Clogherhead, Co. Louth — Swimming, Tides, Access & Sea Temperature Guide | Wild Beauty
Clogherhead
Clogherhead — blue flag village strand in Co. Louth.
About Clogherhead
Clogherhead is a fishing village on a rocky headland between Dundalk and Drogheda, and its Port Beach is a broad Blue Flag strand of firm sand, busy and cheerful on a summer weekend.
The working harbour of Port Oriel, with its lobster boats and a fine coastal loop walk out around the head, gives Clogherhead a real sense of place beyond the beach.
Swimming & safety
Clogherhead is a Blue Flag beach for 2026 — certified water quality, good facilities and lifeguard cover through the bathing season. Lifeguards patrol 11:00–18:00 (Louth County Council): weekends in June, daily in July and August, and weekends in September to 15 September. 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 Clogherhead before you travel — you can scrub forward to any date to plan a swim.
Getting there & facilities
There's a gravel car park right in front of the beach — quiet mid-week, packed at weekends. The harbour has a seafood kiosk in season, and the Clogherhead loop walk around the headland is a lovely add-on to a swim.
Nearby
From Clogherhead, Port Oriel harbour, the Clogherhead cliff loop and the beaches at Termonfeckin are close by.
Reviews
See what other swimmers and visitors say — read reviews of Clogherhead on Google Maps →
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim at Clogherhead?
It depends on the tide, wind and swell. Check the live tide, wind and sea-temperature page for Clogherhead and pick a calm window around the right state of tide.
Is Clogherhead a Blue Flag beach?
Yes — Clogherhead holds a Blue Flag for the 2026 season, with lifeguard cover through the summer.
Is Clogherhead lifeguarded?
Clogherhead has lifeguards through the summer — see the safety notes above.
What is the sea temperature at Clogherhead today?
The current sea temperature and its 24-hour trend are shown live on the conditions page for Clogherhead.