Balcarrick Beach

Trip Information

Balcarrick Beach is a long sandy beach, 3.4 km's long. It has a large area filled with sandy dunes and rock pools. The route for the coastal walk from Donabate to Portrane is displayed on boards at the Tower Bay Car Park and the Beach Car Park, Donabate.

Getting There

The main access point to the beach is at its northern end in the vicinity of the Waterside Hotel.

By bus

Get the 33B to Donabate village. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the bus stop to the beach. Check Dublin Bus for the timetable.

By train

Get the train to Donabate village. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the bus stop to the beach. Check Irish Rail for timetables and service updates.

By car

See the google map at the end of this page.

Facilities

Public car park
Public toilets (summer months only)

Lifeguard information

There’s a red or yellow flag flying from the lifeguard station when a lifeguard is on duty. A lifeguard is only on duty in summer months from 11am to 7pm as follows;

• Saturday and Sunday during June

• everyday during July and  August

The Sand Dunes

The sand dunes on Balcarrick beach are an important natural feature. They are sensitive and we want to preserve them. To avoid harming them, please avoid walking and playing on the dunes and the surrounding grass.

The Rock Pools

When the tide is out, there are lots of interesting creatures to see in the rock pools. As the rocks can be slippy, please be careful.

Bathing Water Quality

Balcarrick Beach is an identified beach under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No. 79 of 2008). The water quality is monitored regularly from mid-June to mid-September every year.  Water quality results are available on the beach noticeboard and on the EPA website www.splash.epa.ie.

Any water quality issues at our beaches are reported on our Water Pollution Incidents section. We also place notices at the beach, and you can also find the incident report at www.splash.epa.ie .