Beach · County Donegal
Carrickfinn
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.
Carrickfinn is an extensive sandy beach with a good dune system. The beach is situated in Gweedore Bay which is a Natural Heritage Area that supports many varied coastal habitats and a wide variety of plant species and wildlife. The beach is exposed at times during the tidal phase during the day.
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 | — | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Excellent | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Excellent | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Excellent | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Excellent | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Facilities
| Lifeguards | Yes | |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Yes | |
| Parking | Yes | |
| Wheelchair access | No | |
| Beach wheelchair | Yes | Beach Wheelchair is available at Donegal Airport by arrangement (074 9548284) |
| Public transport | No | |
| First aid | Yes | |
| Lifebuoy | No | |
| Information board | Yes | |
| Activity zones | No | |
| Litter bins | Yes | |
| Recycling | No |
Dogs and cars
- Dogs on a leadDogs are not permitted in the Blue Flag Area of the beach from 12 pm to 7 pm (1st June to 15th September annually).Dogs are permitted on leads outside the Blue Flag Area at all times.
- No cars on the beach
Latest sample (2026-09-07): E. coli <10, intestinal enterococci <1 (cfu/100 ml).
The EPA's bathing water profile
Outdoors in County Donegal this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 1 Nov — dry by day, light winds, up to 11°C
- Thu, 29 Oct14° / 11°Scattered clouds
- Fri, 30 Oct15° / 11°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 31 Oct13° / 5°Drizzle
- Sun, 1 Nov11° / 5°Sun with grey cloud
Forecast: Met Éireann · outdoor rating by Winsome Planet
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 · 5.5 km awayGabhla (Gola Island)BeachLess than 2km from the Donegal mainland, the 326 hectare Gabhla Island (Gola Island) is a haven for artists, birdwatchers, photographers, walkers and rock climbers.
Nature spot · 12 km awayInis Fraoigh (Inishfree Island)IslandJust 5km off the coast of Donegal, Inis Fraoigh (Inishfree) is a unique 640 hectare island of sandy beaches, flowering plants and peaceful scenery.