Old Head Beach
A stunning golden sandy beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for families, water sports, and breathtaking coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Warmest weather, best for water sports
Old Head Beach
Best Time
Warmest weather, best for water sports
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning golden sandy beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for families, water sports, and breathtaking coastal views.
"A fantastic sheltered beach with golden sand, offering great activities and views of Croagh Patrick."
🚗 Drive Slowly on Approach
The road to the beach is narrow and winding; drive cautiously for local residents and children.
☕ Coffee & Snacks Available
A coffee truck operates seasonally, and there's a cafe within walking distance for refreshments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Expansive, clean golden sand perfect for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Water Sports Hub
Car park area
Rent paddleboards or kayaks for a unique perspective of the bay, or try surfing on suitable days.
Croagh Patrick Views
Overlooking the beach
Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Croagh Patrick mountain from this scenic coastal spot.
Old Head Golf Links
Adjacent to the beach
A world-renowned golf course often called the 'Pebble Beach of Europe' with dramatic cliffside holes.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Old Head Beach
Getting to Old Head Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly on Approach
The road to the beach is narrow and winding; drive cautiously for local residents and children.
☕ Coffee & Snacks Available
A coffee truck operates seasonally, and there's a cafe within walking distance for refreshments.
🏄♀️ Water Sports Galore
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking; surf rentals are available, though waves can be small.
🚻 Public Toilets
Public toilets are available in the car park, though some reviews mention cleanliness issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly on Approach
The road to the beach is narrow and winding; drive cautiously for local residents and children.
☕ Coffee & Snacks Available
A coffee truck operates seasonally, and there's a cafe within walking distance for refreshments.
🏄♀️ Water Sports Galore
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking; surf rentals are available, though waves can be small.
🚻 Public Toilets
Public toilets are available in the car park, though some reviews mention cleanliness issues.
⛰️ Stunning Mountain Views
Enjoy picturesque views of Croagh Patrick from the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Head Beach is widely praised for its beautiful, clean golden sand and scenic views, including a glimpse of Croagh Patrick. It's a popular spot for families and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. While the facilities like parking and a nearby cafe are convenient, some visitors have noted issues with the cleanliness of the public toilets. The adjacent Old Head Golf Links is a world-class, albeit expensive, attraction for golf enthusiasts.
"Lovely clean beach. Bathrooms on site too. Very narrow and bendy road just before beach so approach slowly as families live near and kids might be walking."
elaine farragher
"A fantastic sheltered beech 20mins from Westport. Easy enough access road with a very ample car park and decent public toilets (at the rear of the car park). There is a coffee shop near by (walking distance). Beech itself is sandy and shielded to the rear. There’s a fine pier and a couple of very pretty smaller beeches adjacent. Ideal spot for paddle boarding or sea kayaking (there is a surf rental shop in the car park) but no waves for surfing on the day I was there. All in all great for kids and good services."
Fergus O'Reilly
"Fantastic beach ,great activities Sup Boarding was wonderful way to view the bay most enjoyable. Great way to meet new people.
Only down fall is the public Toilets are filthy not fit for use ."
Mary Roche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Head Beach is located near Louisburgh, County Mayo. The final approach involves a narrow, winding road, so it's advised to drive slowly and carefully. There is a large, free car park available at the beach.
Yes, there is a spacious and free car park located at Old Head Beach, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Old Head Beach is part of the Clew Bay Bike Trail, making it an accessible and scenic destination for cyclists.
Absolutely! Old Head Beach is a fantastic sheltered beach located about a 20-minute drive from Westport, making it an ideal day trip destination.
The road leading to Old Head Beach is described as narrow and bendy, especially just before reaching the beach. It's important to approach slowly and be aware of local traffic and pedestrians.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Head Beach is free to enter, and the car park is also free of charge, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
Old Head Beach is a natural public space and is generally accessible at all times. The coffee truck operates seasonally.
No booking is required for general access to Old Head Beach. If you plan on participating in organized water sports or visiting the golf links, separate bookings may be necessary.
Yes, there are public toilets available in the car park, and a coffee shop is within walking distance. Picnic tables are also present.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, beaches in Ireland generally welcome well-behaved dogs, especially outside of peak swimming times. It's always good practice to check local signage or guidelines.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Old Head Beach is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. It's also a great spot for relaxing on the sand, enjoying the views, and exploring the adjacent pier.
Yes, Old Head Beach is ideal for families. It's a sandy beach with shallow waters, offering a safe environment for children to play and swim.
While Old Head Beach attracts surfers, the waves can be small, making it more suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed surf session. Surf rentals are available.
The beach offers stunning coastal views, including a prominent view of Croagh Patrick mountain. The adjacent Old Head Golf Links is also known for its dramatic ocean vistas.
There is a coffee shop within walking distance of the beach, and a seasonal coffee truck often operates in the car park.
🎫 ⛳ Golf at Old Head
Old Head Golf Links is a world-renowned golf course situated on a dramatic cliffside, often compared to Pebble Beach for its stunning ocean views and challenging play.
Green fees at Old Head Golf Links can be significant, often starting from around £385 per person for a package including accommodation and breakfast.
Many golfers consider Old Head a 'must-do' experience due to its unparalleled scenery and unique setting, despite the high cost.
Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for peak season. Packages are often available for specific dates.
While the primary draw is golf, visitors can sometimes access the clubhouse or restaurant area, but it's best to check with the golf club directly for visitor policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Booking far in advance is essential to secure your tee time at this world-renowned destination. 🏄♀️ Water Sports Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Coastal Vibe
The presence of a seasonal coffee truck and a nearby cafe adds to the convenience, providing refreshments for a full day of enjoyment. For those seeking adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking are highly recommended for exploring the bay, offering a unique perspective of the coastline.
Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding area boasts the iconic Croagh Patrick mountain, providing a stunning backdrop. The proximity to Westport (about a 20-minute drive) makes it an excellent choice for a day trip, combining beach relaxation with the charm of a nearby town.
The Legendary Old Head Golf Links
Playing this course is an unforgettable experience, with many visitors describing it as the 'best golf experience of my life,' even when compared to other world-class courses like Pebble Beach or Cabot Cliffs.
Booking well in advance is crucial, especially if you're planning a trip during peak season. The dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas create a challenging yet incredibly scenic round of golf that appeals to both seasoned players and those seeking an extraordinary golfing holiday.
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