Although Dooega Beach isn’t the most impressive beach on Achill, it’s a nice little spot to gulp down some ocean air.
Overshadowed by the likes of Keem Bay and Keel Beach, it’s a nice stop-off point along the Atlantic Drive.
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
Dooega Beach is well worth a visit, but before you load up the car, let’s take a look over the essentials.
1. Location
You’ll find Dooega Beach on Achill Island next 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 do fancy a dip, see out Achill beaches guide.
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.
See Dooega Beach on the Atlantic Drive
The Atlantic Drive is one of the best ways to see the sights of Achill Island, and it takes in Dooega Beach en route.
This road trip takes you on a logical route around the island, taking in the main things to do on Achill, including:
- Minaun Heights: This isn’t the tallest peak on Achill, but it’s best placed to take in panoramic views over the entire island
- Keem Bay: A fabulous winding road travels along the coast leading to Keem
- Croaghaun Mountain: The highest sea cliffs in Ireland
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.