Clare Island, Louisburgh

Clare Island, Louisburgh is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Clare Island, Louisburgh achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for four consecutive years 2024 to 2022. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health.

Clare Island Beach extends from the old pier on the south side of the beach to the stony shoreline on the northern end adjacent to the Community Centre. There are submerged rocks at the northern end of the beach. As the beach is located in the main harbour, there are numerous domestic and commercial dwellings in close proximity to the beach. Clare Island Cliffs cSAC and pNHA ( Site Code 002243) encompasses the sea cliffs of the north west, north, west and south coastline. There are many historical sites located throughout Clare Island. Activities include swimming, sailing, canoeing, scuba-diving/snorkelling and fishing.