Where to go in Louisburgh, County Mayo, Ireland. Old Head Beach

Old Head Beach, located approx. 3.5km east of Louisburgh village is a popular beach, sheltered by cliffs and a harbour at one end. Ideal location for water-sports.

Old Head is a Blue Flag Beach located approx. 3.5km east of Louisburgh village. The beach has a small harbour, an attractive and popular sandy beach and a woodland walk while the nearby village has a number of shops, pubs and dining outlets. Old Head is a safe area for swimming, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

The Blueway is a network of water trails at which you can to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safe controlled environment.

Snorkel Trail

The snorkel trail starts at the beach west of the pier wall and continues north for about ½ km to the western headland. Some of the return journey can be completed on foot along the beach. The western shoreline has a wide variety of underwater life that can be explored and enjoyed at high tide. With your mask and snorkel you can hover and watch the sea life go about its business as it has done for years. Keep an eye out for anemones, shoals of fish and shore crab.

Kayak Trails

The kayak trail is accessible either from the beach or the slipway on the east wall of the harbour. The 5.5 km trail will bring you along the shore from Old Head to Lecanvey pier passing a number of small beaches and short sections of cliff along the way. Only the start of this trail in the vicinity of Old Head itself is suitable for beginners.

A more exposed trail extends west from Old Head harbour to the beach at Calla passing caves along the way. At just under 5 km, this trail has no easy exit points and should only be undertaken by experienced kayakers in good weather conditions.

There are a number of water-sports providers operating from the Old Head / Louisburgh area and these can introduce you to snorkelling and kayaking in addition to a range of other water sports such as coasteering and surfing. To avoid disappointment you are advised to contact and book in advance, although you might be lucky and be able to book on the day.

Do you have your own equipment and some experience? Use the on-site Blueway Be Safe guide and map to plan your route. Phone a local water sports provider if you want additional information - see the back of the on-site information board for local water-sports provider contact details.

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