Beach · County Clare
An Leacht
Lahinch
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 8 September 2026, was excellent. Live status on beaches.ie, which the EPA updates hourly in season.
Lahinch is a sandy beach, subject to strong waves and strong currents. There is a defence barrier consisting of large boulders to prevent coastal erosion. Below the rocky defence barrier the bathing area is sandy with the absence of vegetation. Activities include surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, horse riding and angling. The use of personal watercraft and fast power craft is prohibited. Beach bye-laws are in place with horse riding and dogs prohibited between 11am and 6pm during the summer season.
Good (2025): A good standard over four years.
The record, year by year
| Year | EPA classification | Samples | Excellent | Good | Sufficient | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Good | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Excellent | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Excellent | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Excellent | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Facilities
| Lifeguards | Yes | |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Yes | |
| Parking | Yes | |
| Wheelchair access | Yes | Steep ramp leads onto beach |
| Beach wheelchair | Yes | Specially adapted beach Hippocampe chairs are available at Lahinch Seaworld. The chairs, with specially-designed wheels, are free of charge and available seven days a week but must be booked in advance at the beach. Users will require a carer or personal assistance to operate them. The chairs are available through July and August.To book please contact Lahinch Seaworld on 065-7081900 |
| Public transport | Yes | |
| First aid | Yes | Available at Lifeguard hut |
| Lifebuoy | Yes | |
| Information board | Yes | |
| Activity zones | Yes | Information at Lifeguard Hut |
| Litter bins | Yes | |
| Recycling | Yes |
Dogs and cars
- Dogs on a leadBefore 11 am and after 6 pm during summer season, otherwise not allowed at all times onto beach during summer.
- No cars on the beach
Latest sample (2026-09-08): E. coli 122, intestinal enterococci 10 (cfu/100 ml).
The EPA's bathing water profile
Outdoors in County Clare this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 10 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 11°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 8°Sun with grey cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct15° / 14°Drizzle
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 · 19 km awayMurrooghtoohyBeachFanoreReach the pinnacle of Murrooghtoohy in County Clare and enjoy the amazing views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, Oranmore Bay and Galway City.
Nature spot · 21 km awayBá na Duimhche MóireDoughmore BayBeachSaunter down the 4.5km sandy beach of Doughmore Bay and breathe in the crisp, fresh sea air.