It’s not just in hot, sunny countries abroad that you will find outdoor swimming pools! Did you know that we have several outdoor swimming pools in Ireland? And also some great river and sea-swimming spots as well. Here are some of our Favourite Spots for Outdoor Swimming in Ireland:

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Outdoor Swimming in Carlow

Bagnelstown Outdoor Pool

Bagnelstown Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool is located on the approach road from Leighlinbridge to Bagenalstown and is open until the end of August.

Clashganny Lock

You can swim off Clashganny Lock, south of Borris

Outdoor Swimming in Cork

Carraig na bhFear Pool

Carraig na bhFear swimming pool is an outdoor heated swimming pool run by the community.

Coolea Pool

Cuil Aodha (Coolea) near Macroom is a heated outdoor swimming pool open June July & August.

Outdoor Swimming in Donegal

There are some fantastic beaches in Donegal – pop over and read our Donegal Beaches article.

Outdoor Swimming in Galway

A popular spot is Blackrock in Salthill which has a covered changing area, diving boards and steps down into the water.

Silver Strand in Barna is a lovely beach but can get very busy during holiday times.

Tracht Beach near Kinvara has a long black sandy beach.

Outdoor Swimming in Kilkenny

You can swim in Kilkenny City in the River Nore at Bishopsmeadows and at the Weir on Bleach Road – it can be deep and we are advised that it is more suitable for strong swimmers.

At Graiguenamanagh you can swim in the River Barrow.

You can also swim in the River Nore at Inistioge. The swimming area in Inistioge is tidal.

All of these areas have lifeguards on duty from 2pm to 4.30pm and from 5pm to 7.30pm during the summer months and are safe for swimming.

Outdoor Swimming in Leitrim

Drumshanbo Outdoor Pool

Drumshanbo Outdoor Swimming Pool is a heated pool with shallow and deep ends, with changing areas and showers there. Open from June til August 2-8pm, 7 days a week.

Outdoor Swimming in Laois

Ballinakill Outdoor Pool

There is an outdoor heated swimming pool at Ballinakill, near Abbeyleix, Co Laois. There’s a 35m outdoor pool with a 10m toddler pool.

Facilities include changing rooms and the pools are fully supervised.

Castletown Bridge

There is also a popular swimming spot on the river Nore at Castletown Bridge

Outdoor Swimming in Limerick

Swimming at Glin Pier

There is outdoor swimming at Glin Pier, and there is a life guard during July and August for 3 hours before and after high tide.

Outdoor Swimming in Mayo

Charlestown Outdoor Pool

Charlestown Outdoor Pool is a heated open-air pool open in June, July and August.

Outdoor Swimming in Roscommon

Castlerea Outdoor Pool

Castlerea Outdoor Swimming Pool is a 33m long heated swimming pool with both shallow and deep ends; alongside it a smaller heated pool for toddlers. The facility is completely enclosed making it safe for children. Changing rooms are well maintained, with individual changing cubicles, individual and communal showers, secure lockers and toilets. Car parking is also available onsite.

A tiered viewing area provides seating for spectators, parents and guardians. There is also a green area which is the perfect location to take a break from swimming, relax or to have a picnic on a hot summer’s day.

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park

You can swim off the jetty at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.

Outdoor Swimming in Sligo

Swimming at Sligo Beaches

Enniscrone & Rosses Point have Summer Lifeguards (7 days July/August). But also check out Streedagh where there is a Summer Lifeguard too. Sligo has many many other beautiful beaches, and you may even find yourself the only ones on them! Mullaghmore is a very popular family beach too.

Outdoor Swimming in Tipperary

Ballina Riverside Pool

You can swim outdoors at the Ballina Riverside Pool – situated beside the playground on the Birdhill/ Ballina Rd. Open from 2 – 6 pm daily with lifeguards on duty.

Outdoor Swimming in Waterford

Waterford has wonderful beaches, pop over and read our Waterford Beaches article

Outdoor Swimming in Westmeath

Lough Lene is a very popular outdoor swimming spot, between Collinstown and Fore.

Wexford

Bunclody Swimming Pool

Bunclody Swimming Pool is an outdoor heated pool in Bunclody that opens during summer holidays.

Wexford also has great beaches.

Over to you now. Have we missed a great spot for outdoor swimming that should be on our list? Tell us about it in the comments below.