Playdays

Oileán Chléire

Beach & coast Cork

Checked July 2026

Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island) has an enviable location – right on the cusp of the continental shelf. The entrance to Roaringwater Bay is one of the leading dolphin, whale, leatherback turtles, sunfish, and shark sighting locations in Europe. The island has Ireland’s only manned bird observatory, which maintains a daily species log since 1959. Located two minutes’ walk from the ferry beach, the observatory is manned by a resident warden (March to November), and even offers birdwatchers hostel-style accommodation. There are various beaches and piers on Cape Clear suitable for swimming, one such area is Trá Coinlín (Coinlín Beach), South Harbour. Lifeguard: No Dogs:

Good to know

Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
CostFree admission
What's thereSwimming Spot (Sea/Lake/River)
AmenitiesDog Friendly
Data from Get Ireland Active — Sport Ireland 2023, CC BY 4.0
Nearby essentials

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Car park
Toilets
Buggy-friendly
Café on site
Dog friendly
EV charging
Baby change facilities
Picnic area