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🏖️Clonea Strand
Clonea Strand is a beautiful Blue Flag beach located near Dungarvan in County Waterford, Ireland. It offers a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, perfect for families. The waters are safe for swimming with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Children can enjoy building sandcastles, paddling, and exploring rock pools.
Facilities include a large car park, public toilets, and a seasonal café. There is also a children's playground adjacent to the beach. The area is great for walks and picnics. Note that there are no lifeguards outside the summer season, and dogs are not allowed during peak times.
Travel tips
Lifeguards only in summer
Lifeguards are on duty during summer months only. Outside this period, swim at your own risk and supervise children extremely carefully.
Blue Flag status means cleanliness standards
The Blue Flag award means the beach meets high standards for water quality, safety, and facilities—a good sign for families.
Long golden sand is ideal for young children
The extensive sandy beach is perfect for sandcastles, paddling, and digging—excellent for toddlers and younger children.
Public toilets available
Public toilets are on-site, which is essential when visiting with young children. Worth using before arriving if possible.
Bring supplies for nappy changes
Whilst there are public toilets, bring a changing mat and supplies—beach toilets may have limited facilities for babies.
Pack beach essentials
Bring sun cream, hats, towels, and a change of clothes. Nappies and wipes dry out quickly in sand.
Rock pools worth exploring
Check out the rock pools for a fun activity spotting small creatures. Bring a net and bucket if you have them.
Playground adjacent to beach
There's a children's playground next to the beach, so you can mix beach time with play equipment activities.
Large car park reduces stress
A large car park means you're less likely to circle looking for spaces—helpful when managing restless children.
Seasonal café for convenience
A café operates seasonally, so bring snacks and drinks, especially outside summer months when it may be closed.
Dunes offer shelter from wind
The sand dunes can provide some shelter from coastal wind, useful for setting up picnics or changing young children.
Golden sand gets hot
Bring footwear or sandals for little ones—golden sand can get uncomfortably hot in sunshine.
Plan around tide times
Check tide times before visiting—low tide may reveal more rock pools and beach space, whilst high tide reduces sand area.
Good for half-day visits
With beach, playground, and picnic areas, this works well as a half-day family outing rather than full day.
Dogs restricted during peak times
Dogs aren't allowed during peak times, so check seasonal restrictions if you were planning to bring a family pet.
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