Wild swimming in the west

With temperatures rising, there is no better time to take the plunge. We look at the best outdoor swimming spots along the west coast

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Pollock Holes, Co Clare

One of the most spectacular places to visit along the west is the 320-million-year-old Duggerna Reef, popularly known as the Pollock Holes (named because they are inhabited by small pollock for around six months of the year). This famous bathing place is only a short walk from Kilkee Beach. The reef holds three large, natural rock pools which offer safe and sheltered swimming in crystal clear waters, as the water is refreshed with every tide. The holes range from 1m to 2.5m deep and vary in size, but are safe for both children and adults to swim or snorkel.

And for those who don’t wish to swim, there is plenty of marine life to be observed in the pools.

What you need to know: Take note of the tides in this area. The holes should be visited at low tide or two hours before low tide when only the water remains in the holes, as it’s possible to be left on the outer rocks. The holes have no official lifeguard, but nearby Kilkee Beach does have lifeguards on duty.

Keem Bay, Achill Island

One of the most popular beaches on Ireland’s largest island, Keem Bay on Achill Island, is a quiet and remote beach. The Blue Flag beach is situated on the western end of the island, and the first view of this strand is breathtaking, as the classic horseshoeshaped golden strand sits at the foot of the Benmore Cliffs. It has steep sides to the left and right, and a valley to the back of the beach and is said to have been blessed by St Patrick during his stay on Croagh Patrick. Keem Bay is rarely crowded so it’s easy to find a quiet swim here. Try swimming around the rocks to the left of the beach where at low tide, several secluded sandy coves are revealed.

What you need to know: There are beach lifeguards stationed here during the summer months. If you drive to the beach from Keel village, you can take in incredible views across the water.

 Cummeenoughter Lake, Co Kerry

At 707m above sea level, Cummeenoughter Lake on Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest lake. This unique swimming spot is surrounded by the country’s two tallest peaks which tower on either side, so this is real wild swimming! It is a challenge to get to the lake in the first place, as you need to climb up an incline covered in stones, pass a little waterfall on the way up, and then hike up the fairly wide incline of Brother O’Shea’s Gully.

With this tough hike, you will get to see stunning views of Carrauntoohil’s summit and the Hag’s Tooth Ridge on either side, but as it’s so high, it’s actually rather cold too. By the time you get to the lake itself, you will have earned your swim! Soak in the dramatic surroundings of the beautiful mountains.

What you need to know: This wild swim is not recommended for families with young children. It is for experienced swimmers and hikers with a more adventurous side, as the hike up is quite strenuous. Always make sure to check the depth and the temperature of the water before entering. Always go swimming with friends and never alone.

 Blackrock Diving Tower, Co Galway

and divers can be seen here at all hours of the day. The water is swimmable at all stages of the tide, so if you’re looking for some fun diving and swimming, this is the place to be. During the summer months, swim buoys are put out to mark the distance along the promenade. Suitable for families, so you can swim, jump, and dive to your heart’s content. What you need to know: To truly get along with the locals, don’t forget the local tradition of kicking the wall across from the Blackrock diving board. Walk along the promenade and simply kick the wall at the very end for good luck.

 Belmullet Tidal Pool, Co Mayo

For safe swimming tips, visit Water Safety Ireland atwatersafety.ie

Never take risks and always research the area thoroughly.

Beginning as a humble springboard back in 1885, Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill is a ‘must-do’ for visitors to Galway. Designed and built by locals, and even blessed by the local priest, it opened in 1954 to men only. It wasn’t until the 70s that women could join in on the fun too, so ladies it’s time to suit up! The bathing area and boards here attract both young and old,

Clew Bay Trail

A brand new circular loop, The Clew Bay Trail, is the first looped cycle experience of Clew Bay in Co Mayo. Previously, cyclists could only travel from Westport as far as Achill in the north on the Great Western Greenway, or as far as Clare Island from the south (via Roonagh Pier). However, without a ferry connection between the two islands, it was not possible to complete a loop of the bay.

To facilitate cyclists who want to complete a 105km loop cycle of Clew Bay – which can be done in a day or over a number of days – local ferry carriers are running approximately every 75 minutes between Roonagh and Clare Island from 10am to 6pm daily (earlier on Mondays). The loop is a mixture of Greenway and on-road trails, but you can choose to do shorter cycles instead of the full loop. The Clew Bay Trail will run in July and August only, but the success of the route may see the service extended for the 2022 season. Advance booking is required. For a listing of local bike hire operators, check out greenway.ie and for the Clew Bay Trail ferry times, see clareislandferry.com and omalleyferries.com

The Burren

A great way to take in the Burren in Co Clare, one of Ireland’s most compelling landscapes, is by bicycle. There are four main cycle routes, with varying distances from 18km to 47km and shorter alternatives. Loop 1 from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher, and back by Knocknalarabana (the hill overlooking Doolin), is 18km. Cyclists will pass the round tower of Doonagore Castle along this route, but prepare for a severe climb. Loop 2 is 26/39km, visiting the south-west corner of North Clare and taking in some stunning coastal views. The 43km Loop 3 is an inland cycle route, bringing cyclists along peaceful, scenic routes towards Kilfenora. And Loop 4 (21/47km) takes cyclists along the coast

With Volkswagen Genuine Accessories, cyclists can safely and conveniently bring their own bicycle on their trip to the west. Volkswagen roof racks provide a solid basis for all transport variations, tailored specifically to your Volkswagen. For more information, visitvolkswagenshop.ie road, with views out to the Aran Islands. This route takes in some challenging climbs over Slieve Alva, but there’s also an option to head inland to Lisdoonvarna at Kilmoon Bridge, before the mountains.

Visit burren.ie/what-to-do/cycling-routes

Ballyhoura

Mountain Trails

Mountain bikers of all ability levels love the bike trails in Ballyhoura, Co Limerick. There are five looped trails, starting at the village of Ardpatrick, and each loop is waymarked by colour. The 6km Greenwood Loop is ideal as an introduction to the trails. Taking about 45 minutes, you’ll cycle through hillsides beneath the Seefin Mountain and Black Rock and negotiate turns, loose terrain, and elevated boardwalks. The 35km Garrane Loop is demanding and more suited to

 Cycle around Clare Island, following winding roads with the most amazing views of Clew Bay.

 Stay overnight on Clare Island at Clare Island Lighthouse (minimum two-night stay), Go Explore Hostel, or self-catering.

 Dinner and entertainment in Sailors Bar.

 Ferry next morning to Achill Island and cycle onto Mulranny.

 Visit the Old Goat Centre to hear all about the conservation of the old Irish Goat and the work done by the local community.

 Overnight in Mulranny Park Hotel.

 After breakfast, it’s onwards to Westport via the Great Western Greenway, stopping off for lunch.

 Arrive back in Westport – 105km cycle with overnight stops.

For more inspiration, visit discoverireland.ie professionals, with tight turns, steep climbs, and long, fast descents along the way. Expect this route, which takes around four hours, to test your mettle!

Check out visitballyhoura.com/explore/ category/cycling-mountain-biking

Located on Shore Road, in the waters of Blacksod Bay, Belmullet Tidal Pool is only a short walk from the town centre. This outdoor tidal pool is one of the only such pools in Ireland and it looks like an art display. The modernist concrete block sticks out from the coastline. It is around 20m long and includes both shallow and deep ends, with access by ladders at either end. The main pool is for adult swimmers, but it also has a smaller section beside the main pool for young children, so the whole family can swim in the fresh seawater.

What you need to know: In July and August, there is a lifeguard patrol here. During this time, there are swimming and safety lessons for children too.

Images courtesy of Fáilte Ireland