Dog's Bay Beach

Dog’s Bay Beach is 4km from Roundstone Village in Galway. Despite its close proximity to shops and restaurants, an unparalleled sense of peace and tranquillity will make you forget you're so close to the town. Driving along the Irish coastline is an unforgettable experience, mainly thanks to places like this.

Location and parking

Like other beaches, Dog’s Bay Beach can also show its best on a sunny day when you can enjoy the sun's energy, the calm, clear waters and the picturesque surroundings. So, if you want to make the most of your day, a sunny day on the weekend will be the best.

There are a few ways to reach the spot. One way is a 7-minute drive from Roundstone Village to Dog’s Bay Beach. To add adventure, you can cycle a scenic, mostly flat route from Clifden. Please note that cycling will take up to 1 hour.

There is a designated free parking area near the beach. Finding parking spots during the off-season (autumn and winter) is easier. However, at its peak (summer months), the parking area can be filled quickly, so you should plan accordingly. Leaving your car at Gurteen Bay makes more sense, as it has a larger parking area and is easier to access.

The beach is more than a mile long, and from here, you can explore Gurteen Bay, which is next to it and contributes to the stunning view. Not far from the beach, you can quickly reach other destinations like Roundstone Village, Ballynahinch Castle, or Derrigimlagh Discovery Point. Alcock and Brown Landing Site, a 24-minute drive, is a memorial that commemorates British aviators and the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919. Ballynahinch Castle, constructed in 1754 by the Martin family, is surrounded by mountains, lakes and winding roads. Nowadays, it is one of the most impressive hotels in Galway and a great lunch spot! Nearby, Gurteen Bay Caravan and Camping Park is a perfect place to stay overnight. It offers all necessary facilities, such as a hot shower, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a small grocery store.

What is unique about Dog’s Bay Beach?
The visit to Galway isn’t complete without a trip to Dog’s Bay Beach with its horseshoe-shaped bay. The beach has been named among the best in Ireland, beating out more well-known spots like Keem Bay in Co Mayo, Fanore Beach in Co Clare and Malahide Beach in Co Dublin.

The first thing that might catch your attention is its pure white sands and crystal-clear waters that set it apart from other beaches. It’s the best place to bring your family or friends and enjoy your time with your loved ones. On a sunny day, the sky-blue waters and radiant white sands can be confused with the secluded beaches of Thailand and Southeast Asia. It is a well-known spot for dolphin sightings. Secured from currents and naturally protected by the headland, it is perfect for swimming. Both children and adults can swim safely in the bay and enjoy its crystal waters. The beach is also ideal for water activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing. It is considered a safe place to swim; however, you should know that there are no lifeguards at the beach. Therefore, you should be mindful of your swimming abilities and not risk your life.

The place offers two beaches for one price. Gurteen Beach is larger and more popular. It's sheltered, faces a headland, and it's considered safer for swimming. There’s not just sand occupying space; chunky rocky sections are dotted all over the place, which is particularly handy for families with kids who love clambering over. Dog's Bay Beach is wilder and arguably even more beautiful. Gurteen Beach connects with Dog's Bay Beach, forming one massive sand strip with dunes in the middle and extending into the Atlantic Ocean. This feature is known as tombolo, from a Latin word meaning mound. Please be advised that the sand dunes are at serious risk of eroding. Please do not walk on the dunes and adhere to all signs.

The sand is formed from tiny fragments of seashells, giving the sand its pure white colour. This promotes its reputation as one of the must-visit beaches in Europe. The area is also rich in biodiversity and heritage. The large grass area behind the beach comprises machair vegetation, which supports various plants and animals. Therefore, this spot is essential ecologically and geologically—such rare vegetation can only be found on the west coast of Ireland and Scotland.

Night stay in a peaceful place

Gurteen Bay Caravan and Camping Park is just 50 m from the beach. It offers 80 touring pitches, all with 6A electricity, divided into three sections throughout the site. Water taps are provided throughout the site. Two apartments and two houses are also available to rent here.

On-site facilities include a shop providing the necessities, a communal kitchen and a dining area for all campsite guests. During the summer, the site owners also organise group activities to entertain the whole family. A lifeguard is on duty in July and August for those looking to relax and swim in the sea when the weather allows. If you wish for a peaceful holiday without a resort hotel's 'all singing, all dancing' features, this park is the right choice.

This long-established campsite sees visitors returning year after year, knowing they have found a hidden gem in a quiet place. There is enough parking for all the visitors, and the management team will give you handy tips to make the most of your trip.

Breathe in the clear air and take in some lovely views of the Connemara coast and the distant shape of Errisbeg Mountain. It has everything you need for a memorable day out—a great place to relax, swim, sunbathe, picnic, walk or enjoy water sports. There are few better places in Ireland where time seems to move differently. So kick off your shoes and enjoy a paddle in these wonderfully clear waters! Please respect all signage and help preserve the sand dunes and vegetation to prevent further erosion.