Seafield Pier and Beach

Seafield Pier and Beach
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About

A working fishing pier flanked by two sandy beaches on a short Wild Atlantic Way peninsula, known for sheltered swimming and 320-million-year-old fossils in its rocks.

Things to Do

Swimming at the sheltered beach

Two sandy beaches flank the pier; the harbour side is the safer, more sheltered bathing spot, with a marked swimming area. Lifeguards patrol 11am–7pm from 1 July to 31 August, and the water holds a Green Coast Award.

Fossil hunting tours

Fossils Ireland runs two-hour guided tours on the western beach, where the rocks date back around 320 million years and hold fossilised plants, goniatites and trace fossils. Tours are tide-dependent and must be booked ahead; October to March is by appointment only.

The working pier and harbour

Seafield's stone pier is still used by local boats and has been lengthened with a new slipway. Once a landing point for coal and timber, it now serves fishermen, yachtsmen and visitors.

Fishing and angling

Easy pier access and a large car park make this a popular shore-angling spot. Flounder and bass are caught here, with the surf beach on the south side and the sheltered northern side offering different marks; bait can be bought at Seafield.

Coastal walks and beachcombing

Miles of sand and quiet rural lanes suit gentle walks and cycling, with views south to Doonbeg and the Kerry mountains and north to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Mutton Island lies offshore, and seasonal birdwatching adds to the appeal.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Beach accessible year-round. Lifeguards on duty daily 11am–7pm, 1 July to 31 August.
  • Admission: Free — public beach and pier; no admission charge.
  • Parking: Free public car park at the pier (marked 'Baile An Tsagart' on Google Maps), plus parking on the beach and along the access road. A planned council upgrade of the car park could not be completed, so spaces get congested in warm weather.
  • Food: No shop or café on site — bring water and snacks. Quilty village, 1.2 km away, has pubs and takeaways including Quilty Tavern and Cooney's Tavern.

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