Bertra Beach

Bertra Beach - County Mayo
© Eric Jones

Bertra Beach lies about 12km west of Westport and connects the mainland with Bertra Island.  The beach here is mainly sandy, although there are some rocks, and pebbles are often deposited here by the spring tides. 

A lifeguard presence during the summer season makes this Blue Flag beach a good place to come for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.  The wide stretch of sand here and the paths amongst the dunes are good for taking bracing seaside walks at any time of the year.

Kitesurfing, windsurfing and bird-watching are also popular at Bertra.  The area of the beach furthest away from the car park is often used by sea-anglers.

From the beach there are fine views over Clew Bay and inland towards Croagh Patrick. Clew Bay is site of significant geological importance because it contains a large number of sunken/drowned “drumlins”.  These are low hills, formed by glacial movements thousands of years ago, which became submerged by melting ice-caps. 

Today these small islands can be seen rising out of the bay like tiny ice-berg tips.  They are the best example of drowned drumlins in Ireland.  Local folklore claims that the bay contains 365 drumlins-one for every day of the year.

Type of beach

Sand & rock

Lifeguard service

Yes

Dogs friendly beach?

Dogs must be on a leash and droppings removed.

County Mayo dog friendly beaches »

Activities

  • Swimming/bathing

Facilities

  • Cafe/restaurant
  • Toilets
  • Town centre nearby
  • Shop

Nearest town

Westport

OS grid ref.

Parking

Parking available.

Awards

Blue Flag Award

Submit a correction

Bertra Beach Reviews

Fabulous swimming spot with stunning views

Michael Baker
Apr 22nd 2021

This is a great spot for a swim; surely one of the most scenic swimming places in Ireland. The views out to Clew Bay, with the sail-like drowned drumlins in the foreground, and Mulranny and the Corraun Peninsula in the background, are amazing. Then directly opposite, facing southwards, Croagh Patrick looms magnificently over the beach. To the west, the outline of Knockmore, the mountain/hill on Clare Island, is distinctly visible. All in all a magical place.