Six safe places to swim in County Carlow while the sun is shining
Clashganny lock and weir
With Carlow enjoying warm and sunny weather right now with highs forecast around 30°C on Tuesday 26 May and 27°C on Wednesday 27 May, lots of us will be looking for somewhere to cool off. So pack your togs, hang sangwiches and flask of tea, and check out these spots below.
We might be a landlocked county but there are still several verified swimming options, from designated River Barrow bathing areas to heated public pools. For open-water swimming, always check local signage, beaches.ie, and Carlow County Council updates before entering the water, as river conditions and water quality can change.
Bagenalstown Boat Slip is one of the county’s designated bathing areas on the River Barrow. It is one of four Designated Bathing Areas recognised by Carlow County Council across Bagenalstown and Clashganny.
It is a good option for experienced open-water swimmers who want to take advantage of the sunny weather, but it should still be treated as a live river environment. Carlow County Council says lifeguards are employed for all four designated bathing areas during the summer bathing season.
The second Bagenalstown swimming spot is the amenity area. This is a river bathing area accessed from the riverside track, with swimming accessed directly from the car park and picnic area.
It makes it a good spot if you’re planning a sunny-day swim or picnic, but open-water safety is essential. The council notes that the River Barrow is a navigation river with weirs and lock gates at several locations.
Clashganny, near Borris, is another recognised River Barrow bathing location. River bathing can be accessed from the riverside track.
It’s one of the most scenic places in the county, even more so in fine weather. However, swimmers should check the latest local notices and only enter where it is safe to do so.
Clashganny Weir is also listed by Carlow County Council as part of the Clashganny bathing area, with swimming opportunities above and below the weir.
This is a lovely Barrow Valley spot but follow council advice for safety. As already mentioned the Barrow has weirs and lock gates, so swimmers should follow signage, lifeguard advice and current water-quality notices.
For those who want the sunshine without river conditions, Bagenalstown’s outdoor heated swimming pool is a strong family-friendly option. It’s a 25m pool with a paddling pool, open from early June to late August.
It is a particularly good choice for families, learners or anyone who wants a more controlled environment while still enjoying an outdoor swim.
6. Graiguecullen swimming pool, Carlow town
Graiguecullen Swimming Pool is the most reliable year-round option on the list. It’s a fully heated 25m public swimming facility and is very central.
It also has a toddler pool, sauna and steam room, family changing cubicles, coffee shop, free parking and disability facilities including a pool hoist.
It may not be an open-air river dip, but on a warm day this is a nice safe option for a swim.
Sunny weather can make a refreshing dip especially tempting but open water still carries risks. The council says lifeguards are employed at the county’s four Designated Bathing Areas during the summer bathing season so best not to stray from these spots.
Remember, before heading out for a swim, check current local signage and water-quality notices.
