A Guide To The Stunning Renvyle Beach In Galway

Renvyle Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in Galway.

With gorgeous white sands, stunningly clear waters, and amazing mountain views, it’s a must! A fairly remote bay, it’s hardly ever busy, making it ideal for a relaxing escape.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from where to park to what to see close by.

Some quick need-to-knows about Renvyle Beach

Although a visit to Renvyle Beach in Galway is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Located on the northwest edge of the stunning Renvyle Peninsula, Renvyle beach is situated amid some of the finest coastal landscapes in Ireland. It’s in the Connemara region of County Galway, about an hour and a half’s drive from Galway City, or 25 minutes from Clifden.

2. Parking

There’s a small car park at the very edge of the beach (here on Google Maps). With room for around twelve cars max, it can soon fill up on a busy day, so plan accordingly. Bear in mind that there are no facilities such as toilets or changing areas at the car park.

3. Swimming

We’ve struggled to find any official information about how safe it is to swim at Renvyle Beach. By all accounts, it seems as if the waters remain fairly shallow and are great for paddling, but we can’t say for sure, so we’d recommend you check locally or keep your toes dry!

About Renvyle Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that offers a truly tranquil atmosphere, the secluded Renvyle Beach is one of your best choices.

Often, you’ll find yourself alone on the soft, white sands, enjoying the soothing sound of the ocean lapping at the shore.

It’s a great place to sit back and enjoy the sun as it kisses your skin, gazing out into the crystal clear waters and the jaw-dropping scenery all around.

Mighty mountain and island views

As you look out over the bay and back to the mainland, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Mweelrea Mountain.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’re in for an incredible view, from the snow-capped peak of winter to the vivid greens of summer.

As you turn your head and look out into the wild Atlantic Ocean, you’ll see a number of islands jutting out from the sea.

Inishturk and Clare Island are the largest and most notable, but closer to hand you’ll see Crump Island and the tiny Shanvallybag.

Amazing sunsets

Looking out west at sunset can offer a real treat on a clear day. The entire beach takes on a deep, russet hue as the sun sinks slowly into the water.

Looking around, you’ll see the mountains transform into red-golden towers as the light strikes, before the fading as the landscape is recast once more.

Things to do at Renvyle Beach

Once you’ve arrived at Renvyle Beach there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

1. Saunter along the sand and soak up the views

Renvyle offers a decent stretch of sand to walk along, with fabulous views of mountains, islands, and lovely grasslands along the entire way.

You’ll find that there are actually two beaches at Renvyle, split by a small hillock midway. With the sun shining, the sands are a gorgeous bright white, while the sea sparkles azure blue. 

As you walk along taking it all in, you’ll see that the bay is dotted with rocky sections too. Take a closer look, and discover the marine life resident in some of the rock pools.

2. Explore the Renvyle Peninsula

The Renvyle Peninsula is perhaps the most stunning part of Connemara, itself among the most beautiful places in Ireland. It boasts some of the best beaches in the country and opportunities to enjoy a wide array of water sports, including swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. 

Connemara National Park lies on the edge of the peninsula, showcasing incredible mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife.

A top spot for nature lovers, you’ll see a wide range of fascinating birds and marine life as you explore the peninsula.

It’s also home to some incredible towns and villages, including Tully Cross, where you’ll find great pubs, cafes, restaurants, and regular live music.

3. Spend a night at Renvyle Beach Caravan & Camping Park

Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park is one of the more popular places to go camping in Galway. Plus, the gorgeous beach is right on the doorstep.

It’s a fairly basic site, but the showers are hot, with excellent pressure, and there’s a decent kitchen, as well as washing machines.

The tent pitches can be a little bumpy in places, but you’re essentially camping in the dunes, and will rarely find a campsite that gets you so close to the sea.

Things to do near Renvyle Beach

One of the beauties of Renvyle is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Galway.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Renvyle Beach!

1. Beaches galore (5-minute drive)

Fancy a tour of some of the best beaches in Ireland? Hop in the car and you’ll find both Lettergesh and Glassilaun Beaches just five minutes away or so. Both offer up amazing white sands, spots for sunbathing and paddling, and outstanding views of the nearby mountains.

2. Kylemore Abbey (10-minute drive)

Kylemore Abbey is a top Connemara attraction. Housed in a Victorian-era castle and perched on the edge of Lough Pollacapall, it looks absolutely stunning. It’s home to a convent of Benedictine nuns, who, among their many other tasks, tend to the fantastic Victorian Walled Gardens.

3. Diamond Hill (10-minute drive)

A wise man once said that the best views of Connemara are from above. So, get your hiking boots on and get up Diamond Hill. The trail to the summit is not an overly tough hike, although it’s  steep in places and is generally considered moderate (more info in this guide).

FAQs about visiting Renvyle Beach

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where can you park?’ to ‘Is there toilets?’.

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.