° / 14°Light rain
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 11 km awayBallyscanlon ForestParkBallyscanlon Forest is located 6.5km west of Tramore on the road to Dungarvan in County Waterford. The site overlooks Ballyscanlon Lake and the Comeragh and Monavillagh from a distant back-drop.
Nature spot · 15 km awayLafcadio Hearn Japanese GardensGardenTramoreNestled in the picturesque seaside town of Tramore in County Waterford, the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are a captivating tribute to Irish writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, celebrated as Japan’s most famous Irishman. These beautifully crafted gardens trace the remarkable journey and legacy of Hearn through a series of enchanting, themed landscapes.