10 Mesmerizing Mayo Beaches: Unwind on Ireland's Stunning Shores
- Beaches
- 3 May 2023
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Old Head beach Louisburg Co Mayo - Christian McLeod Photography Image courtesy Ireland's Content Pool Discover the Blue Flag Beach of Old Head in Louisburgh Old Head Beach, located approximately 3.5km east of Louisburgh village, is a beautiful sandy beach sheltered by cliffs and a harbour at one end. This Blue Flag Beach is a popular spot for swimmers, surfers, and snorkelers alike, with clear water revealing an underwater world full of tiny creatures and colorful sea anemones year-round. During the summer months, Old Head is a safe area for swimming, with lifeguards on duty, while in winter, bigger swells attract surfers and windsurfers to ride the waves. The pier at the western end of the beach provides shelter for a small anchorage point, popular with local sailors and fishermen. There is also a woodland walk nearby, while the village has a number of shops, pubs, and dining outlets. But for water enthusiasts, the Blueway network of water trails is a must-experience. Kayaking and snorkelling are popular activities, with trails that bring you along the shore from Old Head to Lecanvey pier, passing a number of small beaches and short sections of cliff along the way. Croagh Patrick view from Old Head Co Mayo - Pawel Sadowski Image courtesy Ireland's Content Pool The snorkel trail starts at the beach west of the pier wall and continues north for about ½ km to the western headland. With your mask and snorkel, you can explore and enjoy the wide variety of underwater life along the western shoreline, such as anemones, shoals of fish, and shore crabs. For the more adventurous, the exposed kayak trail extends west from Old Head harbour to the beach at Calla, passing caves along the way. This trail is only suitable for experienced kayakers in good weather conditions. There are a number of water-sports providers operating from the Old Head/Louisburgh area, offering a range of activities such as coasteering and surfing. To avoid disappointment, it's advisable to contact and book in advance, although you might be lucky and book on the day. In conclusion, Old Head Beach in Louisburgh is a hidden gem that's worth exploring. With its clear waters, sandy beach, woodland walk, and nearby village, it has something for everyone. But for water enthusiasts, the Blueway network of water trails and water-sports providers offer an opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of Old Head from a different perspective.
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