Dooega Beach is one of the less popular Achill beaches.
However, while it isn’t as visually impressive as Keem Bay and Keel Beach, it’s a nice stop-off point.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from parking to what to look out for while you’re there.
Some quick need-to-knows about Dooega Beach
Photo courtesy Christian McLeod via Ireland’s Content Pool
Dooega Beach is well worth a visit, but before you load up the car, let’s take a look over the essentials.
1. Location
Achill Island sits just off the west coast of County Mayo. Westport is the nearest large town on the mainland, and it’ll generally take about an hour to drive from there to the old fishing village of Dooega. The village sits on the midwest edge of the island, though the beach is south facing and fairly sheltered.
2. Parking
There are two small car parks serving the beach. The one on the main road is the larger of the two, and you’ll find public toilets here plus a ramp onto the beach. In summer, there’s usually a coffee van as well. If that’s full, you might find a spot on the other edge of the beach, on the road down to the pier.
3. Swimming
Dooega Bay Beach is a Blue Flag beach, known for good water quality and decent facilities. However, at the time of writing, there’s no lifeguard service on the beach. As such, we can’t recommend swimming. If you are desperate for a dip, there are plenty of lifeguarded beaches nearby. There is some life-saving equipment on the beach and it seems as if people do swim there.
4. Part of the Atlantic Drive
The Atlantic Drive is one of the best ways to see the sights of Achill Island. The road takes you around the island, enjoying a wealth of attractions and viewpoints along the way. It passes through Dooega, making the beach a great place to stop off and stretch the old legs for a bit.
About Dooega Beach
Photos courtesy Christian McLeod via Ireland’s Content Pool
Dooega Beach is Blue Flag certified though it is seldom crowded. In fact, it’s something of a hidden gem compared to other Achill Island beaches.
As a result, it’s a peaceful place to sit and relax, enjoying the sound of the ocean as it splashes against the soft sand.
The beach is part pebble and part golden sands, making it ideal for sandcastles. It’s bordered by cliffs on each side, with plenty of rock pools to explore as the tide goes out.
From the beach, you can sit on the sand or the rocks and take in views of Clare Island in the distance, or the White Cliffs of Ashleam to the southeast. Behind you looms Minaun Heights.
While Dooega village sits on the west of the island, the beach itself is sheltered from the brunt of the ocean winds by the nearby cliffs. As such, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic, and you’ll find several picnic tables and bins at the car park.
Things to do near Dooega Beach on Achill
One of the beauties of Dooega is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do on Achill.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the beach (if you fancy a feed, hop into our Achill Food Guide).
1. Minaun Heights (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Minaun Heights aren’t the tallest peaks on Achill Island, but they’re the best placed to take in gorgeous panoramic views over the entire island. Plus, you can drive almost all the way to the top up a spectacular windy road. From the small car park, it’s a short walk to the highest point and the cliff tops.
2. Keem Bay (30-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Take a spin up to Keem Bay, another one of our favourite beaches on Achill Island, and enjoy one of the best parts of the Atlantic Drive. This fabulous winding road travels along the edge of the island’s tallest peak, Croaghaun Mountain, offering elevated views of the gorgeous Keem Bay.
3. White Cliffs of Ashleam (10-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
The White Cliffs of Ashleam stand in stark contrast to the vibrant blue sea. The jagged cliffs slice into the sea like the teeth of a saw, offering superb photo opportunities. There’s a nice view point just a short drive away up a road of hairpin turns.
FAQs about Dooega Beach
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is it worth visiting?’ to ‘Where do you park?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
Can you swim at Dooega Bay Beach?
Dooega Bay Beach is a Blue Flag beach, known for good water quality and decent facilities. However, at the time of writing, there’s no lifeguard service on the beach. As such, we can’t recommend swimming.
Is Dooega Beach worth visiting?
We wouldn’t go out of our way to visit this beach, as there’s more impressive ones close by. However, if you’re passing and fancy gulping down some sea air, fill your boots!