Carrickfinn, Co. Donegal — Swimming, Tides, Access & Sea Temperature Guide | Wild Beauty
Carrickfinn
Carrickfinn — blue flag white-sand beach in Co. Donegal.
About Carrickfinn
Carrickfinn is a stretch of white sand and machair on the Donegal Gaeltacht coast, unusual for having Donegal Airport at its edge — planes come in low over one of the most scenic little runways in the world.
A Blue Flag beach backed by dunes, with the quartzite cone of Mount Errigal rising inland, it's a wild, beautiful spot for a bracing Atlantic swim.
Swimming & safety
Carrickfinn is a Blue Flag beach for 2026 — certified water quality, good facilities and lifeguard cover through the bathing season. Lifeguards patrol through the summer (Donegal County Council): weekends in June, then daily in July and August. Swim within the flagged area when they're on duty, and mind the tide, currents and any offshore wind.
Tides & conditions
The beach changes through the day with the tide, and swimming can shift from easy to lively as the wind and swell get up. Check the live tide, wind and sea-temperature page for Carrickfinn before you travel — you can scrub forward to any date to plan a swim.
Getting there & facilities
There's parking by the beach beside the airport, with dunes to shelter behind. Facilities are modest, so bring what you need. The islands of Arranmore and Gola lie offshore, reachable by ferry from nearby.
Nearby
From Carrickfinn, Donegal Airport, the Gaeltacht villages of the Rosses and Mount Errigal are close by.
Reviews
See what other swimmers and visitors say — read reviews of Carrickfinn on Google Maps →
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim at Carrickfinn?
It depends on the tide, wind and swell. Check the live tide, wind and sea-temperature page for Carrickfinn and pick a calm window around the right state of tide.
Is Carrickfinn a Blue Flag beach?
Yes — Carrickfinn holds a Blue Flag for the 2026 season, with lifeguard cover through the summer.
Is Carrickfinn lifeguarded?
Carrickfinn has lifeguards through the summer — see the safety notes above.
What is the sea temperature at Carrickfinn today?
The current sea temperature and its 24-hour trend are shown live on the conditions page for Carrickfinn.