Although it doesn’t have a Blue Flag or a lifeguard service, Cross Beach is very popular amongst the surfing community.
It’s along this stretch of beach that faces out towards Inishturk that you’ll find some of Louisburgh’s most consistent breaks!
Measuring 1km in length, it sits alongside neighbouring Carrowniskey Beach a short drive from the town.
Below, you’ll find info on parking, swimming and a map of the area.
Some quick need-to-knows about Cross Beach
Although a visit to Cross Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Cross Beach is a 10-minute drive from Louisburgh in County Mayo and a 35-minute drive from Westport. It’s on Ireland’s West Coast, just south of Carrowniskey Beach, separated by a small river flowing into the ocean.
2. Parking
There’s a small tarmacked car park right in front of the beach, although it’s in poor condition (see parking here on Google Maps).
3. Surfing
It’s at Cross Beach that the very popular Big Style Surf School offers lessons, and for good reason – there are minimal rocks and no reef here and surf conditions tend to be good.
4. Swimming
Although I can find no official information around swimming at Cross Beach, it does appear that it’s a popular spot for a dip. If you’re a capable swimmer, conditions are suitable and you understand water safety, it should be a nice spot to dip the toes.
About Cross Beach
Cross Beach is a popular beach that can get relatively busy in the summer with swimmers, walkers, surfers, and families.
The beach has consistent waves, making it one of the best beaches in Mayo for surfing!
Since the beach has no lifeguard service, swimmers and surfers need to take extra care in the water.
At 1km, it’s a wide, sandy stretch with fantastic views across the water to Clare Island and Inishturk Island
The beach is only a 10-minute drive from Louisburgh, so it’s a good option for anyone staying in the village.
Surfing at Cross Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Cross Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Mayo thanks to its consistent swell and year-round surfing conditions.
The Delphi Resort rents out surfboards and wetsuits for those with experience for 2 hours.
They will only rent equipment to those over 14, and anyone under 18 must have completed an Irish Surf Association-approved lesson and be accompanied by an adult.
If you don’t know how to surf but are eager to learn, Big Style Surf School offers surf lessons that have racked up rave reviews online.
Things to do near Cross Beach
One of the beauties of Cross Beach 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 Cross Beach!
1. Beaches galore (several under a 20-minute drive)
Photos courtesy Michael Mc Laughlin via Falte Ireland
There are heaps of beaches nearby, but my favourites are:
- Carrowniskey (another great surf spot)
- Carrowmore
- Old Head Beach (great for kayaking and SUP in the summer)
- Silver Strand
2. The Lost Valley (20-minute drive)
Photos via the Lost Valley
Head off on a walking tour of the Lost Valley to discover a piece of Mayo cut off from the world until 2015.
The scenic walk has stunning views of Killary Fjord from a different perspective, as well as scenic lakes, waterfalls, and countryside.
3. Doolough Valley (20-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Take a spin through Doolough Valley on the Louisburgh to Leenane drive.
It follows a road that takes you through some of Mayo’s wildest and most unspoiled scenery.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 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.