Carrowmore Beach in Louisburgh is a beaut of a spot and it’s one of three beachs in the area with a summer lifeguard service.
A handy 3-minute drive from the town on the shores of Clew Bay, Carrowmore is 850m in length and it offers majestic views out towards Clare Island.
Below, you’ll find info on parking, toilets and what to look out for while you’re there. Cheers!
Some quick need-to-knows about Carrowmore Beach
Although a visit to Carrowmore is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Carrowmore Beach is finely positioned on Clew Bay, only 3 minutes by car north of Louisburgh and less than 30 minutes west of Westport.
2. Parking
The beach has an official car park with space for around 40 cars, including disabled parking (see parking here on Google Maps).
3. Swimming
Carrowmore Beach has a summer lifeguard service. It operates during the weekends in June, every day in July and August, and on the first weekend in September.
About Carrowmore Beach
Photo courtesy Christian McLeod via Fáilte Ireland
Carrowmore Beach is a rural beach backed by machair grasslands which are an important protected habitat.
Sadly, it didn’t obtain Blue Flag status again this year, however, it still has a summer lifeguard service along with toilets and good parking facilities.
The sandy and rocky beach is flanked by Carrowmore Quay on one side and the Bunowen River on the other.
It stretches 850 metres, making it great for a scenic stroll, and on clear days, there are wonderful views across the water to Clare Island and Achill Island.
It’s one of the more popular beaches in Mayo, which means it gets busy-out come summer time.
Things to do near Carrowmore Beach
One of the beauties of Carrowmore is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Mayo.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Carrowmore.
1. Lots more beaches (several under a 25-minute drive)
Photos courtesy Michael Mc Laughlin via Falte Ireland
Make the short drive to Carrowniskey or Cross Beach if you’re looking to catch some waves, or for something slower-paced, Old Head Beach is popular for kayaking and SUP in the summer while Bertra Beach is good for a long stroll.
Silver Strand is also great for surfing, but its remote location means surfers and swimmers should take extra care.
2. The Lost Valley (25-minute drive)
Photos via the Lost Valley
Open to the public since 2015, the Lost Valley is a fascinating insight into an unspoiled and undeveloped part of Mayo.
The walking tour passes through wonderful landscapes and an abandoned famine village lost to time…
3. Doolough Valley (20-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
The Doolough Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the county.
The drive from Louisburgh to Leenane through the valley takes you between towering mountains and will reward you with breathtaking views and panoramic vistas.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.