White Strand Beach near Louisburgh is arguably one of the most impressive beaches in the area.
However, people often mix it up with nearby Silver Strand due to an error on Google Maps.
Measuring around 2.8km in length, this long sandy beach offers views out towards Clare Island and beyond to Achill.
Below, you’ll find info on swimming, parking along with a map of the area.
Some quick need-to-knows about White Strand in Mayo
Although a visit to White Strand is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
White Strand is a handy 20-minute drive from Louisburgh and a 40-minute drive from Westport. You’ll find it between Cross Beach and Silver Strand.
2. Parking
There is a reasonably good car park at White Strand (here on Maps). This tends to be very busy during summer and then relatively quiet throughout the rest of the year.
3. Swimming
There is no lifeguard service operating here and, as this beach is relatively isolated, I’d recommend avoiding anything other than dipping the toes. Nearby Carrowniskey, Carrowmore and Old Head all have lifeguard services during summer.
About White Strand
Louisburgh is well known for it’s beaches, but few impress in the way that White Strand does.
Although this is one of the more popular beaches in Mayo, it tends to be lovely and quiet outside of the summer months.
As you saunter along this 2.8km sandy beach, you’ve a wealth of scenery to take in.
On one side, you’ll gaze across to Renvyle Peninsula in Connemara, with Inishbofin Island visible off in the distance on a clear day.
On the Mayo side, Inishturk is easily visible while Clare Island stands proudly further to your right, guarding the entrance to Clew Bay.
Things to do near White Strand
One of the beauties of White Strand 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 White Strand!
1. Surf beaches (several under a 25-minute drive)
Photos courtesy Michael Mc Laughlin via Falte Ireland
Nearby Carrowniskey Beach, Cross Beach and Old Head Beach are all popular amongst the surfing community in Mayo.
Neighbouring Silver Strand is also good for surfing, but its remote location means surfers and swimmers should take great care.
2. The Lost Valley (25-minute drive)
Photos via the Lost Valley
Opened to the public in 2015, the Lost Valley offers an enlightening glimpse into an untouched and pristine corner of Mayo.
The walking tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes and an abandoned famine village, frozen in time.
3. Doolough Valley (20-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
The Doolough Valley Drive is one of Ireland’s finest.
Nestled between towering mountains, the drive through the valley offers breathtaking views and sweeping panoramas.
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.