A Guide To Traught Beach In Kinvara

Traught Beach (aka Kinvara Beach) is a fine spot for a stroll!

Located on the souther edge of Galway Bay, Traught Beach is one of the less-popular beaches in Galway, but it’s worth rambling along if you’re passing by.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from parking and swimming to what to see close by.

Some quick need-to-knows about Traught Beach

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

1. Location

Traught Beach sits on the southern edge of Galway Bay, on a spit of land near the border with County Clare. The nearest town is Kinvara, though there are several small villages and farming communities nearby. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Galway City along a beautifully scenic road.

2. Parking

There’s a well-paved, fairly large car park at Traught Beach with plenty of space (here on Google Maps). The car park is right on the edge of the beach, so it’s ideal for all the family, even for those who aren’t up to much walking.

3. Toilets

At the end of the car park you’ll find a block of modern toilets. They’re well-maintained and regularly cleaned. With hot and cold water, as well as an outdoor fresh water tap for washing and drinking, they’re comfortable and convenient.

4. Swimming

Traught Beach enjoys a pretty sheltered location, with calm waters that are popular amongst swimmers. It reaches a good swimming depth pretty quickly, although it is a little shallow at high tide. There’s a lifeguard service on duty throughout the summer months, and exact times can be found on a sign in the car park.

5. Safety

Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

About Traught Beach

It’s worth noting first that, while Traught Beach in Kinvara has long held a Blue Flag, it wasn’t awarded one in 2022 due to status over its water quality.

For that reason, we’d recommend checking locally before entering the water here.

A rural beach perfect for a ramble

You’ll find Traught Beach well away from the hustle and bustle of Galway City and many of Clare’s busy tourist hubs. This generally means that, while it can get busy during summer, it’s nice and quiet during the ‘off’ season.

Surrounded by fields and hedge-grows, on a clear day you’ll be able to soak up views out towards Galway City as you walk.

A great spot for marine life

Those with a keen eye can enjoy hunting for the fossils and seashells that are scattered about along the beach here.

As you roam the stoney beach, you’ll eventually come across the rock pools that appear as the tide retreats.

Brimming with sea critters, such as crabs and shrimps, there’s always something exciting to discover if you’re visitng with the kids.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of the beach here is that it’s a short spin away from plenty to see any do in both Galway and Clare.

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

1. Tackle the Burren Drive (5-minute drive)

Traught Beach is just minutes away from the gorgeous Burren, a craggy landscape of rocks and boulders. The 66km Burren Drive captures the best of the area, and you’ll pass attractions and landmarks such as Doolin Cave, the mighty Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Fanore Beach, and the Aillwee Caves. 

2. Dunguaire Castle (10-minute drive)

Built in 1520, Dunguaire Castle is a beautifully restored tower house that sits on the very edge of Galway Bay. You can book a guided tour of the castle, in which you’ll learn its fascinating history and uncover some curious artefacts.

3. Galway City (45-minute drive)

Galway City is a hub of culture and entertainment, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re staying in the area. With some amazing cafes and restaurants in Galway, it’s fast becoming one of Ireland’s top foodie destinations. There’s also plenty of trad bars in Galway to whittle away an evening in.