Curracloe Beach

Curracloe Beach in County Wexford is one of Ireland’s most popular beaches. Located 2 kilometres from Curracloe Village, its long stretch of soft sand attracts both sunbathers and nature lovers.

During the summer months, the area becomes busy with visitors staying in nearby holiday homes, campsites, hotels, and B&Bs.

In autumn and winter, the beach and surrounding forest attract dog walkers, joggers, and those seeking a quieter walk along the coast.

The area holds Blue Flag certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognising that the beach and its waters meet established environmental and quality standards.

Its 7-mile stretch of coastline is known for its soft, fine sand, in contrast to many of Ireland’s stony beaches.

The beach is bordered by extensive dunes, stabilised by a blanket of green marram grass.

Raven Nature Reserve

Raven Nature Reserve, also known as Curracloe Forest or Raven Wood, runs parallel to the beach. Stretching for 3.6 kilometres, the woodland is dominated by pine trees and other evergreens and includes an accessible walking trail.

A metal barrier at the entrance prevents unauthorised vehicles. A visitor car park is available nearby.

Just inside the entrance, a clearing contains benches and several small ponds. These ponds have historically contained frog spawn and tadpoles.

Deeper into the forest, several paths branch off towards the beach. Many of these routes are steep and may not be accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Unless comfortable with uneven ground and steeper terrain, visitors are advised to use the main access points.

The forest is popular with joggers, many of whom run along the beach before returning via the walking trail. Depending on the starting point, this route can extend to around 7 kilometres and typically takes between 40 and 60 minutes to complete, depending on fitness level. As with any long run in a secluded area, it is advisable to let someone know your plans in advance.

Raven Nature Reserve provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Each winter, approximately 35% of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese spends the season in the area. The woodland also supports red squirrels, along with a range of other bird and animal species.

Shopping, pubs, and food

Curracloe Beach is a 2-kilometre drive from the village, which contains bars, hotels, and several shops. For more amenities, Wexford Town is a 15- to 20-minute drive.

It contains fashion outlets, supermarkets, pubs, bookshops, fast food chains, and restaurants.

FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Curracloe Beach.

“What is the parking like?”

Three car parks serve the beach. The main one is at White Gap, with two smaller car parks at Ballinesker and Culleton’s Gap. There are approximately 500 parking spaces in total.

“What about disabled parking spaces?”

There are four disabled parking spaces at White Gap and two at Ballinesker.

“Are there any toilets?”

Toilet facilities are available at White Gap and Ballinesker. White Gap is the only entrance with a disabled toilet facility.

“Are there lifeguards on Curracloe Beach?”

Yes, but only during summer, from June to September. Lifeguards patrol at weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In July, they are on duty throughout the week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check the information notice board for an up-to-date timetable.

“Where is the forest?”

The entrance to Curracloe Forest is at Culleton’s Gap.

“Which is the most accessible entrance?”

For an accessible entrance, use the pathway at Ballinesker, as it is mostly flat. The boardwalk at White Gap appears accessible from the car park, but the opposite side is often covered in sand.

“Are you allowed to camp in the forest?”

Camping is illegal in Raven Nature Reserve. Despite this, some people still camp there and risk being evicted in the middle of the night. In the past, Gardaí have woken groups of campers and ordered them to leave the area. The volunteer group Friends of the Raven monitor the forest and may report illegal activities.

Map

The map below shows the three main entrances to Curracloe Beach. The most northern entrance is Ballinesker, the middle is White Gap, and the most southern is Culleton’s Gap, beside the entrance to Raven Wood:

Click any listing below to highlight it on the map.