Playdays

Ardmore Beach & Cliff Walk

Beach & coastWoods, parks & walks Waterford

Checked July 2026

Ardmore is a sandy beach with a gentle slope down to the low water mark and beyond. Helvick Head to the east and Youghal harbour to the west of Ardmore beach are both special areas of conservation and/or special protected area. This is due to wildlife which is supported throughout the region. Activities include swimming, surfing, body-boarding and kayaking. While the beach is 1 km long, the designated bathing area is approximately 500 metres long and 100 metres wide (at low tide). Ardmore Beach is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2024 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2021 to 2024. Ardmore Beach has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2021 to 2024. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health. Lifeguard: Yes Dogs: No dogs allowed between 11am to 7pm, June, July and August

Good to know

Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
CostFree admission
What's thereSwimming Spot (Sea/Lake/River)
AmenitiesCar Parking, Toilets
AccessibilityRamp to beach
Data from Get Ireland Active — Sport Ireland 2023, CC BY 4.0
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Car park
Toilets
Buggy-friendly
Café on site
Dog friendly
EV charging
Baby change facilities
Picnic area